General opinions: Windows XP vs. Ubuntu 7.04 - Tech Support Forums

blu_dvl_fn · July 12th, 2007, 03:01 AM

What does everyone think? I have been a faithful windows user for 7 years, but have never actually had to purchase it. Now I'm having to make the big choice: Pay an arm and a leg and throw a crapload of money at Billy Gates? Or go with Linux (which I had never heard of until last week but am now hearing it's really good and free) to save my money? This whole free OS thing sounds too good to be true... Is it a cult? LOL! Seriously... what are some opinions? Should I make the leap and save a crapload of money (I AM a single mother after all!) or dig into my pockets and stay with what I know?

Sixpac_XP · July 12th, 2007, 03:06 AM

you can buy Windows XP for like $60 now for a license.

I don't really think that's a "crap load of money".

from your experience I would say stay with what you know.

blu_dvl_fn · July 12th, 2007, 03:14 AM

On amazon, it's running for $190... I haven't seen it anywhere for $60, which for me is still expensive... That's 2 weeks' worth of baby formula!

Sixpac_XP · July 12th, 2007, 03:17 AM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056

just off the top off my head..

sure you can find it cheaper on ebay.

jasonz0rz · July 12th, 2007, 04:49 AM

I bought XP Pro with SP2 for $142 (Buy it Now price) on eBay a couple days ago. The shipping was $3 for Priority (2-3 day) service though I went with Overnight ($28) to get my new rig up and running asap.

If memory serves, the Home edition was going for $100.. stick with what you know :]

**GroundZero3** · July 16th, 2007, 09:00 AM

What do you do with your pc and how knowledgeable are you with Linux?

My opinion is Linux still has a long way to go when it comes to the desktop environment. (espically since i game some and whatnot)

Linux gui is pretty straight forward but you are pretty much at the mercy at the open source community. Some are very friendly and a lot are elites who think everyone is a hardcore Linux user.

crouse · August 7th, 2007, 06:23 PM

ack ! Save your money.......
Ubuntu outperforms Windows on the desktop and everything is free. Unless your a hard core computer gamer, why spend your hard earned money ?

GameManK · August 7th, 2007, 10:20 PM

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.

Likely it will fit your needs and be easier to maintain than windows, but it depends on what you use your computer for and how well it works with your hardware.

chapmc · August 7th, 2007, 11:48 PM

I would say try ubuntu and see if it works for you. I have tried several linux distros and ubuntu seems the easiest to install. I have always gone back to windows at least for some things. Quicken I use a lot and haven't found a satisfactory program under linux. There are usually some hardware "got-ya's" that require a lot of searching and reading (sometimes money) such as newer printers, modems, and wifi cards.

Good luck!!

SeanC · August 8th, 2007, 06:27 PM

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.