Switching my PC 2 Linux?

Question

Ok I want to switch from Windows XP home to Linux. Is it worth it? I heard you can switch for free, how? Can I still run Windows programs on Linux? Best answer gets 10 points yay!

Answer 1

Depends on what you're trying to get out of your computer. If you want free and legal office suite software, there are numerous ones like Open Office (also available for Windows) and KOffice. Other than being productive with free software, there's not much support by game developers. New games still get developed for Windows first, then maybe Mac, then there's 3rd party companies that create compatiblity to allow windows games to run on linux ... at a price.

You can try Ubuntu linux which seems to be very popular right now and very easy to use. The major linux distributions e.g. "flavors" that combines linux and a whole bunch of free applications allow you to install linux without erasing windows. So windows and linux can co-exist on the same PC. You'll need to reboot to switch from windows to linux and vice versa.

Checkout distrowatch.com to find all the popular linux distributions and their download links.

You can run Windows applications on linux in several ways.

1) get CrossOver Office. It creates a compatibility layer between windows application and the linux operating system. Not all windows applications are supported but you can go to CodeWeavers which develope CrossOver Office to find out which windows applications are supported currently.

2) Use a tool like VMware. VMware simulates another computer on the current running operating system. So you can have windows run within VMware which run on linux or you can have linux run within VMware on windows.

3) Cheapest option, dual boot windows and linux. Both Windows and Linux are installed on different partitions on the same hard drive. When you boot up the PC, you'll get a menu to choose to boot to windows or linux.

Answer 2

It's stupdily easy.

If you know how to install windows, you'll now how to install Linux.
Try an easy distro like the Ubuntu series, or PuppyLinux, or PCLinux OS.

Ubuntu is really easy to install, it detects your allready installed windows, and loads it up at boot time as an option, so you can boot whichever you want.

Things to keep in mind. Linux uses a swap partition which should be double your ram size so make one when you use the linux partitioner the filesystem is linux swap. Also make the linux partition ext 3 and primary, set the mount point to / (yes just a slash) and wait

The installer will ask you normal questions like keyboard type, timezone, clocksettings...etc.

Then you have the forums for more support people are friendly and will help you.
Easy

If you have a multiboot system, you can easyilly boot up windows and use the programs. If not, you can use the WINE emulating layer, which will run some key windows programs (photoshop, office...etc) and some games. But there are alternatives to windows programs, so you'll probably manage without it.

Answer 3

Worth it for your average home user? No.
As a person who has used Linux for the past 6 or so years honestly unless you are ready to be frustrated for a few weeks as you get used to it don't bother, you'll just have a bad experience.

Switching for free? Yes.
I haven't run across a single Linux distribution that wasn't free as in money. If you do feel the need to switch over try starting out with either Ubuntu - http://www.ubuntu.com or Fedora Core http://fedora.redhat.com .

Windows programs? Yes and no.
Some programs are released with a Linux version, but for the most part aren't. There are some projects out there such as the WINE project - http://www.winehq.com/ , Cedega (which is based off of WINE) - http://www.transgaming.com/ , and Crossover Office - http://www.codeweavers.com/ are probably the most mature and well known projects out there that will allow you to run some but not all Windows versions of software on Linux.

Answer 4

Linux is 100% free...if you get the right one...I have tried PCLinuxOS and Ubuntu...they are pretty good. I never quite got the hang of Linux though (especially installing things), but I probably just didn't spend enough time trying to learn it. You can run most Windows programs on Linux with Wine emulator. Check it out!

Answer 5

Yes, Linux is free, but it comes with a price. Kiss your Windows software and ease of use good-bye. I mean, you won't get viruses, of course, but you will rip your hair out trying to figure out Linux. The best thing you could possibly do if you want to free yourself from the shackles of Windows is to buy a Macintosh. You'll have a safe and Unix-based platform, like Linux, but with the ease of a Macintosh. Also, you can run Windows on a Mac. So, if you want to play PC games, you can. You can do everything else on the Mac side and avoid all the pain of viruses and spyware.

Answer 6

hummm... interesting question well for one linux runs differently and the thats about it and BTW how in the world are u gonna find Linux in a store as if i say if you are using your computer for home purpose then stick with XP but for programing and stuff then Linux =P


P.S. Linux costs a lot!!!

Answer 7

A KVM change works in basic terms advantageous. I even have abode windows and Linux on the same pc. in case you do no longer % the two on the same time, and your HD is considerable adequate, it somewhat is elementary to do it that way additionally. you in basic terms might desire to get a partitioning software so which you will "decrease" the winning partitions, leaving room to characteristic the Linux. once you upload Linux,(maximum variations), it is going to "see" the abode windows and including your approval set up a "twin-boot" gadget, imparting you with the two on one gadget.