The best way to find out if linux is for you is to download the image from Ubuntu, burn a bootable CD, the select the “run from CD option.” You can run full linux sessions without having to commit.
I’m running 8.1 now but was not impressed with the interface or the way they hid the settings I regularly change. So far, though, it’s as stable as my XP machine but I have a decent broadband connection and vet all my apps carefully.
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The best way to find out if linux is for you is to download the image from Ubuntu, burn a bootable CD, the select the “run from CD option.” You can run full linux sessions without having to commit."
Great advice. That would probably be worth a try first. And if Ubuntu is a little too busy for the machine (depends on the age/power of the machine), Debian would be worth a try. Same, if you would rather pick and choose between what will run on your machine. I found that my old laptop and slower wireless Internet access in this remote area were a little too busy with Ubuntu's many default services running for cell phones and other small devices.
Works with a CD, DVD or USB key:
Live install images
https://www.debian.org/CD/live/
With a little time to read the instructions and follow them, it's not hard at all. You'll find, though, that some of the Linux systems don't install Adobe Flash for viewing Youtube videos, for example, by default (software licensing issues, preferences).
The instructions for installing Adobe Flash and even Pipelight, Silverlight or whatever for viewing Netflix-like movies are easy to find and simple enough to follow. Wine--the Windows emulation package--works very well for those, BTW (fastest running, IMO). There's quite a universe of free software for Linux systems now, and compatibility issues are virtually nonexistant for most users. There's also quite a lot of compatible commercial software available for engineers and the like.
For embedded systems (industrial, security, odd appliances, etc.) and computers needing more security, NetBSD systems are a great way to go for those with enough time along with software and hardware knowledge.
My only problem with the disk is downloading it. Hard to do at 52K connect LOL. But there is a Book a Million about 20 miles away with several Linux variant magazines that have the disk inside them. You buy the magazine for $10-$15 and the free disk is yours. That should also be able to boot from disk shouldn't it?
I've gotten by almost 16 years on dial up. Not by choice but because no other means for service available except possibly Hughesnet. It would be difficult even for that. I have a ridge on three sides of my house and all but the northwest is blocked by it. Cell service in the summer is also hit and miss. Comcast is less than a half mile away and they have no intentions of expanding. I'm too far out for DSL and AT&T is trying to phase out landlines in the next decade or so.