Hi there,

I only have until end of today to decide if I want to exchange this used linux computer I bought for my co-workers, for one with a system that I'm used to. I've never used linux and the sales people talked me into it. My question: Am I going to always struggle with compatibility issues/sharing with my windows computer? If so, I better exchange for windows. If not, I'll continue to try to figure it out. Sorry but this is a bit urgent. I only had two days to get a full refund! (it's from a recycle store) Thank you!

Hi Kimmmm - Welcome to LQ.

The answer depends on how quick you are at learning computer-related things, amongst other things. There are a boatload of details that we would need to have in order to give you a more useful answer.

If I had to advise you based exclusively on what you have provided as information and from my interpretation of your level of confidence, I would exchange the computer for a Windows system. You don't want to be putting yourself at a disadvantage in the work environment.

Cheers.

Welcome to LQ and GNU/Linux!

Based only on your deadline and survival in the workplace, exchange may be the best immediate option.

BUT - If you have helpful co-workers, the ones who encouraged to you go with Linux, and want to really get the best long term use out of your computer, I would encourage you to consider sticking with Linux.

Linux is not Window$, it is better! But there will be a learning curve. It is not difficult, but as with any new and complex environment, it will require effort on your part.

If you consider yourself a fast learner, then make a short list of the three or four programs or tasks most important to your work, then figure out how to do those specific tasks on the Linux machine. Once you get the big items under your control in a basic manner you can add new skills and methods at a slower but steady pace. It will be work, but should not be a struggle.

LQ is the best place to seek help and you are already introduced, so a good second question might be, "How do I {your task here} on Linux?".

It would also be helpful if you told us some of the basics of the machine - Model or CPU and memory configuration, and the flavor of linux installed on it.

Or, as already said, if you just want to get to work and not face any new hurdles, then go with what you are familiar with.

Good luck!

Hi,

Whether or not you'll have compatibility issues very much depends on what you wish to do, and how you wish to do it, or are able to do it.

I started working with non-Linux systems, but I now do 99.999...% of my computer related activities, both personal and professional, on Linux, and have done for dozens of years. I believe the licenses associated with various MS-Windows versions explicitly prohibit "publishing" benchmark results run on MS-Windows. So if I had booted MS-Windows on a machine, also booted Linux on the same machine, and found Linux to be much faster at doing the same type of tasks, I don't know that I'd be allowed to say so, or give specifics. Yet, I can say that I like Linux much better.

However, AFAIK, there is no program for Linux that is 100% compatible with MS-Word. Open Office, Libre Office, and especially Star Office are rather close. Often the previous versions of Star Office are free to download. My understanding is that the reason that the current version of Star Office costs money is because the makers license things from Microsoft that handle the MS file formats. However, even with Star Office, if I load some documents that I created with MS-Word and print them with Star Office, the pagination tends to be slightly different with Star Office than with MS-Word. One of the very few things for which I still use MS-Windows is running it within a so called "Virtual Machine" on Linux to use MS-Word; that way the document is 100% compatible with MS-Word; I know that any document I've created with MS-Word and sent to someone, will appear exactly the same way to them when viewed, or when printed.

So if you are a Novelist and a large percentage of your time is spent working with MS-Word, it might be simpler to stay with MS-Windows.

Also, you can't directly just run a program from the "Command Prompt" in Linux that you can run from the MS-Windows "Command Prompt". You might be able to run something that does the same thing, or run MS-Windows command with your familiar in a Virtual Machine running on Linux. There are even free Virtual Machine downloads that allow shared folders/directories between MS-Windows running in a Virtual Machine running on Linux, and the Linux system on which the Virtual Machine runs; the shared files are immediately available from either MS-Windows or Linux, no manual copy operation required.

Then too, there are Linux Desktop environments that are designed to feel rather familiar to MS-Windows users, so they shouldn't take much time to get used to using.

The main thing that concerns me in what you've asked is that you are using the machine for work. I'm also not familiar with an environment where people are involved in buying their own machines for work. But if you work for a company that expects you to be working full speed, right away, if it were me, I'm not sure that I'd take the risk of starting to work with a system with which I'm not familiar, unless it was something the company provided.

Thanks both of you! First, I'm most definitely getting reimbursed for the equipment. I'm happy to learn linux and it doesn't need to be learned today. I just wanted to make sure that linux and windows could share the same printer. Doesn't need to happen today, just need to make sure there is a way to do it and I'll figure it out. If there wasn't, then the deadline to return this laptop is 6pm today-for full refund. As long as there is a way-that's all I need to know!

Hi and welcome.

Depends on the printer. Some just work, others need some effort - in my experience HP, Brother and some or most Epson are OK. What sort do you need to use?

Thanks! And Lexmark is the printer...

Return it.

You can't possibly decide on a new OS in one day.

Jefro! Thanks for the comment. Sorry you see this as a complaint. Either way my two days is up and I can't retutn it. I'll figure it out. Anyhow I was just supplying an upstairs office that's never had a computer so I found one for my co-workers to be able to search online and check email. It works great for that. Just hoping they'd be able to share my downstairs printer. There's plenty of time to learn it and I will.
Cheers!

Hi Kimmmm and welcome to LQ,

Seems to me that the time difference between the start of your thread and your note here to Jefro was about 6 hours difference. So it would seem to have been pretty close to the time limit for return already at the time of the question having been posed.

Do not wish to insult, however posting a thread title "Help!" is a not-recommended method to ask your question, and I do feel somewhat inclined to point out this urgent title along with the time frame between start and 'too late'.

Jefro's advice does seem sound, which would be "if you have concerns of sufficient level, then return". Myself, I do look at the overall cost as well as the cost of what they call "restocking fees". And I note that you had purchased a second hand system. Meanwhile Astrogeek gave you a similar answer far sooner, with a good amount of supporting comments.

My other recommendation is that you explore Linux by adding it either as a virtual machine or live boot to an existing system you have, without altering that system. And then you can make a more paced assessment for future purchases.

Yes it was a late post. Yes I am in this group because it seemed like the only place to get some free advice (against my better judgement). The computer was not returned. There is no need for me to be a part of this group anymore. I tend to be a problem solver and prefer to figure things out on my own. I just had limited time to get a quick answer. Either way, I have nice $100 computer and the opportunity to learn something new. This group seems to be a little too perfect for my style. Back to my chemistry lab. Cheers!

I didn't view it as a complaint. Just wanted you to be happy.

Weeelllll ... That last comment seems a little critical. Rereading all the posts here, it seems to me that quite a few people went out of their way to offer their opinions on a question you yourself had characterized as urgent. If it had been me, I would have been grateful for the responses. Sorry to see you feel otherwise.

Most of the members here, old and new, are as you describe yourself: problem solvers who like to figure things out on their own. The added difference is that they are willing to share their knowledge with those that ask for assistance. To characterize this as "... a little to perfect .. " for your " .. style" seems a little disingenuous.

Hope things work out.

2 members found this post helpful.

Who ya calling "perfect"?

"Good Judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."

2 members found this post helpful.

Chemists!