need help choosing an os

[gamfrkI]

cd is free if u wait about 6 to 10 weeks

[Hot Trout]

I am (for an easy life) an Windows XP Pro user. I am expecting to go to Windows 7 soon. In the past (when I had more time) I am proud to say that I used to email with Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux Kernel. I was then running Linux 0.98beta on a 486/DX2-66 with 8MB Ram. I have used many versions of Linux since, indeed this server is running Centos 5.5.

If you love complete control and have the time to play and work with it, Linux will give you a lot more freedom and control and also teach you a great deal about OS in general. If like me you just want to turn it on and work/code/play then Windows in whatever version is a good idea.

Ideally have both and dual boot.

[Kherr]

I have both and dual boot. X3 I'm running Windows XP Professional Corporate Edition (again, don't ask me because I can't tell) and Linux Fedora Core 13. Ubuntu is nice, but it kinda defeats what linux is... Linux isn't meant to be completely automated... that's kinda windows' thing... >.> BUT, I'm a gamer and Linux just doesn't offer the support (either through WINE or VMWare) that I need for gaming... so I just dual boot. Linux for browsing the web and listening to music, watching movies and generally doing everything BUT gaming... and WinXP Pro Corp. for gaming and making my music. It's a win/win situation for me.

I suggest dual booting between WinXP Pro and some distro of Linux. Whether you install ubuntu or fedora, puppy linux or linux mint... any distro is fine, but if you don't know a thing about linux, I'd suggest ubuntu if you don't want to spend the time learning, or fedora if you have time to learn but just want it to work after a fresh install. Because with some distros of Linux you have to actually compile shit to start using it AFTER JUST INSTALLING IT... which is redunculus. X3

If you decide to dual boot, just remember to install windows FIRST (after deleting any and ALL partitions on the HDD EXCEPT THE RECOVERY PARTITION, LEAVE THAT ALONE!!!!!!). Make sure you create only ONE PARTITION on the HDD when installing windows. Pick a size that you want to have strictly for windows. I chose 90GB of my 320GB HDD. I then installed Fedora on the remaining space on the HDD, which thankfully was an option in the Graphical Installer.

Windows will TAKE CONTROL of your MBR, but when you install linux after windows it fixes the MBR for dual booting automatically. Isn't that nice?

[crustyasp46]

I was just given a Hp G50 with a dead screen and fried dvd, With a Spare monitor and Usb, I am going to try the Ubuntu, laptop edition, and i found another site that gives a basic course in linux online, Linux.org. At least this way I can see if I will be able to use it. Nothing ventured nothing gained!

[Jesse]

I've only used Windows. So far I have had no reason to use anything else. Though I know Linux is lighter, faster, more stable, free, and is better for a lot of stuff.

But if you are all about modern gaming, then Linux is pretty much useless to you. That's what everyone seems to say, anyway.

[gamfrkI]

ill stay with xp just for gaming
ill wait for another version of ubuntu

[Kherr]

I've only used Windows. So far I have had no reason to use anything else. Though I know Linux is lighter, faster, more stable, free, and is better for a lot of stuff.

But if you are all about modern gaming, then Linux is pretty much useless to you. That's what everyone seems to say, anyway.

Yes, that's about correct. If you want to play games from any era, Linux is not your friend. WINE and VMWare are ok, but they can't run windows programs as windows can... Linux is also MUCH FASTER than windows and it's also MUCH LIGHTER at no cost of features. Linux will really bring the power of your system out and just show you how much in resources windows actually takes. I run UT2004 on windows and I get around 50 FPS with the resolution set to 800x600 and the textures all set to above normal, but not on high. With Fedora here, I get 60 FPS with the resolution set to 1024x768 and all the textures set to high if not the next tick above high (UT2004 comes with a Linux installer on the windows discs). Linux also has 2 features that windows doesn't when it comes to defenses... The first is that there are only 7 viruses written in history (that I'm aware of) for linux. They're also practically impossible to get simply because of SELinux (the security protocol that runs Linux's defenses). You have to practically WANT to get a virus to really GET one, and then you have to approve it's actions knowing what they'll do. Another thing linux has above windows is it's natural firewall that comes built into it. The firewall Fedora's running is better than Zone Alarm Extreme Security for windows. It's almost better than a hardware firewall... I could go on for hours about how linux rocks, but it's simple. If you're going to give it a go, just remember to DUAL BOOT. It's a simple thing and will allow you to experience the best of both worlds.

[crustyasp46]

Thanks Kherr.

[JAHGoVeg]

Just a word before I start it's 4:00 in the morning right now (well actually 3:46) so if I sound tired. I am. . Ok here I go

linux, Linux, Linux. My experience w/ Linux started when I was 7 years old and an IT tech gave me an ubuntu 5.10 live cd w/ the power to, repartition my drive, erase my MBR, wipe my hard drive, and steal my girlfriend, my dog, and my hot dog I was eating (just kidding ) luckly I couldn't figure out how to run the installer properly, my dad woulda killed me. . And I got to keep my girlfriend, dog, and the corndog was awesome! Anyways, ever since that day I become determined to find out what this ubuntu thing was and how it worked and most importantly what it meant for me. I was astounded that there was even a such thing as an alternative operating system.(I grew up w/ windows 98. So I assumed the rest of the world suffered with me in the crappy os boat). And so since then I Set out on a journey to discover this Linux thing they called ubuntu and in the process had a lot of computers that needed restoring from my crappy job at partitioning them. anyways, My point is if anyone understands what it's like to not understand Linux but still want to learn more about it. That's me. However, now I know how to use Linux and use as my main operating system (windows is messed up right now). So really gamefrk what distro of Linux you choose, if you do choose Linux, depends on your skill level first of all. I assume that your just starting out. So really I wouldn't recommend Ubuntu you see ubuntu puts itself out to be so easy that a monkey could use it, provided it had training first. And really it's not easy to use if your a total begginer. Maybe after you gain skill you can choose an os that fits your needs perfectly. It's like buying a mustang when you can't even ride a bike. I recommend Linux mint it's based on ubuntu and is compatible with all ubuntu .deb software. Which is good cuz .deb is one the most recognized software package formats. (right next to .rpm that is, Kherr) Linux mint is what I use cuz it fits me perfect ease of use and it comes pre installed with a lot of things such as codecs for playing different musics like mp3 and flac. Plus a Huge benefit for me is that it comes with wireless drivers pre installed (my acer isn't recognized by ubuntu. So if you are looking for a stable fast reliable operating system Linux is the way to go and specifically I recomend LinuxMint

links:
Linux mint homepage
http://www.linuxmint.com/

Linux Mint Gnome, LXDE, and XFCE Desktops live cd AND DVD
http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

Linux Mint Kde RC
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=61

[JAHGoVeg]

I just read my post and thought I sound like a drunk man I hope you understand it gamefrk. and just to add I tottally agree with kherr on the virus thing there is almost no way to get a virus.

P.S. I hope someone writes a virus for macs that pops up on there screen a black screen that says,"WHAT KNOW I THOUGHT YOU COULDNT GET A VIRUS" and make the mac user run and scream like a girl. What's one thing pc users can do that mac users can't? Shut thier mouth.

Edt:
I'm sorry that was off topic forgive I'm hallucinating it is 4:32 and I have to get up at 6:35 so I guess I will go sleep now

MOD: Please keep an eye on the double post. Prob because your tired
Love Guest