thinking about getting Linux

memory

memory

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My dad has a pc that he doesn't use anymore and has XP on it. I am thinking about putting Linux on there just to see if I like it.

First, why is Linux so cheap? I saw it on ebay for 3 bucks. There was a bunch of them on there for around that price.

Second, is there any compatibility issues with software and hardware? Will I have to have different software than what works with XP?

Third, which version is the best one? Like on Vista, the ultimate package is the one with everything bundled. Which version of Linux is like that or is it different?

Fourth, how do you go from XP to Linux? Do you have uninstall XP before I can install Linux or will I be able to do that with the Linux cd?

Fifth and last thing, how does Linux compare to XP? What do you think about Linux? Is it better than XP?
 
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well.
What do you want to do with linux? that will decide what you should get.
And there cheaper then $3.
They are available for free downloads, off there website, legally.
There called distros.And a clean install for linux is best.

XP supports games, dont think linux does.
 
The computer that it would go on will be mainly internet. It is a pc that has been sitting around collecting dust. It won't get used that much. Just curious to see how it is compared to XP.

No games will work with Linux at all?
 
i run ubuntu on my internet pc (the one im on now, not my siggy) and other than it not supporting games i find it awesome.:) No more worrying about viruses and spyware! There are a couple of problems (what os doesnt have problems?) but none too serious. I heartedly recommend ubuntu!
 
If you download the ubuntu iso, you can run the operating system straight off the cd without doing anything to your computer. It comes prepackaged, unlike window, with many applications like web browsers, openoffice.org(really good msoffice alt), evolution(really good outlook alternative), some games, programing apps, music players, all kind of stuff and if the software isnt on there, there is likeley something you can download. All this is free and legal. It is tricky learning all the stuff, but its a lot of fun. It would be a good thing to try if it is only a internet pc. Also, Suse linux is another distro you could try,

As for paying for one, dont ever do that. All are available free off the websites. Hell, ubuntu will send you like 20 CDs free if you want.
 
memory said:
The computer that it would go on will be mainly internet. It is a pc that has been sitting around collecting dust. It won't get used that much. Just curious to see how it is compared to XP.

No games will work with Linux at all?
Click to expand...

Yes games will work!

Just don't expect all your windows games to work as they were designed for windows not linux.

There should be a sticky on this forum about Linux really with the amount of times people ask.

SOME windows games either come with a Linux installer on the CD/DVD or you can download the installer from the net.

ID Software is the most Linux friendly in that, Doom III, Quake 4 and Unreal Tournament 2004 WILL work under Linux. You do not need to go out and buy a different version as the windows version works.

There are Linux specific games and ported games (games made for Windows that are also available for Linux e.g. Postal 2)

There are also 3rd party applications that can play SOME Windows games e.g. WINE. Cedega & CrossOver Office.

As far as what "version" of Linux to get, unlike Windows there is no Home Basic, Home Pro, Home Ultimate etc, each "company" usually makes one "version", these are known as distributions or distro for short.

Each distro varies with looks, desktop environments, hardware compatibility, security etc

As has been suggested, Ubuntu is a very good place to start as the support community is very good.

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Support: http://www.ubuntuforums.org/

You asked why Linux is so cheap. Linux is opensource, opensource software is FREE and is developed by people all over the world, usually for free, not people stuck in a office being paid to do it.

Usually if there is a price attached it's because they are offering technical support via phone or e-mail.

People sell Linux on ebay because they can! It saves you downloading it and makes them a few bucks. If you have a broadband or cable connection then it makes more sense to download it yourself for free.

If you decide to try Linux, the important thing to remember is that you cannot expect it to act like Windows. Some thngs will be similar but you will have to learn how to use it. Like going from a car to an aeroplane, just because you can drive a car doesn't mean you could jump straight into a plane and fly it...
 
Will I have to remove XP before I put the cd in? If so, how would I go about doing that without reinstalling windows? I have formatted and reinstalled windows, I never have just formatted. I do have to remove XP to use Linux correct?

So I don't have to install it, I can just read it off the cd?
 
Just put the cd in your computer and reboot/turn on, and your off.

If ubuntu doesnt work try xubuntu (lighter on system resources).
 
The best thing to do would be a dual boot so you can have ubuntu and XP. To answer your previous question, dont delete windows. Just put the CD in your CD/DVD drive. Restart and enter the boot options. You probably have to push F5 or F8 or something. Then go to the boot from CD/DVD option. Ubuntu will load and you can run it off the CD. You are not doing anything to your system during this time, just running off the CD. If you like it and want to install it, all you have to do is click the install icon. You can choose to partition your HD and ubuntu will automatically install a boot loader so you can choose to load XP or Ubuntu when your computer boots.

Here is a video that might help you. It helped me a lot.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2369893842637434537&q=ubuntu+dual+boot
 
I would suggest that you run it off the CD for a few days, there is no point going through partitioning and installing only to find out after 10 mins that it's not for you.
 
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