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| Thread ID: 36543 | 2003-08-12 23:52:00 | Linux v Windows | robc (2685) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 167230 | 2003-08-12 23:52:00 | I have been reading with some bewilderment the recent and continuing articles, by my name sake, re the benefits of linux over windows. I have several questions which are probably basic in nature but are relevant to any decision which I may make to change. I am using my computer mainly as a business tool and am running win98 at present. 1. How can I establish that the programs I am running at present will be compatible with Linux? 2. Can I run the two systems side by side whilst changing over? 3. How long will the change take? 4. How long will the downloads take? 5. What are the requirements in terms of memory and processor speed etc? 6. What are the down sides of Linux? 7. How much will it cost? Any help with these questions will be much appreciated. Robc |
robc (2685) | ||
| 167231 | 2003-08-13 00:14:00 | Your programs won't be compatible under linux, though you will be able to find alternatives for most things. You can easily dualboot between the two operating systems. It will take as long as it takes for you to get used to it. Depends on how big the download is. Depends on what you're wanting to run. Compatibility. Your time. |
-=JM=- (16) | ||
| 167232 | 2003-08-13 00:33:00 | > 1. How can I establish that the programs I am running > at present will be compatible with Linux? In general windows programmes don't work on linux. Depending on what your using there are linux equivalents to most windows programmes (free). And there are also products like crossover office which allow MS office to run on it (not-free). > 2. Can I run the two systems side by side whilst > changing over? Yes. Its called dual booting. Most recent distributions will do this for you and is a good way to start. > 3. How long will the change take? ? > 4. How long will the downloads take? Don't bother downloading it. Most versions are around 2 full CDs which is 1300MB. About 5 days on dialup. > 5. What are the requirements in terms of memory and > processor speed etc? It depends on the desktop environment you choose to use. The latest version of KDE or GNOME would be unpleasant to run it on anything less than a 128mb, P350. There are some other light weight environments which will run on much less. > 6. What are the down sides of Linux? Aside from the programme comparability (not a problem for me personally). - It still isn't as polished as windows or macOS. - Some of your hardware may not be supported. - 3rd party software can be a real pain to install. > 7. How much will it cost? ~$1 5. Either with a computer magazine, from someone in your area. Or order from a site like http://www.copyleft.co.nz . |
bmason (508) | ||
| 167233 | 2003-08-13 01:12:00 | Ah, the question whether to switch over your business pc or not . Well, if you are happily using Windows, don't have a problem with paying money to Microsoft when it is time to update (assuming you are using Microsoft Office as well), then I wouldn't bother looking into Linux . If you are interested to have a look at Linux you could get a copy of Knoppix which will boot off the cd and give you a full working system without touching your hard drive (unless you have less than around 128MB RAM) . You can then take a look at it would any hassle (although many people load linux without any partitioning problems, some people do have problems and risk their data) . There is a bewildering amount of information out there in internet land about Windows vs Linux (vs Mac) etc etc and easy to get confused with different messages . Another option is to pop down to your local Dick Smith shop and ask to have a look at their preloaded Mandrake machines and about Open Office (compatible with Office Standard) and email etc . |
Dolby Digital (160) | ||
| 167234 | 2003-08-13 01:21:00 | I am biased . I like Linux, and use it for almost everything . However, if Windows does what you want for business, and has no major unreliabilities, stick with it . ;-) Especially if you are using it for business . It isn't a matter of an hour installing, then using it straight away . *nix and Windows are different . The differences will bite you from time to time . By all means, install on a home machine, and play ("carry out system integrations research") until you are confident with it, and have worked out what Open Office, and the other free software can do . Then put it on the business machine . But you'll have major problems running a double business system, with a multibooted machine . You might go better with a Linux machine (running SAMBA) as well as the Windows machine . That would let you do whatever on whichever system suits better . :D |
Graham L (2) | ||
| 167235 | 2003-08-13 02:24:00 | > I am biased. I like Linux, and use it for almost everything. :O |
Chilling_Silently (228) | ||
| 167236 | 2003-08-13 04:06:00 | I get frustration out of both OS so they are both equal. | Kame (312) | ||
| 167237 | 2003-08-13 06:26:00 | >>I get frustration out of both OS so they are both equal. I totally agree... except you can get frustrated with a free (as in speech, not in beer) operating system as opposed to Bills supera duppa chargable one. |
Dolby Digital (160) | ||
| 167238 | 2003-08-13 23:38:00 | To all you who replied so promptly and helpfully, A big thanks. However, I am no more advanced but I will check out Dick Smith and the Mandrake programs there. Again thanks all |
robc (2685) | ||
| 167239 | 2003-08-14 03:49:00 | Sorry if we have seemed unhelpful. I'm all for you trying it ... Mandrake or RedHat are reasonably easy to install. But I'm serious about being careful about a changeover of your business system. It's never a good idea to "experiment" on a computer which is the computing resource of a business. Accidents happen. :D | Graham L (2) | ||
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