Which OS is better, bought a computer with no OS?

Question

I have been thinking about installing Linux as my OS on my Computer I just purchased from a company that just got new computers and I bought there old one for like fifty dollars, has any tried out Linux what do you think i hear alot of talk about it,
if you had to choose which one would you choose Windows XP , Vista, Or Linux, oh I am not a MAC user I despise MACS so please dont say APPLE OR MAC

Here are the specs
AMD Athlon(tm) 62 x 2 Dual Core Processor 3600+ 1.9GHz
958 MB of RAM
32 Bit OS
160GB HDD
Nvidia G Force 6150 LE Inegrated Video Card
Integrated Audio Card-

if anything else is need to know on my specs then let me know i am keeping vista premium on a separate partition, just wanted to try it out, since vista is slow and somewhat buggy and has some compatitbilty issues with quite a bit of software,

I would use XP on that computer, I have bought the XP OEM install cd but have already installed it on my notebook, so i will have to purchase another XP Disc to install on the PC unless i can bypass the Windows Activation, but not really looking into that dont want to piss microsoft off, so i will end up buying another activation key

Answer 1

Despite how much I hate it, Vista is going to be the main OS of the future. So you're best off going with Vista. It has some problems right now, but hopefully with time and some Service Packs that will all change.

If you want the most reliable and versatile OS, go with XP. Although it's likely to die out in the next year or two, most programs still work with it. So it's a solid choice.

Linux is nice... and of course has a much lower chance of getting a virus / malware. So you don't really need an anti-virus with Linux... which is a big plus. But many programs don't work with Linux... which can cause problems down the road. Your best bet is to use XP or Vista as your main OS, and install a Linux-based OS [such as Ubuntu] as a second choice.

Answer 2

Well it really depends on what you want. Linux would provide excellent power to the user because you can control everything about it. This OS is for advanced users, but if you are confident in your computing skills then Linux would not be a bad choice. Then you have Windows Vista, which is a fairly good OS which still has a few bugs that havent gotten worked out yet. Another problem with Vista is that there are so many security questions and so many prompts it can become annoying. Vista is however very flashy and has a few upgrades from XP. If you are looking towards the future, this might be the best choice. Now for XP. XP has been out for a long time, and therefore has many of the problems worked out. It doesn't have the flashiness of Vista, or the power that Linuz gives you, but is a very solid OS with good security, and minimal maintenance. So if you are looking for a very solid OS with not many problems, and low maintenance, XP is the way to go.

Answer 3

While I would have to recommend getting a Mac, you do have to remember that Linux is free. Not only that, but many versions of Linux will let you run it as a live cd and let you try the full-featured operating system before you actually install it. I will say, though, that you will probably find Linux a bit difficult to use unless you are a somewhat advanced user. So, if you do decide to go with Windows, go with XP just because it is more practical than Vista, and Vista will probably not run too well on a $50 dollar machine.

Answer 4

It really depends on what you are intending to do with your computer. Or rather, if there is a specific piece of software you will want to use.

Linux is an excellent OS, but at the end of the day, when the software you need is not available on Linux, all excellence will help you nothing. This is true in particular when it comes to gaming. Say what you will, but if you like to play games your best bet is Windows XP.

So, if you have no specific software preferences; go for Linux. I'd recommend Ubuntu.

In case you want to play or a particular piece of software is not available for Linux; nothing keeps you from installing XP and Linux on the same machine ;)

Answer 5

hi ..

Linux has its advantages many of them are technical based ..

Strong Points :
different / some might find it easier to use and navigate (although there have been many people who complain!)

Open Source (Its Free 100% free)

Open source support groups

Very convenient ie. you can truly make it your own

Down sides :

Most Microsoft / Windows based programs such as MSN do not work 100% efficiently on Linux

Limited Support (although it is open source)

No 100% bug fix or reporting system

Microsoft Windows XP

>> Commercial * prices vary

>>People are more familiar with Microsoft so there products ie. windows are much more recognizable than that of their competitors.

>>Software usually cater for Windows first and foremost so you have an advantage there

>> Support is ok *not great but ok ..

>>There are bug reporting (automatic services)

>>A million resources on the net to assist you with anything XP Based.

>>Great for gaming

>> Ok for programming (just ok -- I use Linux server OS when programming)


VISTA !!

NO GO ZONE and the reasons will last a lifetime so I ll refrain.


In closing : My suggestion is XP (also get service pack 2)

Answer 6

If your going with Linux, get Ubuntu. That's probably the best Linux OS out there. And if you goes Windows, get XP because Vista isn't what they say it is. Personally I don't like Vista. But the best OS is Mac, I have been using for a couple of years now.

Answer 7

Windows ME,2000,XP

I do not recomend Vista. the computer may be to slow for it.
I am using Windows ME on my laptop and I like it.
Windows 2000 is also a good one.
Windows 98, in my opinion is the best, but it is to old for todays needs.

I recommend Windows Xp only if you are going to listen to music and watch alot of videos.

Answer 8

This question can't be answered without knowing your system specifications. Let us know the processor type / speed, size of the hard drive, and amount of RAM, at least.

Answer 9

for simplesty put on xp. but for the most part what are the spec.