Should I switch to Linux?

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
3
71
Mostly only use the internet for my comp uses..and the occasional school related stuff and Photoshop.
 

agnitrate

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2001
3,761
1
0
If that's all you're going to do, why bother? You wouldn't be using any of the stuff linux has an advantage in.

-silver
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
Originally posted by: agnitrate
If that's all you're going to do, why bother? You wouldn't be using any of the stuff linux has an advantage in.

-silver
 

fs5

Lifer
Jun 10, 2000
11,774
1
0
Originally posted by: agnitrate
If that's all you're going to do, why bother? You wouldn't be using any of the stuff linux has an advantage in.

-silver

worry less about viruses/windows exploits/security issues?
 

Syringer

Lifer
Aug 2, 2001
19,333
3
71
Originally posted by: fivespeed5
Originally posted by: agnitrate
If that's all you're going to do, why bother? You wouldn't be using any of the stuff linux has an advantage in.

-silver

worry less about viruses/windows exploits/security issues?

And possible speed and stability gains?
 

Sid59

Lifer
Sep 2, 2002
11,879
3
81
try out knoppix .. you run it from the cd with nothing to install. good very basic begining distro to fool with.
 

JustAnAverageGuy

Diamond Member
Aug 1, 2003
9,057
0
76
If it was a new install with a completely blank HDD, maybe.

If you already have windows on it, I don't see a point.
 

Ness

Diamond Member
Jul 10, 2002
5,407
2
0
Take one of two options:

1) Get 2 hard drives, and get one of those swappable hard drive racks. Keep your windows install, and install Linux on the other one. See how you like it, play with it, call it your friend, and if things work out, then just keep using Linux and pop in the Windows HD when you have to.

2) Build a second PC. You won't need high-powered parts as Linux doesn't need as much power. Put linux on it, use as you see fit.


Those aren't your only options, but IMHO, they are the better of the many options.

You COULD dual boot your machine, but that's often more hassle than its worth. It requires that you either have a spare partition or a spare HD anyway, and going back from a dual boot if things don't work out is usually an annoying task.
 

oniq

Banned
Feb 17, 2002
4,196
0
0
I bought my Vaio and I've been running Gentoo on it since day one. Perfect mobile workstation.
 

ghostman

Golden Member
Jul 12, 2000
1,819
1
76
Don't jump into it blindly. Try Knoppix LiveCD (but remember it's on a CD, so speed and options are limited).

I use linux quite a bit, but I still use Windows at home (mainly because I have a cheap Winmodem and dialup). If you already have a system you are happy with and you never expect to use the command prompt, I don't see much point in switching.
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
1
0
Originally posted by: oniq
Originally posted by: Ameesh
i'd say try it out and you will see why windows xp rocks.

:roll:

im dead serious.



let it be known that I, Ameesh, biggest MS fanboi on this board, challenge all of you to install linux. i dont care what distro or version.


i bet 95% of you switch back to windows after a month.
 

kalster

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2002
7,355
6
81
Originally posted by: Ameesh
Originally posted by: oniq
Originally posted by: Ameesh
i'd say try it out and you will see why windows xp rocks.

:roll:

im dead serious.



let it be known that I, Ameesh, biggest MS fanboi on this board, challenge all of you to install linux. i dont care what distro or version.


i bet 95% of you switch back to windows after a month.

I agree, i use solaris all day at work for development, for that is perfect

if you are running a decent sized network and need use your box as a nat/firewall/webserver/etc. then it makes sense.

why people install linux just to use mozilla and brag on message boards beats me
 

oniq

Banned
Feb 17, 2002
4,196
0
0
Originally posted by: Ameesh
Originally posted by: oniq
Originally posted by: Ameesh
i'd say try it out and you will see why windows xp rocks.

:roll:

im dead serious.



let it be known that I, Ameesh, biggest MS fanboi on this board, challenge all of you to install linux. i dont care what distro or version.


i bet 95% of you switch back to windows after a month.

The only reason you would switch back to Windows would be if you *need* a particular application or game that doesn't run under Linux. That is Microsoft's only strong point right now, and thats just because its been in the public eye much longer than Linux. Other than that, Windows XP doesn't have anything that anyone couldn't do under Linux. Might take a bit longer in some instances, but you'll learn a bit more about your box.
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
1
0
Originally posted by: oniq
Originally posted by: Ameesh
Originally posted by: oniq
Originally posted by: Ameesh
i'd say try it out and you will see why windows xp rocks.

:roll:

im dead serious.



let it be known that I, Ameesh, biggest MS fanboi on this board, challenge all of you to install linux. i dont care what distro or version.


i bet 95% of you switch back to windows after a month.

The only reason you would switch back to Windows would be if you *need* a particular application or game that doesn't run under Linux. That is Microsoft's only strong point right now, and thats just because its been in the public eye much longer than Linux. Other than that, Windows XP doesn't have anything that anyone couldn't do under Linux. Might take a bit longer in some instances, but you'll learn a bit more about your box.

thats a big reason, if the software someone wants to use doesnt run on linux, then linux is useless to them.
 

AFB

Lifer
Jan 10, 2004
10,718
3
0
Originally posted by: Ameesh
Originally posted by: oniq
Originally posted by: Ameesh
Originally posted by: oniq
Originally posted by: Ameesh
i'd say try it out and you will see why windows xp rocks.

:roll:

im dead serious.



let it be known that I, Ameesh, biggest MS fanboi on this board, challenge all of you to install linux. i dont care what distro or version.


i bet 95% of you switch back to windows after a month.

The only reason you would switch back to Windows would be if you *need* a particular application or game that doesn't run under Linux. That is Microsoft's only strong point right now, and thats just because its been in the public eye much longer than Linux. Other than that, Windows XP doesn't have anything that anyone couldn't do under Linux. Might take a bit longer in some instances, but you'll learn a bit more about your box.

thats a big reason, if the software someone wants to use doesnt run on linux, then linux is useless to them.

I also don't want to spend hours playing with something to get it to work.
 

timelapse

Senior member
Nov 7, 1999
401
0
0
Ameesh & oniq..... I think you guys should take this discussion to Slashdot ;)

<-- oniq's FAN! :)