If Vista has 'WOW' factor then Linux has ' OH MY GOD' Factor

Ubuntu Linux is supposed to be a good "newbie" system, a couple of variations depending on the desktop used, Kubuntu-KDE, Ubuntu-Gnome desktop.

(Linux uses many different window manager systems, some heavy system users, some almost no memory footprint at all. Known as light footprint window managers. IceWM, Enlightenment, KDE, Gnome, all Linux window managers, that display your desktop and apps. MS uses 1, called explorer.exe.)

Linspire is good, but the one click app service costs.

Fedora Core is the community version of RedHat Enterprise system.

Mandriva Linux is the one I favour, in the 2006 distro, I haven't upgraded to 2007 yet. Easy configuration, plays nice with windows SMB over a network.

DeMuDi is for arty types, music and multi media specific.

Debian is the full on "hackers" distro, that is, the "ubergeeks" toy, not the criminal type hacker, but the genuine geek.

Always check the HCL, (hardware compatability list.) Linux may not drive the latest hardware, especially the winmodem, winprinter type things. It doesn't play nice with some Canon stuff, but, it loves HP stuff.

Google "distrowatch" mate, best bet I reckon, is to download a "live CD" version and test. There is no need to install a live CD. The OS boots and runs directly from the CD, never needs installing, and you can test as many "flavours" as you like, with out any actual system disruption. A 700 Meg CD carries up to 2.1 Gb of transparently compressed apps, that are uncompressed on the fly. Try that way first is my advice. You can't hurt your existing installation of Windows that way.

Shorty.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by loanrangie

What os is that ? I'm keen to give it a go.

---

It is Kubuntu. It has the KDE desktop
Or you can use the Ubuntu, which uses the Gnome desktop.
You can download a live CD on the net then set your PC to boot from the CDROM insert the live CD and boot up.
You PC will then run the Kubuntu or Ubuntu without installing anything on your pC.
Have a play with it and see if it suits you.
There are thousands of apps you can custom install if you decide to install it. They are all installed and downloaded via the repositories within the program. you just choose what you would like.
I use lnux as my main O/S and have it diual boot with XP for some of my kids games. Very easy to setup.
If you have installed Xp from a CD you will realize how long it takes to install.
You can install Kubuntu or Ubuntu and all the office software in about 30 -40 minutes.
And initial boot time in very fast compared to XP.

Another feature I like about it is that a lot of dubious sites can't install their spyware and porn dialers:D:D:D:D if you were that way inclined:wasntme: LOLOLOLOL

The live Cd is also handy even if you never install it.
If your MS windows ever crashes and you can get in, then wack the live CD in and access your windows files/folder with it and if un repairable at least you may be able to rescue some important stuff. ie photos, docs etc.