The Windows machine died for the last time a few days ago, and Im making the plunge to a linux-only desktop/server this weekend.

Desktop because my fiance and son have to both use it for their general homework and internet usage, and server because I'll be running apache and, further down the line, an smtp server.

Ive decided on Slackware (with KDE), and have everything backed up and ready so I can begin the process this evening.

I believe Ive found suitable software substitutes for most of the old applications, and for everything else I'll try to get wine or VMWare running. Its been a few years since Ive had a Linux system to play with (Mandrake and RH back then), and Im hoping for a smooth transition.

Ive had many questions answered on this forum just by doing a few searches, and hopefully will be posting a 'holy crap i did it' thread before the weekend is over. Otherwise, I'll be pleading for help by tonight...either way, be gentle.

yeah sure all people here are nice ill help you if im at home but now im going to party will be back in hmm probably 5-6 hours

Congratulation to your decision!

If money is not that much of an issue I can really
recommend VMWare for the troublesome products
that won't run in Wine ... if Wine is too unwieldy (I
still didn't find a version that does all I need ;}) try
CrossOver office. It will also support other products
than MS Office.

And as for your postings: you're more than welcome,
either way :}

Cheers,
Tink

Hang in there and most of all, have fun. What you want to do is totally possible.

Keep in mind that if you run into problems, think of them as a learning experience

Write down everything you do, even if it seems unimportant. It will make debugging easier, and you can anticipate questions here better.

Steve