-If you have a specific reason that you need Linux, yes, otherwise no.
-I'm no help here. Wait for someone else to make a recommendation if necessary.
-You could look into virtualization using vmware, but that may not be the best option depending on what you need Linux for. That's more appropriate for using multiple OS's simultaneously.
-If you have a specific reason that you need Linux, yes, otherwise no.
What he said.
-Fedora or Ubuntu are both relatively user friendly and good for beginners.
-Google it, there's a zillion tutorials. out there. I haven't done it yet (probably will on my lap top when I go to school next year.) but my friends have and it only requires a reasonable amount of computer literacy.
-If you have a specific reason that you need Linux, yes, otherwise no.
Windows just won't work on my computer. =(
Ubuntu seems to be the trendy Linux distro lately, I've been using it for months and I'm relatively pleased with it. Just make sure you download the correct version for your processor (I have a 64-bit processor).
You can download the latest version of Ubuntu, which is 8.04, or request a free CD of it to be sent to you and boot it straight off the CD to see how it works without even installing it.
I think Linux is good for dual booting, if only that it'll give you some real experience in al alternative operating system, plus it's handy if your windows partition goes tits up (although a Live CD can also, but that undermines me trying to convince you, so ignore this).
I'd recommend either Ubuntu, Fedora or OpenSuse. Don't try those ones that are aimed at windows switchers like Lindows (Now called Linspire). All they are is meh-ish linux distros with meh-ish custom themes and sometimes Wine pre-installed.
As for installing, well the Ubuntu liveCD comes with GPart which allows you to resize an NTFS partition, I'd recommend at least 15Gb for linux. While you're in GParted create two partitons. One 14Gb partition for linux proper with the ext3 file system (assuming you're using 15Gb) and 1Gb for the linux swap in Linux Swap file system.
As for using it, well ubuntu is pretty easy to use anyway, but first things first, update the OS, most modern linuxes do that from the menu. Then, if you're a windows switcher, I'd recommend checking out WINE.
Oh, btw: If you choose either Fedora or OpenSUSE, choose the GNOME graphical system, not KDE. KDE sucks balls.
Nobody NEEDS Linux (except Hamelin of course; weep for him). As has been mentioned before, if you have no reason to use Linux, then don't. It's a great OS, but mostly exists as an alternative to Windows. If enough things about Windows annoy you, maybe you could consider a dual-boot solution, but switching OSes is a massive undertaking, and not a decision to be made lightly. I would definitely burn a live CD to test the waters before making any decisions.
Well, having used Ubuntu for almost half a year now, I have to say I love it way more than Windows. Things about Ubuntu just don't piss me off like Windows did.
Oh come now. You can't say that Linux is totally better than Windows, if only it could run Windows stuff. Clearly you still have a need and dependency on Windows if you need to run its executables. I have to wonder what percentage of average Windows users could seriously quit Windows cold turkey for Linux.
We shall do an experiment then! Get three members of the forum to go without windows for a week by installing linux onto a USB hard drive. See how long it is before they need a windows app!
Oh come now. You can't say that Linux is totally better than Windows, if only it could run Windows stuff. Clearly you still have a need and dependency on Windows if you need to run its executables. I have to wonder what percentage of average Windows users could seriously quit Windows cold turkey for Linux.
Games. Everything else I've found alternatives for.
Sure, I could play Warsow some more, and Ur-Quan masters works along with most emulators, but I bloody would like to be able to play games on my well-running OS.
I hate having to boot up my huge, battery-less laptop to play games on. My computer is much better.
Besides, back when I was dual-booting, I only used Windows to play games on anyway. Despite compatibility failings, Linux just runs better during normal use.
I'm not trying to say that Linux is inferior to Windows. But compatibility issues are the reason that Linux will probably never catch on as a consumer-level desktop operating system replacement for Windows. Well, that and the snail's pace of open source software development. And crappy GUIs.
If market share increases enough, companies that actually sell stuff will start developing for linux. Big-name games come out for Macs now and they have what, 10% market share at most.
Yes, but how does market share increase before big-name software gets released for Linux? "Zlamzambo asking about what the deal is with Linux" is not a satisfactory response.
Mac OS X and Linux may share similar market share, but their situations couldn't really be any different. Linux never established itself as an operating system for creative-types or educational markets, and there aren't any large-scale Linux developers that also design the hardware. But the biggest difference with Linux is the vast number of distros. If Zlamzambo was asking about what the deal was with Mac OS X, it's a trivial matter to state that there is one version of Mac OS X, but Linux has multiple versions, many of which don't play nice with each other, and there aren't any good resources online for sifting through the differences. A user has to pick one that they think suits their needs, try it, and move on to something else if it's unsatisfactory.
I hate to sound like a Linux-hater, I'm really not. Linux has made amazing strides into the server market, and their operating system is perfectly suited for that environment, with its long uptimes and often small footprint. I just don't feel that it's desktop-class yet. Hopefully it'll get there someday, but as a desktop user, I don't feel like waiting around to see what could be eventually.
Hey! I'm posting from a computer running Ubuntu. So far this OS seams very good, I've yet to mess around with WINE or other programs. The Desktop looks nice and the computer is running better than when I had XP running (started getting blue screens, DARN YOU WINDOWS!). I'm going to look at what some of the programs are in Add/Remove programs and download some. This computer is sort of old so I haven't used any effects or stuff like that. I'll keep you posted as I check out some more things.
Comments
-I'm no help here. Wait for someone else to make a recommendation if necessary.
-You could look into virtualization using vmware, but that may not be the best option depending on what you need Linux for. That's more appropriate for using multiple OS's simultaneously.
What he said.
-Fedora or Ubuntu are both relatively user friendly and good for beginners.
-Google it, there's a zillion tutorials. out there. I haven't done it yet (probably will on my lap top when I go to school next year.) but my friends have and it only requires a reasonable amount of computer literacy.
A strong liking of penguins.
Okay, I'll go back into my little corner now...
Ubuntu seems to be the trendy Linux distro lately, I've been using it for months and I'm relatively pleased with it. Just make sure you download the correct version for your processor (I have a 64-bit processor).
You can download the latest version of Ubuntu, which is 8.04, or request a free CD of it to be sent to you and boot it straight off the CD to see how it works without even installing it.
I'd recommend either Ubuntu, Fedora or OpenSuse. Don't try those ones that are aimed at windows switchers like Lindows (Now called Linspire). All they are is meh-ish linux distros with meh-ish custom themes and sometimes Wine pre-installed.
As for installing, well the Ubuntu liveCD comes with GPart which allows you to resize an NTFS partition, I'd recommend at least 15Gb for linux. While you're in GParted create two partitons. One 14Gb partition for linux proper with the ext3 file system (assuming you're using 15Gb) and 1Gb for the linux swap in Linux Swap file system.
As for using it, well ubuntu is pretty easy to use anyway, but first things first, update the OS, most modern linuxes do that from the menu. Then, if you're a windows switcher, I'd recommend checking out WINE.
Oh, btw: If you choose either Fedora or OpenSUSE, choose the GNOME graphical system, not KDE. KDE sucks balls.
If only Wine worked a lot better...
Sure, I could play Warsow some more, and Ur-Quan masters works along with most emulators, but I bloody would like to be able to play games on my well-running OS.
I hate having to boot up my huge, battery-less laptop to play games on. My computer is much better.
Besides, back when I was dual-booting, I only used Windows to play games on anyway. Despite compatibility failings, Linux just runs better during normal use.
Tux is cool though.
If market share increases enough, companies that actually sell stuff will start developing for linux. Big-name games come out for Macs now and they have what, 10% market share at most.
Mac OS X and Linux may share similar market share, but their situations couldn't really be any different. Linux never established itself as an operating system for creative-types or educational markets, and there aren't any large-scale Linux developers that also design the hardware. But the biggest difference with Linux is the vast number of distros. If Zlamzambo was asking about what the deal was with Mac OS X, it's a trivial matter to state that there is one version of Mac OS X, but Linux has multiple versions, many of which don't play nice with each other, and there aren't any good resources online for sifting through the differences. A user has to pick one that they think suits their needs, try it, and move on to something else if it's unsatisfactory.
I hate to sound like a Linux-hater, I'm really not. Linux has made amazing strides into the server market, and their operating system is perfectly suited for that environment, with its long uptimes and often small footprint. I just don't feel that it's desktop-class yet. Hopefully it'll get there someday, but as a desktop user, I don't feel like waiting around to see what could be eventually.
P.S. The GLmatrix Screen Saver is awesome xD
I loved the bouncing cow...
*Checks Screensaver Preferences* Wait a minute, it's still there. What'chu talkin' 'bout, Night Lord?