Question for the computer geeks

[Guest ReinyRooster]

Am currently running WinXP with 1gb ram on a P111. Am interested in trying Ubuntu from a CD first to see if I like it. Any comments, suggestions or alternates to Ubuntu you would suggest? Although I'm relatively computer literate, this would be my first real look at linux, so keep the responses in English please.

[nelsonrl]

I have not used ubuntu, but have used several versions of UNIX in my career, including AIX, SUN OS, SUN Solaris, HPUX, Redhat and others. I prefer almost any version UNIX to windows, but there is a much stronger need for systems admin skills with any UNIX version. Things like configuring network connections, adding devices such as printers, scanners, etc will be more complex. You may find issues with device drivers if you migrate.

 

I run Windows XP on two home computers and Vista on one. Hate Vista, tolerate XP, would prefer Linux on all, but device drivers and business apps keep me from changing.

[SilvrT]

Ubuntu is probably the easiest version of Linux a "novice" user could test out. I say go for it .... I use OpenSUSE myself but have tested and experimented with Ubuntu and it's variants, Red Hat, and a couple of the others.

[MAINEAC]

I don't know about Linux but I think there's a way to partition your Hard Drive and make it a dual boot system... That way you can try the Linux and if you don't like it your XP will still work... I did it a few years ago with Red Hat but I couldn't get the Linux to work so I just erased it after trying to figure it out without sucsess.

[FreezyRider]

Try PCLinuxOS, commonly called PCLOS. It is similar to Ubuntu in that you can boot from a bootable cd and try it out without installing it to see if you like it and if it is compatible with all your hardware. To me, PCLOS seems more graphically refined (prettier) and easier for a Windows user to adapt to. Menus are more like Windows, etc. By default, Ubuntu uses the Gnome graphical interface which (again, just my opinion) is a lot "plainer" looking.

 

Whichever you try I'm betting you'll be surprised by how easy it is to learn. Linux has come a looooooong way in the last 5 years. If my company's business apps were compatible, we'd be running Linux.

[Bummer]

Am currently running WinXP with 1gb ram on a P111. Am interested in trying Ubuntu from a CD first to see if I like it. Any comments, suggestions or alternates to Ubuntu you would suggest? Although I'm relatively computer literate, this would be my first real look at linux, so keep the responses in English please.

Go for it! Ubuntu is at least in part designed to help ease Windows users into the Linux world. Just remember that any CD version will be much slower than an installed version of the same thing.

 

If you have any problems just ask. I've primarily run Red Hat and Fedora, so I may not know the answers to Ubuntu questions right off, but I'm working on installing it on my traveling laptop to test out. I'm downloading PCLinuxOS for a test also.

 

If you decide to install it I recommend you add a drive. Most folks who aren't already doing anything too tricky usually have a spare slot available. Drives are pretty cheap, they're usually easy to install, and if Linux doesn't work out you can always turn it over to Windows. If you partition the existing drive and Windows ever needs a reinstall you'll lose your Linux partition.

 

The Linux installers will find the Windows install and create the dual boot system, so you don't need anything extra if you decide to go that way. You can pick which is default then select the other at boot if you want.

 

Some of the CD versions have proven useful for rescuing data from dead Windows systems.

 

Might as well give it a try. It's just a CD.

[Guest ReinyRooster]

Great guys, thanks for the input. I ordered the Unbuntu CD so when it arrives, I'm gonna try it from the CD to see if I like it. Steve, I may be send you some screams for help when that happens.

[Bummer]

Steve, I may be send you some screams for help when that happens.

Always glad to help.

[lonestarmedic]

Tried it about a year ago. Found it user friendly and ran well from the CD. As I run a laptop I don't run a second OS. I used it as a file server and found it stable. I eventually put it on a flash memory card and used it in a card reader. Configured to boot from the flash drive. Fast as all get out and stable.

 

JB

[chollahan]

I highly recommend Ubuntu! I first tried it about a year ago and have made the complete switch. Very stable, secure (sometimes too secure), and easy to use. I am running server with the GUI for my media files and a web server and also have it on my laptop.

 

Lots of free software outthere as well. Synaptic package manager will let you search for any program you need and will download it if you find one you like.

 

Take the plunge, you'll be glad you did!