General opinions: Windows XP vs. Ubuntu 7.04

[KarmaKiller]

I would agree with others here. I would try out a distro or two, and see how you like them. There are tons of different distros, some are alot easier then others to use.
Ubuntu is one of the easiest IMO. May also try Kubuntu. It's the same as ubuntu, just has a different desktop environment.
But I would say try out the free stuff first, then decide. But make sure you go into it with an open mind, and be ready to do some reading.
But I think you'll enjoy it, I know I do..

[GameManK]

Originally Posted by SeanC

How much time are you willing to spend learning the idiosyncrasies of a new operating system? While Linux has GUIs that are similar to Windows, they aren't exactly the same.

If you remember the switch from DOS to Windows, you'll understand why I'm asking. It's not as easy as installing Linux and you're off to the races. You need to spend time learning how to do certain things such as compiling programs. Especially if you go to some Linux support forums where everyone assumes you're near a Linux guru.

It's unlikely she'll have to learn to compile programs... and most people on ubuntuforums.org don't assume you're a guru, especially in the beginners forum.

I'd liken it more to switching to MacOS, but probably a little more difficult (note: I don't actually know how to use a Mac... or at least so I like to think.).

[GameManK]

Originally Posted by KarmaKiller

I would try out a distro or two, and see how you like them. There are tons of different distros, some are alot easier then others to use.

fyi, distro = distribution

[SeanC]

Actually yeah GameManK, the Ubuntu distributions were designed for everyone, including beginners so it could very well work.

MacOS is fairly straight forward, after a couple of minutes playing with it at the electronics store, I was navigating it pretty well.

[-FMA]

Ubuntu is easy to use, but it's still quite a transition. You may be discouraged at first, but if you stick with it you'll pick up on it just like Windows.

It also matters what you're going to be doing with your computer. What programs you'll need to use. It might so happen that you're going to have to stick with windows no matter what.

[Dj-Icer]

Can't be bothered to have a go on something else. I have a lot of work to do. Windows so far, does just fine for me.

Peace

[TOAD6147]

You can download Ubuntu, burn it to a CD, and run it off the CD without installing it to try it out. I suggest you give it a shot and see how you like it.

Pray, I wish it were so easy. I've downloaded 4 different ISO's and everyone of them is not passing md5. Plus when I tried to burn the first download I was getting a notice from Nero that the "foreign image" was not being reported as the correct size. I confirmed this the last time when I compared what was being downloaded was supposed to be 669 MB and what actually showed up was 564,911 KB. What gives?

[GameManK]

Originally Posted by TOAD6147

Pray, I wish it were so easy. I've downloaded 4 different ISO's and everyone of them is not passing md5. Plus when I tried to burn the first download I was getting a notice from Nero that the "foreign image" was not being reported as the correct size. I confirmed this the last time when I compared what was being downloaded was supposed to be 669 MB and what actually showed up was 564,911 KB. What gives?

Your ISP is dropping packets? *shrug* What kind of connection do you have?
Maybe try a different mirror?

[GroundZero3]

Originally Posted by TOAD6147

Pray, I wish it were so easy. I've downloaded 4 different ISO's and everyone of them is not passing md5. Plus when I tried to burn the first download I was getting a notice from Nero that the "foreign image" was not being reported as the correct size. I confirmed this the last time when I compared what was being downloaded was supposed to be 669 MB and what actually showed up was 564,911 KB. What gives?

That is a computer/internet issue not an Ubuntu issue

[TOAD6147]

What kind of connection do you have?
Maybe try a different mirror?

I've downloaded many different distos on this computer with no problems. I have RoadRunner 7 MB service and I've tried 6-8 different mirrors. It makes no sense.