Windows XP Pro or Linux??

[jlr20]

I?m currently running Windows XP Pro on my computer. It seems that I always have to do a system restore or a clean install. So, I am fed up with windows and I don?t want to spend money on a new Mac (I hear they run a lot better). So is Linux worth the switch? Will it have compatibility problems with my games (Medal of Honor etc?) and Microsoft Office XP? What do you all think?? Thanks!!!

 

[drag]

Sorry Office Xp is out of the question. You can use Start Office which is Suns office product and can be had at a extremely resonable price or you can get Openoffice.org's product which is the open source spinoff. Both are compatable with MS's propriatory formats. It has direct equivilents to all of MS's office programs provide by the suite. They are designed to feel like the MS versions and have very similar interfaces.

Unfortunatly for games is linux's sticking point. There are a lot of open source projects that are very entertaining, However for mainstream commercial stuff it is limited. Basicly anything from id software has compatable linux version. I play quake3 mods quite often. UT2003 also has a linux version, and from what I understand so will Doom3.

You can go to www.transgaming.org and get a program that will provide windows binary compatability and they will have a list and forums discussing getting windows games to run under linux. Allied assult version if medal of honor works well under linux/wineX, however the Spearhead doesn't.

Most hardcore gamers that run linux will simply have a win98 or w2k partition on their hd and play using that. Games that are compatable with linux generally run as well as the windows counterparts, but you do tend to take a hit in performance with some games while using wineX.

 

[Spyro]

Dump Office XP and switch to open office. And, as drag said, although some games have linux ports, you would probably need to use transgaming's winex to get yours to work. You may have to take a performance hit, but if your computer is pretty good, you probably won't notice anything. If you want to just dip your toes into the water, then there are some linux distros that can be run on a windows partition that you could try. If you don't like it then all you have to do is delete the files of your hard drive.

In my experience, linux is definitely worth the switch. If you print out the right docs and remeber that google is your firend (along with AT's resident *nix zealots) then you'll never really run any any particular problem using linux. Although games is currently Linux's weak point, things have improved extremely rapidly and Winex is usuallly able to deliver pretty well for most games, and this will only improve when winex version 3 is finalized and shipped. And besides the commercial games that are available for free and usually ship with most linux distrobutions.

 

[jlr20]

Thanks for the info, all I really want is a computer that does everything I need and never has any problems. But I guess that will never happen. For now I will just deal with Windows. Thanks!

 

[Spyro]

Thanks for the info, all I really want is a computer that does everything I need and never has any problems.

Mine does.......

 

[jlr20]

Hay, what kind of OS is Debian Sid? I have never heard of it before, how well does it run, and hows the compatability issue?

 

[Nothinman]

Thanks for the info, all I really want is a computer that does everything I need and never has any problems.

Mine does......

Mine too.

Debian is a version of Linux. Running Linux is a compromise, mostly in the gaming department. You can't run any Windows apps without jumping through hoops (and even then a lot don't work 100%) so you have to decide it's worth your time to find alternatives to things like Office, I personally think the Linux equivalents of most Win32 apps are better quality but that may be just me. I've had the same Linux install for over 4 years, sure I've had issues but nothing that I couldn't fix.

 

[Spyro]

I personally think the Linux equivalents of most Win32 apps are better quality but that may be just me

After I swicthed to Debian I decided to embark on a mission to "convert" as many of my family members as possible to linux. Long story short, my computer is still the only linux box in the house, but all of the computers are running open office and everybody says that it works better and has more features than MS office does. And my siblings actually seem to like playing linux games more than they like windows games. I've even managed to teach them the multifold joys of ADOM, NetHack, etc. And all this using a single debian box........

I for one think the Linux desktop is now pretty much ready for prime time. Using the debian manual and a few 'net articles anyone can set up a shiny, new debian box. One of the best things about debian is that once its set its set. I tinker with my computer all of the time and except for getting burned once as a result of fooling around with apt-get dist-upgrade, I've never had anything break on me. Its also really neat to have all the resources a programmer could possibly need, without having to invest hundreds of bucks in MS or anyone else's developer enviroment.

The only thing that my windows 98 partition is used for is the occasional game of Age of Empires 2, and when I finally get around to getting my winex registration I won't even need that.

 

[orion7144]

What kind of computer are you using. It makes a difference. I have not had to do anything to my XP install for over 8 months. But before when I was using an AMD box with a VIA chipset I was constantly do the same as you describe.

I tried Mandrake and it was just too darn SLOW.. compared to XP. I recommend that if you are very proficient with XP and have no exp. with unix than don't do it on your main computer.. I am still giving unix a chance on one of my other pc's.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: orion7144
What kind of computer are you using. It makes a difference. I have not had to do anything to my XP install for over 8 months. But before when I was using an AMD box with a VIA chipset I was constantly do the same as you describe.

I tried Mandrake and it was just too darn SLOW.. compared to XP. I recommend that if you are very proficient with XP and have no exp. with unix than don't do it on your main computer.. I am still giving unix a chance on one of my other pc's.

I am running 2 Linux + AMD comps with VIA chipsets (KT266a, KT133a) and they are both extremely stable (they both run 24/7, one running a (Windows-only) game server, and the other hosting a personal website).

Yes, Linux is a little slower in some areas (eg: boot-up time, but since I don't have to reboot often ...) and has a higher learning curve with less compatibility with retail apps/games. It also has a huge variety of free applications included with most distros: 3-4 desktop managers, 3-4 Internet browsers (ALL better than IE), 2-3 mail and news programs, etc, etc. Also, you can install the same OS on as many comps as you wish without additional licen$e$.

Of course virus scanners tend to slow Windows down, and reinstalling Windows means reinstalling ALL apps (thanks to the registry). Changing certain settings (network), installing new drivers (graphics), and installing patches requires a reboot.

Download Linux for free, try it, and if you don't like it you can just delete it without spending a dime. I recommend Mandrake for newbies, but there are many other distros available at LinuxISrg.

 

[Spyro]

I get tired of hearing how hard Linux is to install. Unless you have completely wierd hardware, then most if not all Linux distros would run on it. As for slowness, I've never really had any speed issues (especially in comparison to XP), but the main thing that slows down both mandrake and red hat is an extremely bloated window manager. May I recommend knoppix as a great newbie operating system and it would allow you to try linux out before you do anything drastic like partitioning.

 

[orion7144]

Originally posted by: Spyro
I get tired of hearing how hard Linux is to install. Unless you have completely wierd hardware, then most if not all Linux distros would run on it. As for slowness, I've never really had any speed issues (especially in comparison to XP), but the main thing that slows down both mandrake and red hat is an extremely bloated window manager. May I recommend knoppix as a great newbie operating system and it would allow you to try linux out before you do anything drastic like partitioning.

I had no trouble installing Mandrake it was just the utter slowness that is making me mad. The time it takes to open anything is pitifull. However if you had read my ENTIRE post you would have seen that I am still trying it out. I did not just install it and say that it stinks. XP on the say machine I click it opens without any hesitation. On the other hand I click in Mandrake and 45sec later it opens. And that is just a file manager. I will try knoppix as you recommend since this box is just used for testing.

 

[drag]

Ya those graphical file managers are a beast, plus they are not even that usefull. I personally (I know this is a bit played out) use command line, because using 8 fingers and a thumb is a bit quiter for me, then dragging that little plastic thingie all over my desktop hunten' and pecken' for files and options. Although the kde konquerer is pretty nice, I personally like that much more then the nautiliss stuff. The preview being used as the icon is pretty nice stuff, especially if you do a lot of graphical work I think.

 

[HarryAngel]

I say try dualboot.

 

[Spyro]

Originally posted by: orion7144

Originally posted by: Spyro
I get tired of hearing how hard Linux is to install. Unless you have completely wierd hardware, then most if not all Linux distros would run on it. As for slowness, I've never really had any speed issues (especially in comparison to XP), but the main thing that slows down both mandrake and red hat is an extremely bloated window manager. May I recommend knoppix as a great newbie operating system and it would allow you to try linux out before you do anything drastic like partitioning.

I had no trouble installing Mandrake it was just the utter slowness that is making me mad. The time it takes to open anything is pitifull. However if you had read my ENTIRE post you would have seen that I am still trying it out. I did not just install it and say that it stinks. XP on the say machine I click it opens without any hesitation. On the other hand I click in Mandrake and 45sec later it opens. And that is just a file manager. I will try knoppix as you recommend since this box is just used for testing.

Well, actually I did read your entire post, but.... errrrr...... something didn't quite register with me. Seriously though, mandrake and red hat are the XPs of the linux world (this happened only recently with mandrake) when mandrake hit version 9.0 I just switched to debian. And not only is it faster, its also easier to maintain and the packages are pretty high quality, I haven't found anything in debian that wouldn't run immediately after installing. Since knoppix is based on debian you get to have the usability of a consumer OS and debian's power, without sacrificing your sanity.

And 45 seconds for a file manager is just plain insane. Before I start recommending mandrake for newbies, though, may I ask what kind of system this is. I would hope that it wasn't one of the Athlon XPs.....

 

[orion7144]

It was a P4. But now it is on an Athon XP and is even slower. I will try the one's that you recommend and see how that goes.

Originally posted by: Spyro

Originally posted by: orion7144

Originally posted by: Spyro
I get tired of hearing how hard Linux is to install. Unless you have completely wierd hardware, then most if not all Linux distros would run on it. As for slowness, I've never really had any speed issues (especially in comparison to XP), but the main thing that slows down both mandrake and red hat is an extremely bloated window manager. May I recommend knoppix as a great newbie operating system and it would allow you to try linux out before you do anything drastic like partitioning.

I had no trouble installing Mandrake it was just the utter slowness that is making me mad. The time it takes to open anything is pitifull. However if you had read my ENTIRE post you would have seen that I am still trying it out. I did not just install it and say that it stinks. XP on the say machine I click it opens without any hesitation. On the other hand I click in Mandrake and 45sec later it opens. And that is just a file manager. I will try knoppix as you recommend since this box is just used for testing.

Well, actually I did read your entire post, but.... errrrr...... something didn't quite register with me. Seriously though, mandrake and red hat are the XPs of the linux world (this happened only recently with mandrake) when mandrake hit version 9.0 I just switched to debian. And not only is it faster, its also easier to maintain and the packages are pretty high quality, I haven't found anything in debian that wouldn't run immediately after installing. Since knoppix is based on debian you get to have the usability of a consumer OS and debian's power, without sacrificing your sanity.

And 45 seconds for a file manager is just plain insane. Before I start recommending mandrake for newbies, though, may I ask what kind of system this is. I would hope that it wasn't one of the Athlon XPs.....

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: drag
Sorry Office Xp is out of the question. You can use Start Office which is Suns office product and can be had at a extremely resonable price or you can get Openoffice.org's product which is the open source spinoff. Both are compatable with MS's propriatory formats. It has direct equivilents to all of MS's office programs provide by the suite. They are designed to feel like the MS versions and have very similar interfaces.

Unfortunatly for games is linux's sticking point. There are a lot of open source projects that are very entertaining, However for mainstream commercial stuff it is limited. Basicly anything from id software has compatable linux version. I play quake3 mods quite often. UT2003 also has a linux version, and from what I understand so will Doom3.

You can go to www.transgaming.org and get a program that will provide windows binary compatability and they will have a list and forums discussing getting windows games to run under linux. Allied assult version if medal of honor works well under linux/wineX, however the Spearhead doesn't.

Most hardcore gamers that run linux will simply have a win98 or w2k partition on their hd and play using that. Games that are compatable with linux generally run as well as the windows counterparts, but you do tend to take a hit in performance with some games while using wineX.

That right there is one of the big reasons I've not gone to Linux yet. (that, and I have no clue how to update drivers in Linux)
It would be nice to see more games getting ported to Linux; as if there aren't have enough directions to port games to - PC, Xbox, PS2, Gamecube....:Q

 

[Nothinman]

It would be nice to see more games getting ported to Linux; as if there aren't have enough directions to port games to - PC, Xbox, PS2, Gamecube....

Well if companies would start using standards like OpenGL instead of DirectX porting would be much easier, that's one of the reasons nearly all of iD's games run on Mac OS and Linux right away.

 

[Flatline]

Agreed. It would also be nice if hardware companies released linux drivers along with their windows drivers (one of the things that I actually have to applaud nVidia for).

Jeff7, as far as updating drivers in linux, it usually just isn't necessary; once it works, it works.

 

[jlr20]

My system includes:

Athlon xp 2200 on a Shuttle AK35GT2
384 ddr 2100 , 30g 7200 hd
Radeon 64mb ddr, Sound Blaster pci 512

I have been using Windows for just about ever, from win 3.11 to XP Pro. I consider myself an advance user of the Win OS. So as any one else that knows windows well will know that it can and will be a pain in the ass. From conflicts in programs to hardware and windows it?s self. Knowing that I don?t want to fork out the money for a mac I liked the idea of changing os to Linux. My main concern is that Linux won?t let me do everything that windows does. Such things would be: burning music, using Quicken, working with my digital camera, gaming, internet, and networking with my lap which uses XP Home.

So I guess what I really am asking is should I just deal with windows or make the switch to Linux. If I make the switch to Linux should I try Debian, Mandrake or knoppix?

 

[Haden]

First you should try Knoppix: no install, ~80 seconds and you got Linux booted from cd. Now *if* you like what you see (apps, drivers..)
[it will be slower however, you are running from cd] I suggest you to try Debian (not only because Knoppix is based on it).
You'll probably like Linux way, it's better than windows on kernel ground, but don't expect it to be dream desktop os (speaking of full package).
Don't take me wrong way, but except from learning *nix I really can't see why you should switch (based on what things you are going to do) : dual boot is another thing.
Back on topic, most of stuff you mentioned should work, more or less, I'm not sure about digital camera thought.

 

[Nothinman]

Such things would be: burning music, using Quicken, working with my digital camera, gaming, internet, and networking with my lap which uses XP Home.

The only things that might not work would be quicken (GNUCash may or may not be a good replacement for you) and games since most are made for Windows. You might have luck with wine or winex, but it's usually better to just find native versions of the program.

 

[elzmaddy]

Would you recommend Open Office for someone who already has Office XP?

I can't really think of any probs I've had with Office XP other than occasional crashes and the slow startup of Word and Excel.

 

[jlr20]

thanks for all the help guys, after hearing all you had to say i think i will just stick with windows. Once again thanks!!

 

[Spyro]

You might have luck with wine or winex, but it's usually better to just find native versions of the program.

WINE uses luck, in my experience winex usually works if the game has a four star rating or more on transgamings web site.