Linux systems

[redvette]

Hi Gang

Another stupid question coming your way. If you buy one of these cheaper computer systems and it says it has a Linux system installed, what is to say when you get it home you remove the Linux system and install a windows system. Can be done, yes, no. If no why not? Not talking about it in a financial way, just if it can be done.

Take care.......Dick

[MaXimum SMOKE]

Technologically, yes it can be done. The legalities force you to buy a "new user", (like OEM version) of the windows OS. Depending upon the hardware, you may spend a little time locating and downloading windows drivers.

[Statica]

Absolutely can be done provided you remove a way such that you can load windows well.
The other thing to note that since Linux' requirements arent too many make sure that you load up a version of Windows that would work well and not something too ambitious for the hardware you have.

[redvette]

Hi Smoke and Statica

Thanks for the info. I have thought of this every time I see one of those deals on a computer with the Linux system installed. One thing I dont really understand, what you are saying Statica, "remove in such a way that you can load windows well".
Dont you simply uninstall Linux, and install Windows, or is it not as simple as that? I am thinking you are starting with a brand new computer, not one you have used for awhile.

Take care........Dick

[MaXimum SMOKE]

I think Statica is refering to Uninstall problems that can happen from windows 'not understanding' what the Linux partitions are. Often it knows 'something' is there, but can't remove it with fdisk. (This happens often with 9x style windows, I don't know about the NT based stuff) In this case I've found it easiest for me to take a Linux install disk, and start up the installer, then use 'custom partitioning' to remove the linux partitions. Often you can use the same thing to make a big Fat32 partition. Depending upon what linux partitioning program you are using, some can make partitions for many different OSes. Then you can do a format of the Fat32 partition with windows. Actually I found it interesting to scan the Microtel boxes that Walmart had on their website. They offer them in different configurations. Some with Linux, some Lindows, some without OS, but with an opportunity to order Win XP OEM at time of sale. Interesting collection to scan, won't fit everyone's tastes, of course.

[Statica]

Thats exactly right Max.Smoke .. Windows operating systems are rather complacent in thinking that the only filesystems and partitioning schematics in existence are those that are used in Windows; they fail to account for the fact that there might be an operating system that isnt recognized. You are going to be faced with issues, some minor and some major, if you forget to remove linux cleanly, there is no "uninstall" program for linux, and you are going to have to do it prudently. Some possible pointers are to make sure that you have a clean mbr, remove any bootloaders. make sure that you remove all partitions; sometimes linux systems have multiple extended partitions that to windows 9x is a real impossibility to deal with.
In addition, check your BIOS; sometimes some features might be turned off or on to make it more linux friendly .. depending on the version of linux that was installed.
all in all; not to make it seem more complicated than it is .. just load it up and see where u might have a problem. if u dont well and good .. if u do .. can post here

These are just the problems with having to install archaic software .. Linux to windows .. thats like travelling back in time, eh?

[redvette]

Hi Statica

Did I notice a slight distaste for Windows in your comments. :-D
So I guess it would be silly to think of just installing one over the other. Might I ask what system do you prefer, not necessarily what you are using. ;-D Some one left the Lindow open. What sense does it make to charge $600 for a Linux system, over a Window equipped system that they want $900 for, and every thing else being equal. Is a Window system that much better???? I guess some people think so.

Take care........Dick

[Statica]

Hi Dick:

A slight distate for Windows? Really? You noticed it??

But that is for me.. its not that a Windows system is better in any way than Linux, but the pricing is based on popularity; most people would be daunted at the thought of getting a Linux system and might shell out the extra dough for a Windows system.

As to whats better, it depends on the usage, for me I would always prefer Linux; although XP is one of the best Windows OS that I have worked with.

[kroneko]

One thing you may have a problem with is the boot loader, usually lilo, but depends on your distro. That's also very easy to get rid of, just use a standard dos bootup disk, go through and fdisk/mbr and you shouldn't have that come up when you start your computer. I personally have a thing against windows, like many that post comments here. As Statica mentioned, Windows isn't really any better than Linux, the only problem I had was finding a kazaa client for linux, but there are still p2p clients. But I was like many people who first tried linux then ran back to the crap known as Windows, so in taking it off use a dos boot disk fdisk and remove the linux partitions, then create a partition, and format the hard drive, and fdisk the mbr while you're at it, then install Windows right off the CD (assuming it's 2k or XP).

[jglen490]

You can use the Linux version of fdisk to remove your Linux partitions and then set up a partition that is accceptable to Windoze filesystems. Linux fdisk can setup a single (if you want) FAT32 partition which Windoze can then recognize and manage. You won't need to clean up the MBR as the Windoze format and installation processes will take care of that.

Sorry about your bad experience with Linux, but it's not for everyone. That's the beauty of choice !!

[Computer Hobbyist]

Originally posted by redvette What sense does it make to charge $600 for a Linux system, over a Window equipped system that they want $900 for, and every thing else being equal. Is a Window system that much better???? I guess some people think so. Take care........Dick

Don't tell anybody, because, well, a lot of folks in the Linux community want to keep Linux a secret from the masses, but a Windows system is not that much better. Once Linux is installed, the average person can learn to use a gui like KDE or Gnome as easily as the Windows gui. The real reason for buying Windows is application choice. A lot of developers write only for Windows, so if you have a need for a special application you have to buy Windows.

CH

[RenegadeKing]

Ya know.. you could just, oh.. shall we say, build your computer