Well, I'll Ask You Guys..

[lordkenmore]

<span>"Linux is fine for people who have the technical ability to use it. But sad to say most people who use a PC don't have the technical ability or the patience!" </span>

<span>Linux is not necessarily any harder to use than Windows. At least, assuming a reasonably user friendly Linux distro AND a willingness for the user to learn to do things in a new way. The user's willingness to learn is critical. Ironically, people who have NO computer experience may actually have an easier time of it. While they have a sharp learning curve, they at least have no preconceived notions that "it MUST be done this way because that's the way it's done in Windows!" </span>

<span>Installation can still be a problem, although a lot depends on the hardware. I've run Linux on 2 different systems--both low end computers designed for Windows. Both had challenging moments. Other systems, however, will happily take pretty much any Linux distro thrown at it with no complaints. It's worth noting that even Windows installations can be a nightmare. There may be many drivers that are not included on the Windows install disk. And I have seen stuff that worked under one version of Windows break under a new one. One machine, for example, lost the ability to power itself off going from Windows 98 to XP. </span>

<span>Another problem: support for certain multi-media formats is often crippled. This is not a fault of Linux as it is patent laws--a lot of Linux distros are designed to be fully and freely distributable throughout the world. So they purposely avoid including support for DVD movie playback, MP3, etc. This stuff is easy to add--a fast Google search will give instructions. I believe Ubuntu now makes it very easy to add restricted media support. Or one can select a distro that is not shipped stripped down (Linux Mint for example.)</span>

 

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[lordkenmore]

<span>Puppy Linux definitely can breath new life into slower systems--both older systems, and also things like slow netbooks. One advantage is that if the system has enough memory, all software will get loaded, and run from memory. And it seems to be made to be easy for people who don't know Linux.</span>

 

<span>The only problem with Puppy is that the security model is a little questionable. It runs (at least the last I heard...) in root (Adminstrator in Windows-speak) mode at all times. Thus the system can, in theory, be more easily compromised than systems running other Linux distros, which use a system where a user has his or her own account, and cannot make any system wide changes. That said, I'd trust Puppy long before I trusted Windows. Furthermore, as some have pointed out, malware that sneaks in and "only" destroys your personal user account in a conventional distro is already capable of doing one of the worst things possible for normal home users. An OS install is easy; replacing data might not be so easy (particularly for those who get behind in making backups!).</span>

 

 

[lordkenmore]

<span>"From what I have seen from repairing PC's for people most people don't use their systems for much more than anything else than e-mail and web browsing."</span>

 

<span>This, from what I've seen, is very true.</span>

 

<span>A few years back, I had one computer setup with  no Internet connection. Someone who knew this was puzzled when she saw me using it. "I thought you said this wasn't connected to the Internet!" True enough--but there are lots of other things one might do, from crunching numbers, graphics work, etc, etc, etc.</span>

 

<span>I have seen used computers that come my way with apparently the original OS in place. Usually, I'll play a bit with the system as it comes--it's a chance to see software I might not ever see or use otherwise--before erasing the hard drive. What amazes me is how many people make no attempt to delete files before discarding the computer, and yet leave almost nothing behind.</span>

 

[coldspot]

if you a good pc then get a eee box by asus. i got one and love got it when they first came out. There under 300.00

 

[mattl]

The latest versions of Linux are pretty foolproof, pretty much plug and play.  They are setup usually with Firefox and a decent email client and I would have no issue using them for that.  Many even have photo editing software such as Gimp installed.  Gimp is VERY powerful and rivals photoshop in functionality and it's free.  The setup will ask about your monitor and will generally find your network connection easily.  If it's wireless it may be a bit more difficult, but not overly so.  Puppy is very friendly, Ubuntu is more inclusive and very full functioned.  All are FREE.

 

If you can run Linux from a usb drive you'll have full functionality and speed.  Try it, you have nothing to loose.

 

[gizmo]

I have used Linux Mint for about 3 years now. I find it much easier than windows.

My computer is a Dell Dimension 2400 with 40Gb HDD and 1.5 Gb ram. I love Linux Mint, currently using Mint 9 XFCE. Anyone who thinks Linux is for techxperts and repairers hasn't had a play with Mint.

I get computers and parts from computer recyclers - one in particular is a disability employment service, they dismantle older computers for recycling. I get ram sticks for usually $2 to $5 for a handful - though I have to sort through boxes of them to find the few that are worth the bother - 1Gb DDRs are like hens teeth, occasional 512 Mb, dozens of 256 Mb.

Find out from your local recycling service or rubbish dump where the old computers are sent for dismantling - then show up there.

Chris