Alternate OS

[Chris611]

I am looking for a different OS. I currently have Vista. I just can't stand how long it takes the computer to boot up. Years ago I used an Amiga with some sort of movie editor at work and it booted in a matter of 15 seconds or so...from what I remeber anyway. I've seen stuff with Ubuntu. What else are my options? Be aware, I'm certainly not a computer expert, but manage to stuble around.

Thanks
Chris

[mjkovis]

Well, if you can endure it a little longer Win 7 comes out in October of this year. So far, I love it WAY more than Vista and it basically fixes everything that Vista was supposed to do but did not.

I have just started using Linux Mint 7 as well. Most here say it is the most user friendly of the Linux distros. I like it. Problem is making sure you can get your Windows programs to work with it. I'm sure a few other will have some thoughts on this as well.

[shadowpr]

I've been using mint for a while. I just upgraded to mint 7 from 6 and love it.

If you have programs that you absolutely need and only run in windows, then you might want to get xp. I believe it starts up faster.

Of course, if depends on yout definition of fast, and your computer specs.

[Chris611]

Thanks guys. i figured I'd have t dual boot as there may be some programs that will require Vista or at least a mircosoft os. I have a 2 year old Dell Inspiron 1521 with 2.2 GHZ dual processors. Definitely not impresses with the speed so far, but some of that may be due to vista. I like the looks of the mint linux. May have to try it.

[ConLog]

To me as a near 40 year old, Linux is one heck of a steep learning curve.

One day hopefully soon Linux will be one click software installations.

[Detonate]

Originally Posted by ConLog To me as a near 40 year old, Linux is one heck of a steep learning curve.

I moved to Linux when I was 64. Remember the old saying:

"If you think you are too old to learn, you probably always were"!

[XenaWP]

I have Linux Mint and Vista Home Basic as a dual boot on a Toshiba laptop.

I like Mint and it's easy to use for everyday stuff.

One issue is auto CPU fan control. Basically the fan does not come on until the CPU gets really hot, then the fan comes on and stays on until shutdown. The Mint forum points a finger to Toshiba bios. Toshiba doesn't officially support Linux.

Either way, it drains the battery with the fan running full blast.

So I like Mint, but there are issues for me.

YMMV.

[shadowpr]

I like linux on laptops, but it's not there yet.

For desktops, I haven't really run into a problem that I didn't cause myself, or that I could find the solution to.

For everyday simple tasks though, distros like Mint are ready to use after install with no modifications.

[Detonate]

Originally Posted by shadowpr I like linux on laptops, but it's not there yet.

Depends on the laptop. I've been running linux on my older HP for three years without a problem, except initially getting the wireless to work. That is now supported automatically for mine. Everything works.

[Tin]

I dont have many of the issues I hear alot of people having with Linux. I find it more plug and play than Windows. The only time Ive ever had to install a driver was for Atheros wifi, which is now fully supported. Everything just works. Its not that Linux has a steep learning curve, its because most are already used to Windows, and thus treat Linux like Windows, which it is not. If you took a complete computer newbie, and start them off on Linux instead of Windows....chances are Windows would seem foreign to them a few years down the road when they finally sit down with it. This sole reason is why Microsoft is a monopoly. Not because they make alot of money off of their software, but because your average Joe was lead to believe its their only choice for an OS. There arent too many prebuilt computers aside from some netbooks and Dells that come with a distro preinstalled.

[DSCHIEF]

Originally Posted by ConLog To me as a near 40 year old, Linux is one heck of a steep learning curve. One day hopefully soon Linux will be one click software installations.

Con;
If your pushing 40, you should at least remember DOS.
Heck, try running s dual processor system with an 8085 & 8088, where your bouncing between DOS & CPM. And Wordstar as your word-processor


By comparison Linux is a cake walk

[ConLog]

Originally Posted by DSCHIEF Con; If your pushing 40, you should at least remember DOS. Heck, try running s dual processor system with an 8085 & 8088, where your bouncing between DOS & CPM. And Wordstar as your word-processor By comparison Linux is a cake walk

I'm not overly familiar with the workings of DOS. After years of using Amigas I only moved to PC's in 1997.

I've only been using Ubuntu for the last six months but since I like using it, I'm sure I'll master it eventually.

[ConLog]

Originally Posted by shadowpr I've been using mint for a while. I just upgraded to mint 7 from 6 and love it. If you have programs that you absolutely need and only run in windows, then you might want to get xp. I believe it starts up faster. Of course, if depends on yout definition of fast, and your computer specs.

I've been reading about Mint lately and it sounds good. I have a spare PC so I might give it a try.