This is for someone not very skilled on computers, and would have to offer support. I for one am sick of Microsoft, its ineffeciency and its bullying ways. What do the rest of you think?
2007-01-07 01:24:34 · 10 answers · asked by tagette 5 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Aside from windows you could buy a mac, this would require a new computer though.
The only alternatives to windows on a PC would be a linux distribution, the free ones have little or no technical support and you'd have to rely on forums and websearch. If you have a wireless connection or a USB modem this would probably be the hardest thing to set up if you use an ethernet connection you should have no problems. I think ubuntu offer support or you can pay for mandriva, red hat or suse. there is also linspire which is designed for beginners.
The income for linux companies is usually purely from subscription charges for support and they support businesses so I suspect they would be quite good.
The advantage of linux is there is usually always a free version even if a company is charging for some package and it gives the basic software you need from when it is installed. The downside is some hardware can be hard to set up and multimedia codecs are not usually supplied as standard (but are usually easy to get) on the plus side any hardware that is supported usually just works.
If you want to try linux without installing you can get live cds that you boot from. This would not affect your current windows installation. Suse, ubuntu, Knoppix and I think mandriva offer this. You can try it out but tends to be slower as it runs from the CD/DVD
2007-01-07 02:28:16 · answer #1 · answered by Gordon B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only other decent Windows alternative that i've ever heard of (unless you want to fork out for an imac ;-) ) is Linux.
there are lots of different versions of Linux, and it's essentially freeware, but i'm not sure that it would be appropriate for someone who's not very skilled on computers.
for starters, you need to pick the version that will support your computer's hardware.
if you really want to take the Linux route - and many people would agree that it's far superior to Windows - then i'd recommend visting a few different forums (try www.linuxquestions.org), posting your existing PC architecture (look in your PC manual, unless you built your own system ;-) ) and asking them if anyone can recommend the most compatible verion of Linux.
if you're successful, and somebody gives you a decent response, you'd probably be best trying to get hold of a Linux manual that covers the suggested version (many books are available that come with a CD containing a free version of Linux) so that you can learn how to install it, etc.
be aware though, that you're going to have to be patient and willing to learn a little bit about computers if wish to move over to Linux.
you hear loads of people moaning about Microsoft, but Bill Gates isn't the richest man in the world for nothng. whether you love love him or loathe him, he has a stranglehold on the market, and for one reason or another Windows is readily available, and you don't need to know much to use it.
2007-01-07 09:45:34 · answer #2 · answered by Matthew R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly the major alternatives require some skill with computers. There's fantastic stuff in the many variations of Linux, OpenOffice, and the rest of the open source movement. But whatever people say you're going to have to become something of a geek to keep it running well and stably. And you will always have file compatibility problems with MS users. I exchange Excel files with an OpenOffice user, and some things do come out looking strange.
Macs have a tight, well proven and very easy to learn operating system, but you'd need a mac.
2007-01-07 09:29:02 · answer #3 · answered by wild_eep 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"A Mac OS would be very costly."
Not true at all, new Macs start at £399. Mac OS has been designed from the ground up with inexperienced users in mind, so it's an excellent choice, not least because almost every application most users are likely to need are provided preinstalled (full versions). Many inexperienced people use Mac OS for several years without needing support or assistance.
2007-01-07 09:42:55 · answer #4 · answered by Captain Flaps 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the inexperienced user, Windows should be used. I know how much people hate it, but it's the most newbie-friendly.
A Mac OS would be very costly.
And Linux would be just to hard to use for the inexperienced.
2007-01-07 09:29:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think unless you buy a Mac, you're at microsoft's mercy.
The other alternative is Linux, but as has been said, there's a learning curve and may not work for you depending on what you want to run.
2007-01-07 09:34:53 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Linux
2007-01-07 09:34:40 · answer #7 · answered by ArskElvis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd go with Ubuntu too. Generally easy to set up and get the hang of
2007-01-07 09:35:15 · answer #8 · answered by Chris H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I second the vote for ubuntu!
You can download and burn a bootable cd that you can try before you actually install.
That way you can see if ubuntu is good for your needs.
Best of luck!
2007-01-07 09:34:50 · answer #9 · answered by besimorhino 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get Ubuntu. Got to http://ubuntu.com It is completely free and easy to use
2007-01-07 09:32:36 · answer #10 · answered by Prateek 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋