I don't understand exactly which restrictions you're refering to at this stage; maybe that it works different from Windows. I also don't have experience with other distro's on the AAO. So I can not really say if another distro will help you to enjoy the AAO more.

The first time I started it, I was a little shocked by the user interface as it looked different from what I am used to (Ubuntu, Slackware, Windows up to XP), but keeping in mind what it is intended for, I consider the user interface user friendly. My need is browsing the internet while sitting in the garden and the intended need is to use it as backup storage / photo preview for my digital photo camera while traveling (which usage I haven't tried yet).

After enabling the advanced menu, I think I will be able to manage it. I did not install much software (can't even remember what I have installed, I think some development stuff).

What I don't like is that Linpus is, for my feeling, an obscure distro based on a no-longer supported Fedora 7 (if I'm not mistaken).
What holds me back from trying other distro's is that they all seem to have some problem with one or more of the hardware components (microphone not working, cardreader). Those are no big issues for me the way I'm using it now, but they might be in future. I'm however definitely going to explore that route, probably by installing on a memory stick or external HD.

But you definitely have to do some research before deciding to try another distro to figure out if everything that you need is going to work. The same will apply when installing Windows on it as you probably need to find a couple of drivers.

Linpus will automatically be removed when you install another operating system on the internal disk.

Do you have a version with harddisk or with SSD ?

Hello,

The restrictions I am referring to are that Linpus doesn't allow downloads of updates (with ease) nor installation of a security system.

Although some say that security is not necessary with Linux, I disagree. My understanding is that a browser which is not up to date is insecure. It is complicated to update Firefox and instead of doing this I have installed Seamonkey so am quite happy with this.

Even if it can be argued that security is not needed with Linux, some banks would disagree - for example the Nationwide demands that you run their chosen anti virus scans if you have been targeted and my concern would be that Linux may not support these applications and even if it could, it would be a nightmare for a novice to achieve!

It seems that Acer has configured the machine and operating system to work in a specific and limiting way - no doubt to optimise performance and for ease of use for the novice, but without the facility to future-proof (unless of course you are an expert).

I bought the netbook simply for an internet connection away from home and if I were happy to be caught in a time-warp then it would be fit for my purpose. However I am not and as you have said, the Operating system is already out of date.

I can't even change to Windows because there is not a driver available for the model of the netbook - but if anyone knows of a way around this I'd be delighted to hear from you. (It's an SSD bye the way.)

Regards

Just to let you know that the supplier has agreed to return the netbook and they now have in stock a Windows version so I am happy! I would like to thank everyone who has assisted me and good luck with your Linux endeavours!

Regards