Tom's Guide | Tom's Hardware | Tom's Games
 |
 |
 |
Sorry to sound so stupid, but I have no knowledge of Linux. I am buying a computer that has this on it. The computer is good and I'm getting a good deal on it, but it comes with Linux, not WinXP. Is it similar to Windows? What are the advantages/disadvantages to this? I could always just put WinXP on it, but I just wondered if Linux is any good.
Thanks for any input.
I am not qualified to give details explanations of the 'goodness' of Linux except that many people like it.
I understand Linux is to Windows what bicycles are to automobiles. You can get to where you want to go but it is going to take a lot more work.
Additionally, Linux does not have the support for useful software like Windows has. Since the OS is not so popular programmers dedicate their efforts to make their programs work on Windows.
So, it is a good OS but you can not do too much with it.
If you understand and can use DOS you may like it. If you never used a computer then you may wind up not using it much.
Linux is a good second OS to have on a PC.WinXP is the wave of the future but Win98SE is still the most useful.
Bryan
0 
Thanks Bryan,
I think I will stick with Windows. I've only known Win98, so I would probably be better off going with WinXP instead of learning all over again. Thanks for your thoughts!
0
It is an Operating System like Windows. You can surf the net with it, and it is really nice to learn programing skills with it as it is an open system. Try it to see if it does what you want. The problems come with hardware and software that the manufacturers make that is for windows only. You said you are getting a good deal. Make sure you include the cost a full Windows OS. You will not be able to do an upgrade. Prices for computers are going to go down shortly as the sales for the last two months have been terrible. They are going to have sales to get rid of their inventory. Lastly you will have a warranty and Window's OS installed and tested on the new machine. You could partition your drive and use both. All the best!
0
Be prepared for hardware and software compatibility problems if you go to WinXP. If you already have Win98 and enought hard drive space, I would strongly suggest installing a dual Win98/XP system.
0
Hi TracyB99,
Totally in agreeance with Bryco. I'll not add any more other than Linux is the thing to have if you want to infiltrate someones security. Its a top OS to hack sysadmins gateways but what the hell do i know, ha ha.
Bryco hit the nail on the head.
vito@supanet.com
0
linux is harder to hack into. but if you have a pc with win98, just have it as your master hd, and use the linux one as a slave.
0
I have read the first reply, and I immediately
started to write my own reply.
(Because I absolutely disagree)Linux to windows is like a bycicle to a
tree-wheeled bicycle. It's harder to learn,
but better for use. And a three-wheeled bike
is for people who don't expend time on learning
to bicycle. (in this simile)Linux is not for just hacking!
(do you know what exactly hack means?)
Linux nowadays is also a definitely desktop
operating system. It can be used for whatever
you can imagine. And lots of programmers support
linux (unix) rather than windows.windows users can say:
what for study, if there is an easier way?
(but what is easier, usually not better)If you say windows is much supported, and easier
to use than linux, then you are right.And last of all, I use also linux and windows,
because windows is ok, when I see no blue
backgrounds :P
0
So many answers... and yet no-one knows what you actually want to use the computer for.
Linux may well be the very best system for what you do. I've only scratched the surface, but from what I've seen, we are talking reliability that Windows can only dream of.
Granted - it isn't a "pretty" system.
Until we know what you want it for, though, its very hard to advise. My own opinion is that you are getting it as a bargain, and a LOT of people think its great. They can't all be muppets, so why not try going with it for a while?
Tom
0
Here's a brief overview and what to expect; I've been using Linux for a couple of years.
There are many, many companies and individuals distributing versions of Linux, each has it's strengths and weaknesses. Some are designed to be desktop operating sytems, while others are better suited for servers. Many versions of Linux can be downloaded for free.
Windows has a standard "Graphic User Interface" built in. With Linux there is no standard; you get the choice of many GUIs, each of which has it's own applications and features. KDE and Gnome are the most common GUIs available for Linux, but there are many others.
Tons and tons of free software available, including games, office suites (similar to Microsoft Office), science, programming, etc.Downsides to Linux:
Commercial software is hard to find and many programs are not released for Linux. If you want to play commercial games you need Windows.
The file structure is very awkward to begin with - browsing the files is confusing.
You won't be compatible with friends, work, school, etc. if they use Windows.Whether you decide to start with Windows or Linux, the other can be added later as a second operating system.
0  |
 To Christopher's 'Hard dr...
|
What's ChunkSize=512?
|
This post is quite old and has been locked from receiving new replies. Please create a new posting instead.
| Ads by Google |
