Operating System Options

BarePaw · 08-02-2005, 04:04 AM

I recently finished my first build from scratch. Everything went fine at first. It booted up properly and recognized all the hardware (BTW, thanks for all the help those of you that offered advice on previous threads). The first problems started when I tried to install windows. After several problems, I went to the local computer shop for help. He told me that you can't install Windows XP from a disk that has been used on another computer. He also said that you can't buy the full version of home edition anymore because Microsoft wants to sell you the hardware with it or make you buy XP Pro. I thought he was feeding me a line until I tried looking for the home edition myself with no luck. Now I'm ready to say screw the corporate ****s and go with another operating system.
To make a long story longer, windows is the only OS that I've used (I've dabbled with Macs a bit, but not that much). What are my options? I've heard good things about Linux. How does it compare to what I have experienced with Windows? If I get Linux, or another OS, will I still be able to synchronize my Pocket PC? What other issues might I run into? Thanks.

Greg J. · 08-02-2005, 04:11 AM

QUOTE: "can't buy the full version of home edition anymore because Microsoft wants to sell you the hardware with it or make you buy XP Pro. I thought he was feeding me a line until I tried looking for the home edition myself with no luck. Now I'm ready to say screw the corporate ****s and go with another operating system."

That is a bunch of crap sales people use to trick customers. Just buy the full install of Windows XP Home with SP2 at a Circuit City. No sales people should tell you a load of crap.

Don't feel bad.

If you really don't want Windows, then check out distributions of Linux.

The reason why the Windows XP CD you tried refused to install is because it was manufactured to work only on the original system....right down to serial numbers and perhaps motherboard name.

I think you're on the right track now.

BarePaw · 08-02-2005, 04:47 AM

Thanks.
I tried a few more places online. Can you guys tell me the difference between This and this?

Also, could those of you with Linux reccomend a distributor? I was looking at this one.

Greg J. · 08-02-2005, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarePaw

Thanks.
I tried a few more places online. Can you guys tell me the difference between This and this?

Also, could those of you with Linux reccomend a distributor? I was looking at this one.

The two different Windows XP Home Editions.....one has Service Pack 2, and is non-OEM.

The other, cheaper one is an OEM version (no extras like Office Programs). To get Service Pack 2, either download it, or order the SP2 CD from Microsoft for free. You'll get SP2 in the mail that way. I'd buy the cheaper one without SP2 already integrated. That way you can decide whether or not you want Service Pack 2.

As for SuSE Linux Pro, that looks nice! It even has Open Office for free, and is much cheaper. It's up to you what OS you want.

colinstu · 08-02-2005, 07:59 AM

I'm kinda a linux guy but I think you should stay with windows.

Look on www.linuxcentral.com for linux CDs. A lot cheaper! (I've used them 3 times). Its hard kinda to just pick one distro, they usually all sound good. Try a couple and pick the one you like the best. The bad part with linux is that there are not a lot of cool, new games for linux.

ack · 08-02-2005, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarePaw

Also, could those of you with Linux reccomend a distributor? I was looking at this one.

www.linuxiso.org -great site with tons of linux iso's

08-02-2005, 04:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
BarePaw Bronze Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 65	Operating System Options I recently finished my first build from scratch. Everything went fine at first. It booted up properly and recognized all the hardware (BTW, thanks for all the help those of you that offered advice on previous threads). The first problems started when I tried to install windows. After several problems, I went to the local computer shop for help. He told me that you can't install Windows XP from a disk that has been used on another computer. He also said that you can't buy the full version of home edition anymore because Microsoft wants to sell you the hardware with it or make you buy XP Pro. I thought he was feeding me a line until I tried looking for the home edition myself with no luck. Now I'm ready to say screw the corporate ****s and go with another operating system. To make a long story longer, windows is the only OS that I've used (I've dabbled with Macs a bit, but not that much). What are my options? I've heard good things about Linux. How does it compare to what I have experienced with Windows? If I get Linux, or another OS, will I still be able to synchronize my Pocket PC? What other issues might I run into? Thanks.

08-02-2005, 04:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
Greg J. VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 562	QUOTE: "can't buy the full version of home edition anymore because Microsoft wants to sell you the hardware with it or make you buy XP Pro. I thought he was feeding me a line until I tried looking for the home edition myself with no luck. Now I'm ready to say screw the corporate ***s and go with another operating system." That is a bunch of crap sales people use to trick customers. Just buy the full install of Windows XP Home with SP2 at a Circuit City. No sales people should tell you a load of crap. Don't feel bad. If you really don't want Windows, then check out distributions of Linux. The reason why the Windows XP CD you tried refused to install is because it was manufactured to work only on the original system....right down to serial numbers and perhaps motherboard name. I think you're on the right track now. Last edited by Greg J.; 08-02-2005 at 04:14 AM.*

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08-02-2005, 04:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
BarePaw Bronze Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 65	Thanks. I tried a few more places online. Can you guys tell me the difference between This and this? Also, could those of you with Linux reccomend a distributor? I was looking at this one.

08-02-2005, 07:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
colinstu New Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 16 Posts: 19	I'm kinda a linux guy but I think you should stay with windows. Look on www.linuxcentral.com for linux CDs. A lot cheaper! (I've used them 3 times). Its hard kinda to just pick one distro, they usually all sound good. Try a couple and pick the one you like the best. The bad part with linux is that there are not a lot of cool, new games for linux.