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Old 05-03-2006, 12:25 AM   #1
slinger2k
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i dont know anything about linux - I'm buying a new OS for my laptop


my Windows XP laptop just crashed, a regisrty file has been deleted by the disk check on the computer, so I can't restore or reload Windows. I have been given the option of buying a fresh Windows XP or sending my laptop in for reimaging. I don't like either idea. Is it possible to just load a different operating system onto my laptop...say, SUSE Linux 10.0? I understand it is a smoother product and doesnt cost nearly as much. Thanks to anyone that can help me along.

Damon
 
Old 05-03-2006, 12:41 AM   #2
rickh
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Quote:
...doesnt cost nearly as much.
Like all Linux distros, it's free, free, free. People have a hard time absorbing that. But you better be willing to work at it ... A Linux newbies's life is fraught with perils.

Last edited by rickh; 05-03-2006 at 12:43 AM.
 
Old 05-03-2006, 01:09 AM   #3
Agrouf
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Go there and choose a linux distro :
www.distrowatch.com
it will cost you €0, $0.00, £0.00
 
Old 05-03-2006, 02:04 AM   #4
duffmckagan
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If you wish to download your distro, then it is absolutely free of charge.

However, some sites may "Sell" you Linux CDs, for a couple of Dollars.
The choice is yours.
 
Old 05-03-2006, 02:50 AM   #5
J.W.
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Likewise there is also LQ ISO, also totally free
 
Old 05-03-2006, 03:39 AM   #6
Sabinou
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In other words, go for it, this is free ^_^

But a beginner in the linux world, it's hard in the first months. I mean, everything works perfectly in newbie-friendly distros like Suse or Mandriva... But as soon as you start finding where it does not work like Windows, as soon as you want to personalize things or install stuff that's not included in packages (already preconfigured programs that you can download+install in a click from a list of available programs), you start learning... because you have no choice
So if I can suggest something... You OWN a windowsXP Licence key, don't you ? Then, if I'm not mistaken, you have the right to install another windowsXP CD on your computer, and then give your previous system key and activation stuff. Some friends of yours must have an XP CD, i'm sure. This way, it would be easier for you, you'd have both Windows and Linux
 
Old 05-03-2006, 08:15 AM   #7
mjjzf
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Erm, sorry. Somethin wacky happened, there.
 
Old 05-03-2006, 08:37 AM   #8
pixellany
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slinger2k
my Windows XP laptop just crashed...... I have been given the option of buying a fresh Windows XP or sending my laptop in for reimaging.

Damon
I keep reading things to the effect that some windows boxes come without an installation CD to reinstall if there is a problem. This alone should be enough to make anyone switch.....

Start with any of the free distributions--Ubuntu, fedora, etc.

A really easy way to start is to buy a copy of Linux Format--complete with CD or DVD.
 
Old 05-03-2006, 07:45 PM   #9
2damncommon
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Quote:
Is it possible to just load a different operating system onto my laptop...say, SUSE Linux 10.0? I understand it is a smoother product and doesnt cost nearly as much.
Is it possible? Yes.
You do need to realize that Linux is not Windows.
Perhaps you should consider checking out a Knopix DVD or CD to see what you think of Linux before comitting to a hard drive install.
 
  


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