Info about Alternative OS's

[swampdonkey]

Hi,

I am a complete newbie when it comes to other operating systems, such as Linux. Basically, I would like to know if I can run all my programs that I run with windows on another OS. For example, can I run all the games that I play on Linux? What about device drivers? Stability? Performance? Ease of use? I'm looking to put another operating system on my new computer because I really don't want to shell out $100 for XP.

Thanks for your help

[ffreeloader]

I am a complete newbie when it comes to other operating systems, such as Linux. Basically, I would like to know if I can run all my programs that I run with windows on another OS. For example, can I run all the games that I play on Linux? What about device drivers? Stability? Performance? Ease of use? I'm looking to put another operating system on my new computer because I really don't want to shell out $100 for XP.

1. At first, no. You will not be able to run you Windows programs under Linux. It's possible to run quite a few Windows programs under Linux but it uses a program called Wine that isn't very easy for a Linux newbie to set up. There is a ton of Linux software out there though.

2. Linux has pretty good hardware detection. There are some problematic ares such as WinModems, but overall drives aren't a problem.

3. Linux is very stable. I'd say much more so than Windows.

4. Performance is very good. I run an old AMD Athlon 800 and it performs very well for its age and the load I place on it. Linux, as a norm, requires less "horsepower" to run than Windows does.

5. Ease of use? Do you mean like point and click? If so, then yes. Linux has many gui's you can use. If you mean is Linux an exact copy of Windows and you run it just like you do Windows, no. Linux isn't Windows and should never try to copy it. It has it's own file structure and way of doing things. However, no spyware, no adware, no viruses. I run no adware removal programs, no antivirus, nothing like that. I have no need for it.

You will have a learning curve with Linux. You wouldn't go to a country in which a differnt language was spoken and not expect have to spend time to learn their language would you? Just so you can't expect to think Windows and understand Linux.