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THoughts on Linux - 1/11/2008 8:38:16 AM

ghitaPVH

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I just got given a laptop, its a bit old, but still works. Im thinking of giving it to my 8yo UM, cause his REALLY old cpu crashed right before christmas and Ive given up trying to fix it. My question is, its got Linux on it. Should I keep the linux? or start over with windows? yes...I know there are better options, but I dont have the money to buy new software, so those are my two options. I havent actually seen the laptop yet, it was given to my mom and she's gonna bring it down next time she comes...Im just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on linux and what the pros and cons of it are? Ive never used it.

ghita~

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RE: THoughts on Linux - 1/11/2008 9:22:46 AM

Stephann

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Linux usually isn't child friendly. Your boy's probably not going to be happy about not being able to run his old windows games, etc, not to mention if you have no experience with it, you'll probably have a difficult time explaining to him how it works, especially if you have any network trouble.

Linux is a great OS, but like anything new, it takes time and patience to learn to use it. If you're not willing to spend a few hours figuring it out and explaining it, you'll probably be better off with an older version of Windows.

Stephan

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RE: THoughts on Linux - 1/11/2008 9:37:05 AM

ghitaPVH

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Ive got a copy of windows 98 here at home, that isnt on any other computer, so basically I woulndt be breaking any laws to install in on the laptop, ive also got the XP software thats on this computer...shrugs..I may do it anyway...Im probably not going to make a decision until I get the laptop in hand and can play around with it a little bit. Im not sure whats coming with it. I may have a problem if I dont get copies of the driver software for everything already installed on it with the laptop.

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RE: THoughts on Linux - 1/11/2008 9:44:06 AM

Stephann

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Usually, you can look up the specs for the computer and find drivers for it.

If you install XP, you'll probably have the most luck with drivers, networking, and compatibility. Make sure it has at least a 4 gig hard drive (or email me and I can tell you how to squeak by with 3 gigs), and at least 256 megs RAM, and a Pentium II 300 or faster. Even then, expect it to work slower than death.

Regards,

Stephan

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RE: THoughts on Linux - 1/11/2008 10:56:30 AM

DomKen

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Fargle and the other Linux lovers will argue but Linux really isn't a good OS for someone not very very into computers. Win 98 may be a good solution if the laptop is really old. If the cpu is too slow and the laptop doesn't have enough RAM and hard drive space to install Win 98 its very likely on its last legs and leaving Linux on it so the UM can at least use it for wordprocessing and other basic taskc may be the way to go for as long as the laptop lasts.

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