Hello everybody. A friend told me to explore Linux while the world is still very much duped with Windows. I am currently using Windows XP Home Edition and seriously considering of switching to Linux XP 2008 - FREESPIRE. Consider me illiterate on computers and I need to know what to expect.

I have the CD for Freespire but I need advise and information because before I leap into this new system. I was told that if I am familiar with Windows XP installing Freespire should be a walk in the park. One thing I understand though is that switching between OSs is like changing orientation so I may be in for a big surprise and probably disappointment.

So if anybody please enlighten why I should or should not take the plunge...thank you very much.

Hawkgod

Welcome to LQ.

I have no current experience with Freespire but, based on my trials a year ago, this is the LAST distro I would recommend. To see what is currently popular, look here at LQ for the annual "Member's choice" awards. Also look at the "hit list" at http://distrowatch.com

The "getting started" link below might also be helpful.

Modern "mainstream" distros are all excellent--just pick one and try it. Most now come as live CD so you can try without installing. When you do install, consider dual-boot with Windows.

That we cannot help you with.....

Hi

I suggest you take the live cd approach to familiarize yourself with the distro before switching. Once you have burned (or obtained) the live cd, all you need to do is boot from it to have a fully working desktop.

From my experience, KDE is the desktop environment most suited for (ex) windows users. Knoppix is such a live cd that comes with KDE, so why not give it a try.

What software do you mainly use on your computer?

just download Kubuntu http://www.kubuntu.org/download.php and install as a duel boot, that way you don't loose any thing. I switched between the 2 for a year getting used to linux. now i find windows confusing to navigate. i cant say anything about freespire, cause i haven't tried it yet.
id say take the plunge, change is fun!

Is it the latest Freespire 2.0 you have the CD for? That would be the latest.
Their Wiki tells how to use the CD as a LiveCD.

See what you think of it.

I hope you are considering dual booting rather than switching cold turkey. Linux is great, but Linux is not Windows. People who attempt to switch cold turkey and expect Windows are usually disappointed.

Try a couple LiveCDs and install the one you prefer as a dual boot.

As x_terminat_or_3 had stated try a livecd. You will not mess up your windows. Knoppix is a good choice. As others have said you could try other live cds, I think you can also do it with ubuntu. Also as other have said, if you are serious about linux, do dual boot. If you are not into computers or care to spend time learning linux, I suggest to stay with xp.

Based on this review of the latest freespire release:

http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS7291063941.html

I would recommend going with either ubuntu or kubuntu if you can get them installed.

I have always found SimplyMepis to more likely install on a given piece of hardware. Both Ubuntu and SimplyMepis(debian-based) are live-evaluation CDs.