Linux

[jackal]

I was wondering if anyone has a lot of experience with the linux opersting systems.

It it easy to learn ?

Are there enough supporting programs to make it worth wild ?

Can you get patches to make existing programs work?

[Cliff]

I use ubuntu.

So far it's been able to do everything I need. Open office is just as good as regular office, IMO. I have it on a network with windows computer and that works. All my music and video work.I own a Zune which is microsoft only so I needed to install "virtual box" with windows xp on it so if I needed windows for anything it was there. The zune, at this point, has been the only software that I *had* to have windows to run. Most all other software has a free linux replacement.

However, there are some things I would watch out for if you're not very "techy". Thing like installing my printer required some command line work. You can find step by step guides to stuff like that but you'll probably be a little lost at first if you're not used to it.

As far as just using it ... it works fine for everyday stuff and easily as well. If you're used to windows it takes a little getting used to but once you're used to it ... it's apparent it's better. Email, internet browser, etc, are easy and seem to work better and without the fear of virus'.

I've been using Ubuntu about 3 months at this point.

[novellahub]

I have been using Linux since 2000 (Mandrake Linux was my first distribution). I am currently also using Ubuntu for my desktop. I guess the learning curve for me was not as steep since I had Linux college classes. Linux as improved quite a bit since 2000 and I feel is ready for a new users to learn. Much of the configuration the end user does not have to do anymore. Plus if you have questions, the on-line community at the forums and the Wiki Ubuntu has is very valuable. The beauty of Ubuntu is you can download a ISO Image, burn it to a CD, and then boot into a "Live" environment to try it out. Booting a live CD you boot into Ubuntu without having to install it. Once you get comfortable, then you can install it either as a standalone or a dual boot setup with Windows. I even use Linux as a PVR (Mythtv) to record TV shows. You can use some Windows programs in Linux using WINE. I run some older games such as Rollercoaster tycoon and Media Monkey to for my MP3 collection in WINE.

Machines at home:

1. Ubuntu 8.10 Desktop
2. Ubuntu 8.04.2 Print Server (HP printers work great in Linux with minimal fuss)
3. Knoppmyth R5.5 Mythtv Master Backend
4. Mythbuntu 8.04.2 Mythtv Slave Backend
5. Wolvix Linux Toshiba Laptop.

My wife has a Windows XP laptop and she is able to print and browse files from the Linux machines (Using Samba).

[jackal]

I think I am going to divide my hard drive and have a dual starting system I know how to do that
and seems like a good way to learn the program.

Microsoft does not seem to be committed to supporting it customers and I am not spending
money on a new operating system that does not fully work.

thanks for the info guys