Hi I heard Linux is a good alternative to Windows.Apparently it's free too.Where do I get it?Will I have to get rid of Windows?Can I still use Explorer for the net?Is it hard to learn?I don't know anything about it but it sounds good.Thanks,Johnny

Yes it is, only some version aren't. And yes it is quite difficult but perhaps you should go to your local bookstore and buy yourself a guide so you get a picture of the whole concept. You can also keep using your Windblows (r) hehe. But as time passes you will learn 2 love the power of linux, and ask yourself what that win98 was again that you installed a year ago ;-). Kind regard, Paul

Johnny: What do you use your computer for?, it's a good alternative for somethings, but not for all. ie... do you want to do programming and run a web server, or just chat to your friends, send emails, browse the web? Not having IE is one of it's main problems, whatever ppl say, Netscape/Mozilla, and Opera are simply not as good as IE (yet), and if you browse the net alot, it starts to annoy you knowing IE was stable, fast, and worked great and the linux alternatives are not. It is hard to use, once again that depends how you want to use it, these days you can actually just have it setup so it runs similar to Windows, albiet probably a bit slower. You should research into a bit, if you've got the time Linux is brilliant, if you don't it's a rotten, hard to use, slow, peice of junk. Robbo

Hi guys thanks for replying.It sounds like Linux is for experienced computer users.I'm just learning.I mostly use the computer for browsing,chatting and mail.However I am starting a course in basic C programming soon and I'm also learning HTML.Would Linux be better for these goals?Thanks for any replies,Johnny

I guess it comes down to 2 things: 1) are you happy with Windows? 2) are you willing to spend some time learning Linux, it's not necissarily hard, it's just different. From the sounds of what your going to be learning, you obviously have a brain and an interest in computers, so in my opinion you should try it. Try going to a newsagent, and getting "mini book" type thing, for about $10 it gives you a few Distributions and a good guide on the basics of Linux. Robbo