switching to Linux

[Russianwolf]

thinking of switching our home PC to linux. What do I need to know and consider?

[MikeMcM1956]

The first question would be why? Other than feeding the evil empire of Microsoft, WinXP is a fairly stable platform that works. What is the pressing reason to move to Linux?

Mike

[Wood_workur]

I've never had good luck with wireless and linux. And sometimes installing programs can be a pain in the butt. Some stuff is confusing to a windows user at first as well, but its very similar to OSX in most distros of linux.

I'd suggest messing around with a live cd of ubuntu. This will let you see linux without having to install anything.

[Alex Franke]

I'd suggest messing around with a live cd of ubuntu. This will let you see linux without having to install anything.

Yeah -- what the other Alex said.

Great thing about Linux is that you can try before you buy (er.. I mean install).

I'd make a list of the software you use and make sure there's a version or replacement for Linux that's acceptable. Be sure you can print, scan, etc, with with Linux with the devices you currently use.

Good luck! It's a lot of fun!

[crokett]

Before you make the move, consider what SW you use and is it irreplaceable. The common apps - web browser, music player, etc all exist in linux. However, things like web cams don't have near as much support and printers will be hit or miss.

Using the live CD is a good idea.

[rberrybabylon]

Give it a try. You won't regret it.

The live CD is a great idea. You may have to make an adjustment to allow your machine to boot from a CD but it's simple (lots of help to be had from googling).

If you're not aiming to set up a server environment, I'd suggest Ubuntu version 8.10. It's a great desktop distribution. It works fine with wifi and has an extensive ability to automatically recognize devices (like printers, etc.) and install the appropriate drivers automatically. If you have some exotic equipment, you could have a more dificult time finding an acceptable driver.

My experience has been so impressive that I'm in the process of moving all three of my computers to Ubuntu. However, it's not a bad idea to leave Windoze on your computer (in a separate partition) in case you come across an application you can't find a duplicate for, in linux. By keeping Windoze in a separate partition (the installation process allows you to do this), you select your operating system choice every time you boot your computer. You can also use a free package named Wine to emulate Windoze on a linux system.

There is even a free application named Wubi (google it) that will install the linux distribution of your choice on your Windoze computer.

Virtually everything is free and works at least as well as Windoze (often better) and, if you're anything like me, you'll never look back. Good luck.

[BrazosJake]

If you want to play around with it, get another computer.

[Russianwolf]

xp is fairly stable and fairly virus infested (meaning the number of viruses that come out that target it). With Linux, I have a feeling there will be less of a target on on backs.

The main reason is the computer has slowed down to a crawl and I think the problem is in the software. I haven't been able to successfully clean the things out, and with me not knowing exactly what can and can't be deleted, it's frustrating. (there is also a small likelyhood that the slowness is a bandwidth problem on the cable modem, I don't use Word on it much but the slowness can vary on the web)

The computer is used mainly for Web access, with some use of Word and maybe a couple other programs. The only peripheral that we have is a Cannon MP530 printer.

Was already planning to use the partition method so I could go back if we don't like it.

[LinuxRandal]

Your printer is listed as a partially working printer under Linux. (linuxprinting.org) Look under the MP520 (earlier version I believe)

If you are to the point (everything you want to keep, backed up, like Favorites, documents, music, etc), then might I suggest when you reinstall Windows, you start by removing the bloatware the pc comes with to begin.
Since your printer is only partially supported, I would also suggest that you try open office on your Windows side, that way you have the same software on both platforms (uniformity) and can open your doc's easily, if Linux has printing issues.

You have otherwise received some excellent advice, and you can use a bootable distro (have enough memory?), to help determine how much faster your net connection would be (if wired, I haven't messed enough with the wireless yet, as there are still issues).

[BobSch]

If you want to try Ubuntu go to http://www.ubuntu.net/ and download and burn the .iso image to a CD. It's only about 700MB so it'll fit on one CD and it includes Open Office which is compatible with MS Office.

[Rand]

The main reason is the computer has slowed down to a crawl and I think the problem is in the software. I haven't been able to successfully clean the things out, and with me not knowing exactly what can and can't be deleted, it's frustrating.

I think it would be easier to fix the slow down problem than to switch the OS and all your applications.

Here's some good tips: http://pc-troubleshooting.suite101.c...uter_solutions

[Russianwolf]

I think it would be easier to fix the slow down problem than to switch the OS and all your applications.

Here's some good tips: http://pc-troubleshooting.suite101.c...uter_solutions

Rand, unless there is a program or person that can do it for me it ain't happening. I WILL delete something that shouldn't be deleted and the computer will stop working. Unless you are a very tech savvy person, the names of programs are gibberish. I tried a couple of the freebie programs on recommendations already and they slowed the computer down more it seemed. And the registry program wants money to fix more than 20 problems.

[leehljp]

Rand, unless there is a program or person that can do it for me it ain't happening. I WILL delete something that shouldn't be deleted and the computer will stop working. Unless you are a very tech savvy person, the names of programs are gibberish. I tried a couple of the freebie programs on recommendations already and they slowed the computer down more it seemed. And the registry program wants money to fix more than 20 problems.

I understand your position TOTALLY. No offense intended to you "tech" minded and IT people, but there seems to be some disconnect in having understanding towards non-tech people.

Many tech minded people (and IT) people treat the user in the same manner a mechanic treats a owner/driver of a car. "Don't you know that you are supposed to check the EGR valve?" My response is: "Duh" - No, you don't have to know or understand that to drive from NY to CA safely. Computers should NOT be for techminded only!

Mark Twain (and a host of others in different forms): Anyone can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.



I spent 6 hours "fixing" a Sony (Vista) (USA VAIO) last week for a fellow that is a non-tech person. Explaining is useless, however his personal "tech" person (his daughter in the States) has no clue as to what he is actually doing when she tells him one thing and he clicks a different button thinking it is the button she is talking about - not to mention him not understanding why his wireless card will work at my house but not at his house, while my computer works at both places. (Mine is a unix OS). The Vista SP1 will not download for that computer (unless you know it is a special case and needs special drivers to DL and install.) I DETEST this being such a "techie issue" and being so complicated and that no one other IT and techie people can understand for supposedly "simple DL and install."

Apologies for the rant but I get my feathers ruffled over the making of things complicated when a "little" forethought in programming creation can make it simple for everyone.

I am close to installing Linux and trying it too. Once I get that under my belt . . . I will still keep a Windows unit around!

[Rand]

Hi Mike,

Try this: http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-Sy...html?tag=mncol

*Before doing anything to your system make sure you have backups of all your data!*

I was looking for a way to help you and in doing so helped myself. I just downloaded, installed and ran the Advanced System Care program I linked to above. It found lots of problems. My system wasn't slow before but it's noticeably snappier now. More importantly, it still works.

Give it a shot and maybe it can save you some headaches.

A couple of things: On install it wants to install the yahoo toolbar and set your homepage to yahoo. I recommend unchecking those options. After the program runs you may want to click on Options and turn off the "Execute at Windows Startup" This is a personal preference but I don't like to load a program I don't use every day on startup.

Good Luck,
Rand

[OpaDC]

Hi Mike,

Try this: http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-Sy...html?tag=mncol

*Before doing anything to your system make sure you have backups of all your data!*

I was looking for a way to help you and in doing so helped myself. I just downloaded, installed and ran the Advanced System Care program I linked to above. It found lots of problems. My system wasn't slow before but it's noticeably snappier now. More importantly, it still works.

Give it a shot and maybe it can save you some headaches.

A couple of things: On install it wants to install the yahoo toolbar and set your homepage to yahoo. I recommend unchecking those options. After the program runs you may want to click on Options and turn off the "Execute at Windows Startup" This is a personal preference but I don't like to load a program I don't use every day on startup.

Good Luck,
Rand

Was about to download and install this until I read this review --

"IOBit now pushes Download Accelerator Plus as part of their software package. DAP includes spyware (check the CNET review). If IOBit is willing to partner with a useless spyware program what else are they doing that we don't know about?" WHOLE REVIEW HERE

A couple of others said the same thing and are recently dated. Not sure I want it now.