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LINUX - Windows - the view from UK -
Here we pay nearly dopuble the US-price for MS and Windows software - so Linux makes a lot of sense!
However, even in 2007 it is almost impossible to buy a Linux-PC, indeed the chattering-classes don't know of anything other than windows and associate that desktop as being "A Computer"
Microsoft supplies OS and software to Schools so children are hooked on do things that way - and who can blame them?
However, I have tried Linux with only a small success - this communication is via Win98SE although I have a working PC with Ubuntu606 (the long-term support version) - this software is really good and has managed to sort out the hardware I've thrown at it. That is except the printer - a simple Lexmark which my local Store stocks ink-cartridges, ( along with Canon, HP and Epson). The printer probl;em is best sumarised as this - buy HP, failing that Cannon and failing that Epson - Lexmark is almost entirely dependant upon Windows drivers, even though there is some HP-compatability claim in the Manual, it doesn't appear to work even under windows.
Reactos - a name that may come to replace Windows - I doubt it, it is an alternative but somehow appears to lack a good name and clear purpose/strategy. (please DYOR_) it seems they are rewriting the OS, making it similar-looking so users will feel "comfortable" and which will take the supplied Windows drivers - this of course makes it streets ahead of Linux IMHO.
But I'm not convinced - try their website - (Google Reactos) and see what you think.
Some sweeping claims are made for Linux like its stability and virus-proof ( well it did have a major flaw with some Java-issues...) - and the fact is that Windows accounts for 95% of all virus software and hacking...and Linux represents only about 1% of the whole...so even if they were equal Linux might appear to be very much better. I suspect Linux has some strength in insisting upon Passwords to operate the "core"....but this is set to be copied in the next Windows - ie after Vista, probably before 2012. So far Linux hasn't really caught on because there are so many different people shouting "Try this Distro" ...this is a waste of effort and should have been sorted out years ago.
My preference is Ubuntu - not because of any technical edge (and frankly I don't understand the subtle differences between the various Linux camps)...but Ubuntu has a clear mission and a reasonable structure...you can get a Live-CD to run on your PC without altering the HDD - it will connect to the internet and you can check out some of the programs, although it's not spectacularly fast, being limited by the CDROM-drive. But heck...it's good to play with.
Then, if you like install Ubuntu from the other disc and use it for real.
My only concern is the partitioning tool and for this reason (as well as fear), I prefer to install a ne OS on a clean HDD....they are cheap enough and with care you can share files, such as pictures, memos and such.
Also I had past-issues with reading .PDF files - but this is resolved and they read just fine with the supplied viewer. The remaining issue is JAva - which I've never installed - and I have tried almost every which way....it has me beat and I need it for my day-job so for the moment my Win98SE PC has an edge!
Oh and it boots quicker. Still the Ubuntu package includes a reasonably competant photo-editor and many games (which I don't want) as well as Firefox which is claimed is better at rendering compared with IE...but I'm no expert...You will have to try it.
When you log-in it offers Updates and will clean up your instalation - one bonus is that Linux-HDD don't need defraging - ah that's better!
With some limitations....it isan OS that anyone with reasonable PC skills should try....you can always wipe the HDD, which neesds to be about 20G as a basic minimum...memory of 256k is good enough and almost any processorwill do. - all IMHO...but as a free OS it's worth a try... fiddle for a week, say.....but it should be working within a couple of hours using the Ubuntu Install CD. If you get it from a Magazine-cover then you need to create a CD from the ISO and frankly - that's something I've never done...it hurts my head, but you can get genuine Ubuntu CD's for free...order from their website I think.
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