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To Linux or not to Linux?

Discussion in 'Other PC Software' started by loonychoons, 2006/05/24.

  1. 2006/05/24
    loonychoons Lifetime Subscription

    loonychoons Inactive Thread Starter

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    My son ,well one of them, is really up on the software from LINUX for his Computer! He is after me to switch or at least Double up with my Windows XP. Has Anyone out there any comments on this Linux system? He may be a little bias as he had a big conflict with Microsoft over the cost of their software Programs. Stating that his computer cost him less than the software to run it? Thank You In Advance For Any And All Of Your Opinions!!! loonychoons


    P.S. I did a search to see if this question was addressed recently elsewhere, But did not find a whole lot of info? Hope that I am not breaking any rules?
     
    Last edited: 2006/05/24
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  2. 2006/05/24
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    I have 3 Linux systems in my office here at home, along with Windows systems too. I use Linux for specific things, like web servers & databases. And also to experiment on.

    The price of Windows software is no reason to stop using Windows. Each operating systems have their uses and values. Windows is by far easier to setup and maintain, and more user friendly. But to us technical folk Linux can *become* easy to use w/ experience.

    If you are happy w/ Wiondows then stick with it. Best way to learn and fool with Linux is on a second computer rather than dual booting with Windows. That way there is less room for error & loss.
     
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  4. 2006/05/24
    loonychoons Lifetime Subscription

    loonychoons Inactive Thread Starter

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    TonyT:

    Thank you for your views on LINUX. Lots of food for thought. Actually we have 4 computers in a network. They were all XPs now one of my sons has been using Linux { he has the old system saved }. He needed a program to open his older spreadsheets and said that Microsoft wanted $400.00 for the program in a package "Exel I think" + Microsoft WORD! LINUX supplied both of these + tons more Free, all he needed to do was download and install. Thanks again and for now I am quite happy with my system . loonychoons


    I can fool around with his machine whenever ,as he lives in his own apartment at our Lodge's Main building at our Resort.
     
    Last edited: 2006/05/24
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  5. 2006/05/25
    ReggieB

    ReggieB Inactive Alumni

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    A big misunderstanding that I see in a lot of places, is that to run Open Source applications and get the benefits of them, you must run Linux. Most of the best Open Source software will run on Windows and Linux. A good example of this is OpenOffice, which I expect is the package your son downloaded to access the Excel files. Yes, it works well on Linux, but it works just as well on Windows.

    Personally I think it is holding back Open Source to a certain extent, which is a shame as all computer users, Windows and Linux, have a lot to gain from the current Open Source projects; as is evident from the benefits discerning web users are getting from switching to Firefox.

    I think your son will regret his aversion to Windows. I for one wouldn't want to tie myself to a particular software system. IT can move too fast to let yourself get too tied to one particular product.

    However, there is a flip side to that. I don't think you should be too tied to Windows either. It is fairly straight forward to set up a dual boot Linux/Windows system (as long as you install the Windows first). If curiosity gets the better of you, don't be afraid to have a play. I'm sure your son will be happy to show you. :D
     
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  6. 2006/05/25
    dishawjp

    dishawjp Inactive

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    I think that each OS has its value and place. At work I use SUSE Linux because we're a Novell shop and Novell owns SUSE Linux and it's great. At home I have several computers... well 4 actually, two run Linux and two run Windows. Each OS does some things very well and each has some weaknesses. The nice thing about Linux is that there are "Live CD" versions of many available that can be run on your Windows computer without risking damage to your Windows install. Or, if you have an older computer, you can download many versions of Linux for free to just try out. You may find Linux has value to you or you may decide to return to Windows. But all you've risked is a few hours of your time.

    Just my $.02

    Jim
     
    dishawjp,
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  7. 2006/05/25
    loonychoons Lifetime Subscription

    loonychoons Inactive Thread Starter

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    ReggieB & dishawjp

    Thank you both for your opinions, I think that my son may be rethinking things over ,especially since we found out that Openoffice will run on Windows. { thanks for that ReggieB } so far everyone has relatively the same opinion " take it or leave it " At least I am not as nervous now, around LINUX. Thanks again loonychoons
     
    Last edited: 2006/05/25
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  8. 2006/05/26
    ReggieB

    ReggieB Inactive Alumni

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    Absolutely. I agree.
     
    ReggieB,
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