Thinking of trying Linux

[Zalen]

Currently using Win98 and been thinking of trying Linux. I saw a "Linux for windows" at a store and it looked good from a newbie standpoint. What I want to know is what can I do with it? I surf the net, use Agent and play games( Tachyon, Baldurs Gate, Air Warrior 3 and UNO). Will Linux let me be able to do this? These are just the programs I use the most.

 

[BCYL]

That Linux for Windows thing installs Linux on your Windows like an application... so I guess in a way it is not true Linux environment, since underneath you are still running Windows...

If you really want to try out Linux, you should really consider installing a distribution and play around with it a bit... You should be able to do your web surfing fine, but Linux is not too good with your games...

Another option is to dual-boot Linux and Windows... but that's another topic...

 

[monckywrench]

If you want to try Linux I recommend using removable hard drive racks rather than dual-booting. They are cheap (about 20 bucks) and convenient. Small hard drives are inexpensive enough that there is no reason to share one. See linuxnewbie.org for beaucoup useful info.

 

[Rogue]

Find yourself a cheap computer somewhere or one that someone is getting rid of for cheap. The power of Linux is the command line anyway, so you shouldn't need a powerful computer to break into Linux and learn some stuff.

 

[andri]

One point more: Linux won't run any Windows programs. Have you seen a Macintosh running Windows apps? 😉

 

[Bakwetu]

I'm running Winlinux 2000, which installs and deinstalls as a regular windows program. It needs a partition of its own, but that partition doesn't has to be reformatted Winlinux 200 I haven't had time to play around with it that much yet, but it is a good start before going into a "real" distro.

 

[thirdkind]

<< One point more: Linux won't run any Windows programs. Have you seen a Macintosh running Windows apps? >>



You've obviously never heard of VMware. It emulates not just an OS, but an entire PC, so that you can actually install Windows inside of Linux, and then run essential Windows programs through that.

There's a performance hit, of course, but if you have a Windows app that you absolutely can't live without, it's an option.

Also, Pogo Linux is giving away free Linux CDs (even free shipping). I'd suggest Mandrake 7.1 from what they have available.

 

[andri]

VMware is a different story. I wanted to say that it doesn't run Windows crap as native programs (as most newbies think).

 

[Zalen]

Thanks for all the info. I know its best to run linux a system of its own, but I just cant afford anouther system. There is no way I am giving up windows. Yes, it has problems but when the next game/app comes out , I know it will work on my system. I was just thinking of trying linux to see for myself how good/bad it is and what it can do for me.

 

[jello]

I would definatly recommend dual-booting with a major distro. The WinLinux thing is just kinda poopie IMHO. As long as you install the linux stuff second, the booting will be fine. Mandrake 7.1 would be my first recommendation, it's a got a nice clean installer and enough stuff packed in to be usable right away (and actually has TONS of crap if you buy the $50 6 cd setup).

 

[hans007]

you aren't gonna get those games or agent to run in linux , unless wine will let you and it'd still probably be slow. YOu could probably get a pretty good newsreader to replace agent, but not the games. probably you'd have to dualboot

 

[Horsepower]

Hope you have better luck than I did. I have a hundred dollar dustpile here (RH5.2 and Suse6.4). Two times learned I am not a programmer.