Anyone Using Linux

[Northern Man]

I've been given my old work laptop FOC for use by my daughter but the hard drive has been wiped. As I'm a tight wad, and don't want to buy another copy of XP (and yes I do know about "freeware" versions ) is Linux worth considering? I have absolutely no experience of it but I know it's free. I would need web browser, and ideally be able to open/create Word/Excel/Powerpoint transferable documents - is this possible or do i have to resort to lining Bill Gates pockets again?

Many thanks
Mike.

[Marky Mark]

There's some info on t'internet about running Linux on a Lappy, try here Linux on Laptops, I haven't done it, but am thinking along the lines. Some of it is still work in progress.

Asus ships the cute little eee pcs with Linux, or doesn't at the moment as they are all sold out.

MyM

[RobA]

Windows XP OEM Version available from DABS for £55

Advantages: Easy install, just plug and play!
Disadvantages: Cost, Bill Gates Empire!

Linux (Infinite versions available)
You can download the Operating System, burn to CD and install. Not as painless as XP, some fiddling will be required! You can also get Linux as a freebie on Linux User Magazine.

Advantages:
Free, Far less Security Issues.
Disadvantages:
Guess who will be providing Support.

Open Office is also available for both XP and Linux, Free, Reads and writes MS Office files!

Rob

[serp]

You should use a desktop oriented linux distribution such as Ubuntu Linux (you can either download it from their site, or ask them to send you a copy free of charge). It comes as a Live CD so you can actually try it out without installing it. It comes with Mozilla Firefox as the default web browser and Open Office which is an open-source clone of Microsoft Office.

Josef

[Steven]

Originally Posted by Northern Man

I've been given my old work laptop FOC for use by my daughter but the hard drive has been wiped. As I'm a tight wad, and don't want to buy another copy of XP (and yes I do know about "freeware" versions ) is Linux worth considering? I have absolutely no experience of it but I know it's free. I would need web browser, and ideally be able to open/create Word/Excel/Powerpoint transferable documents - is this possible or do i have to resort to lining Bill Gates pockets again?

Many thanks
Mike.

talk to (PM) Timbo he uses Linux daresay he could advise

steven

[Northern Man]

Thanks everyone - it looks like Linux is an option then. I'll give the ubuntu version a go tonight when I get home.

Are there any downsides to Linux versus XP I should be aware of, like hardware incompatability or drivers? It almost sounds too good to be true.

Thanks

[serp]

Originally Posted by Northern Man

Thanks everyone - it looks like Linux is an option then. I'll give the ubuntu version a go tonight when I get home.

Are there any downsides to Linux versus XP I should be aware of, like hardware incompatability or drivers? It almost sounds too good to be true.

Thanks

You have to keep an open mind . The most common problem that Linux users find is that they expect to work the same way as their Windows installation. There's the windows way of doing things and the Linux way.

Hardware is usually harder to get to work on Linux than on windows due to the availability of device drivers, however if you have an oldish laptop, it should not be a problem. Also, Ubuntu is the most "hardware friendly" distribution.

[Timbo]

Ubuntu is the one,,,just be patient and give it a fair trial..lots of support and drivers should not be an issue.....
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/
Our local schools have discovered it as a viable alternative and the youngsters are embracing it..
Have fun !!

[iratnl]

Originally Posted by Northern Man

Thanks everyone - it looks like Linux is an option then. I'll give the ubuntu version a go tonight when I get home.

Are there any downsides to Linux versus XP I should be aware of, like hardware incompatability or drivers? It almost sounds too good to be true.

Thanks

I'm using Ububtu (Gutsy Gibbon release) on a Sony Laptop to write this. Installed first time. I had Windows Vista, but it took an age to boot, and ran like a dog.

I thought I would have a lot of hardware problems, but it's been OK. Only obvious problem is very quiet sound from the speaker (head phones work well). Wireless worked with no probs.

[String]

You can do what you want on linux but its still a bit of a mess and fiddly for the desktop. Unlike windows things dont always "just work".

Open Office is a god awful package but will do what you require. There are other packages out there.

Browser support is fine - firefox, opera and all the decent ones will work.

I use debian (on my servers) but ubuntu is meant to be fairly good for linux (ie not overly friendly but better than slackware)