Free OS?

[b3atofang3l]

Hellow everyone,

After moving to Calgary, I couldn't find my WinXP CD or CD-key. I wanted to reinstall my computer the other day. I was wandering if there is any alternative OS for free that I could use before I buy Vista. I do not really want to download WinXP from the internet since it will cause many problems.




Thanks

 

[Geoff]

You can use Linux, which is free.

 

[Lord Of The Ming]

www.ubuntu.com

It's like windows, but free.

 

[vetto89]

yes free there are linux (ubuntu, knoppix, gnoppix etc) or if you want solaris, a sun os...

 

[calumn]

www.ubuntu.com

It's like windows, but free.

I wouldnt say that it is like windows.
Linux is a good free alternative to windows but may take some getting used to. Ubuntu is the easiest to use to get started. If you aren't sure you can try a live cd, so you can run the operating system without installing it. Knoppix is a good live cd to try. There are other free alternatives like Free BSD and Sun Microsystems open source OS (Forgot the name) but linux is probably the way to go.

 

[b3atofang3l]

Thank u so much, i will try ubutu


Does any of u guys use it?

 

[in2media]

yes theres linux! i myself have a linux box which i much prefer them any windows system. i have 4 computers in my house which only one is windows (rest are linux) i keep windows to do things i dont know how to do on linux.ive been using linux for 4 years now and if i had to recomend a distro it would be hard as theres many to choose from, but heres my favourites that i use.
mandriva 2006
suse 10.0
fedora core 5
all of which are free to download
yes linux is harder to learn the windows but its more fun, more reliable, and i personally think more secure........
hope this is of use

 

[_simon_]

Thank u so much, i will try ubutu


Does any of u guys use it?

lots of people use Ubuntu.

Here is the support forum: http://www.ubuntuforums.org/

 

[b3atofang3l]

Thanks man, ur the best

If i need help, ill PM u.

Btw, can Ubutu run normal windows software?

 

[Lord Of The Ming]

You can do it, but it requires a special program called WINE, which i have never tried. Ask over at Ubuntu forums.

 

[_simon_]

SOME windows software can be run but as above, you have to use another program to do it via such as WINE, CrossoverOffice or Cedega.

You should be able to find alternatives for most if not all of your windows programs.

 

[b3atofang3l]

Thanks a LOT

 

[Arawn]

Else, you can use Windows equivalent applications on Linux.
For example, OpenOffice is like MS Office.

 

[DCIScouts]

There are other free alternatives like Free BSD and Sun Microsystems open source OS (Forgot the name) but linux is probably the way to go.

I believe you're thinking of Unix, or possibly the Solaris system mentioned earlier... Unix isn't too bad, I used it in one of my Comp. Sci. classes in college and it was fairly easy to get used to, especially if you are familiar with Apple OSs...