I'm thinking about making the switch to learn it because many companies in my field use it. How is it for a Home Computer in terms of Dependabilitiy, Compatibility and ease of use. Can regular software be used on it?

 

i dualboot redhat linux and windows, well ... it may be fucked up right now, but oh well
there's two problems i've found
although i think linux is great, dependable-- you have to learn about the system b/c its different then windows, and sometimes confusing
secondly, software is more limited - although there is some great software that does the same job.. there's certain things where i prefer windows programs I.E. photoshop

if you're willing to take the time to get it to work, it will be great
but remember you'll lose some functionability for the increase in dependability

 

very limited, but
very stable

 

I'm a Linux nut.

What I would recommend is getting a Linux distro that you can boot and run the OS right off the CD. That way, you won't have to reformat/partition your hard drive to even see if you like the OS.

Then if you think you'd like it, then install it on the hard drive.

Also, go get the Linux for Dummies book. It's a GREAT intro. book and it'll give you a hint of how powerful Linux can be.

What are your plans with Linux???

 

i like linux, but its a pain in the ass...have to configure lots of things manually, even with distros like redhat 9. if you're willing to deal, and like the challenge, then its quite nice.

always make a backup of all config files though

 

what i did was installed vmware workstation and then installed Mandrake 9 on there. that way you can run it while you are in windows. here is a screenshot of when i ran RH8 on it.

 

I dual boot Windows and Redhat 9 on this computer. its a pain in the ass but its always fun to go into when im bored, cause i can drop a lot of time into it (i would say im an advanced user)

But advanced users dont use redhat right? well i wanted something useable on my main box, my other one has Gentoo, which i did a stage 1 install meaning every program (including GCC and all base programs) are compiled from scratch and most of the install is done by hand.....works beautifully

i reccomend it as a suppliment, not as a replacement

 

Hey, Malu, can i get that background?

Email it to Python21@optonline.net

thanks!!!

 

it's 2 megs so i uploaded it, its in bmp format...

http://66.216.26.123/files/snapshot-01-1024.bmp - right click save as.

 

thanks for all the feedback. It's definitly something im going to look further into. Probably a dual boot I'd do. Hey Scrib, where can I get that Linux distro cd from for an intro of it. Do you know the cost also?

 

everything is free, you have many options for a boot cd.

one that i like a lot as just a beinners is Lindows Live Cd, but that costs money

if you prefer, you can just use Demo Linux which just google.com for it

 

oh, and thanks malu. i actually have that picture converted to ascii, but not the original, thanks a ton!