Linux- will I or won't I?

Deliverance XXV

Hey guys, just looking to ask a question or two and looking for a few opinions...

Right why should I get Linux?
Which version if I were to get it?

Right here's the scenario.
My nephew's computer- he corrupted Win XP registry files.
He has no OS disc (for repair or reinstall) and is not willing to spend for a new OS disc/license.
Right so I told him about possibility of Linux and he asked me to follow it up so here I am...
Okay, he is wondering about compatibility for games and software.
Will he be able to play, say, Soldier of Fortune on it?
Or browse with Firefox etc. You get the picture!
Does it have an easy learning curve?

Guys thanks for any help, much appreciated.

ZENER

It's possible to repair the registry, maybe you should start in the Windows forum first. Windows games won't play without major alterations in
linux.
My preference in Mandriva if it matters, but I'd get XP repaired if I were you for your relation. Linux would be more trouble than it's worth for your relative.

ZEN

henbane

If he has a license for windows (e.g. sticker attached to the box with the product key), there's no problem with borrowing a disk from someone and using that to install a fresh copy of windows should he want to go that route.

Firefox etc. will work fine but games are likely to be an obstacle to a linux install.

Tom Dunne

If the computer is to be used for general computing, e.g. Internet, Word processing and general office software, then Linux will fit the bill perfectly.

If, however, you want to do things such as games or connecting a digital camera, it will take a little more work. TBH, if the end-user is non-technical then forget it. Look up Wine on Linux for a taste of what is involved in getting games to run.

As henbane says, if you have the product key, then there is no problem borrowing a Windows XP disc.

Zapho

Honestly I recommend anyone try linux, but to get all your PC components up and running properly, you'd want to know quite a bit about it....to the point where fixing the windows registry would actually be ALOT easier!
If you want to, I'd recommend Ubuntu 7.04 because it there isn't much work involved in installing it. Firefox comes preinstalled on Ubuntu. Getting games to work on linux is a pain in the ass, especially if you have to use WINE.
I never use linux for games, but I do use it for everything else.
Just a quick note, there's always a backup of the windows registry made somewhere. I can't for the life of me remember where, but google it and you'll probably find it. You'll probably need to boot into dos using a boot disk.
Get a boot disk that will mount NFTS here: http://www.bootdisk.com/ntfs.htm

Deliverance XXV

Hey guys, there is a partition on the hard drive for a repair and recovery, but that proves useless if I get a BSOD after Bios boot!
The sticker for windows is there alright but thought getting an install disc might be harder than imagined, then there is the added problem of barely getting past boot so how would it be possible to reinstall?!
Anyway lads, I will pose a question later tonight over on the windows forum.
Thanks for your time and help anyway guys!
James.

mickoneill30

For moving to linux one gotcha that got me when moving the folks was printer support.

If he has a printer check the model here. It might add a bit to the cost if he has to buy a new printer (I did).
http://www.linuxprinting.org/printer_list.cgi

balu

he won't be happy with linux if he plays quite a lot computer games. but I recommend everyone Ubuntu whos not a gamer!