Linux or Win XP... what to do...

Me | 06/14/2004 | Self

[AppyPappy]

The purpose of Linux is to have a completely different OS. A lot of people think they can move over and just run their old Windows apps. My experience is that it doesn't work that way. If you are running VMWare or Wine, you still have problems with Windows.

I ran Mandrake with OpenOffice and it was great. If you are going to Linux, you will be less frustrated if you divorce yourself from Windows. I don't have problems with Windows so I still run it. I don't get Spyware or adware.

[ChadGore]

With a 40 Gig drive you can dual boot.

Pickup one of those new high capacity MP3 players and/or USB/ flash-ram storage devices for your MP3s/videos. I have an IBM 1 Gig micro drive PCMCIA just for MP3s, but you can now get Gigabyte size flash ram storage that connects through USB/firewire/bluetooth.

[B Knotts]

Considering the type of Windows software you want to run, I'd suggest using VMWare to run Windows inside of Linux. That way, you don't have to hassle with dual-boot issues (Windows will always wipe out your boot sector when you install/upgrade it).

[The Great RJ]

Dual boot is the way to go. Linux has advantages, but some of the software applications you might normally use may simply be unavailable in Linux.

IMHO-Linux is more of a tinkerers OS and despite advantages is not a substitute for XP.

[Tuxedo]

The plan is to convert the laptop first. I can ghost the 40GB drive onto my desktop then set this drive up for Linux and VMWare. Then if I don't like it, I can ghost the image back and be back to where I started, no harm no foul.

[Leroy S. Mort]

I use a Mac, but have wondered about trying Linux

Can't you be "shunned" by the Cult for admitting that? ;-)

[tiamat]

LOL!

Read my profile page.... I get shunned for all sorts of things and I am used to it!

[B Knotts]

Anyhow...the only thing VMWare isn't good for is games. So, if you needed to run Windows games, dual-boot would be the way to go. But, if you're not running games, VMWare is a better solution, IMO. I used it a while back when I had to develop an application with MS SQL Server, and needed to use the Query Analyzer.

[Robert357]

Bump for later read

[haywoodwebb]

There is a linux program called "Road Map" that you could look into. There may be others as well. Do a "google groups" search and see what you find.

Good luck!

[goldstategop]

Try Linspire or Xandros. Both are as easy to set up and run as Windows and both are Linux-based OS'ses.

[Crucis Country]

There is a Linux program call "wine" that can be used to run a number of Windows apps. See:
http:\\www.winehq.org

[OK]

I tried a Knoppix CD and it wouldn't boot. I set the computer to boot from CD first and it looked in there and passed on to the C drive and booted XP.

Anybody know why?

[No One Special]

You should try Mepis Linux. It is a live CD like Knoppix but it is much easier to set up to HD. It literally requires just a few clicks for install. Check out Mepis.org and google for info. You should be able to find a free download. If not, mepis.org ptovides a fast downllod url for $10.00 (last time I checked). There are also forums for questions and info at the site.

[No One Special]

Here's a url for downloads:
http://www.mepis.org/book/view/1462

[Leroy S. Mort]

Read my profile page.... I get shunned for all sorts of things and I am used to it!

I did. LOL. Sounds like we could be in the same "shun club".

[Leroy S. Mort]

tried a Knoppix CD and it wouldn't boot. I set the computer to boot from CD first and it looked in there and passed on to the C drive and booted XP.
Anybody know why?

Did you sacrifice a live chicken and say "sdlavrot sunil" three times, first?

[tiamat]

Your profile is neat!

[Leroy S. Mort]

Thank you. I try to keep the place picked-up in case guests drop by. ;-)