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Decisions

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Kupotek:
Today we look into non Microsoft environments, and consider the pros and cons of each.

We have OpenSource and Privately owned, unshsred source, and some of us might think, open source must be less secure.. since anyone can configure it to do what they want.. they couldn't be more wrong. In fact Operating Systems such as GNU/*nix/Mac are all known to be more secure then any OS Microsoft has ever devised. Now this isnt a anti microsoft site, as our main goal is to help with their products.

You can easily port thru  to a MAC from Linux and you can dual  boot  linux with windows, but which is more secure?

Why did Munich Germany  turn down a 90% discount rate from  Microsoft to go with Linux as the  backbone of their economy?

What does this say about the future of computer's software, platforms, and what does it say about Microsoft?

Perhaps Microsoft will  fall behind as a global business  competitor and  have to  deal soley with the  home user...

What do you think?  How do I make the leap from  MS  to OpenSource?

I cant afford a MAC, but I know I could  get Linux up and running..  

How about some feedback  to quell the  fear and uncertainty of "something different?"

Stryker:

quote:Originally posted by Emiko:
Now this isnt a anti microsoft site, as our main goal is to help with their products.
--- End quote ---


What the fuck? sorry I don't understand most of your post. I advise you consider the difference between a MAC and a Mac(intosh) though. I was a bit confused about how you couldn't afford a MAC, when I got mine for $3 (cheap network card). I must either appologize for my stupidity, or ask you to clarify a little of what you said.

oolooz:

quote:Originally posted by Emiko:
What do you think?  How do I make the leap from  MS  to OpenSource?

I cant afford a MAC, but I know I could  get Linux up and running..  

How about some feedback  to quell the  fear and uncertainty of "something different?"
--- End quote ---


Good news for you, you don't have to "leap". You can move over in stages that would certainly quell any fears and uncertainty.

Easiest is ditch Internet Explorer for a better browser - Mozilla is a good choice, Firebird is worth considering.  wwww.mozilla.org

Then get rid of MS Office.  You can stay on MS Windows for now and start preparing to switch to Linux by using OpenOffice.org - it's cross platform so all your files from now on will open on Linux and MS Windows, Mac is beta right now.  www.openoffice.org

OpenOffice.org is very good at opening your existing MS files so you should lose much, if any, of your old stuff.

This will get you ready to leap/step over to Linux with the minimum hassle.

Other than that... it's depends on what you do with your PC.  There are loads of OSS apps those that are not good enough to replace you closed source stuff will be!

That's one of the things that makes OSS the right choice - eventually all OSS will be the best option.

Hope this helps a bit.

oolooz

[ May 31, 2003: Message edited by: oolooz ]

Doctor V:
If your not going to spend the money for a Mac, then your only choice is Linux.  And a very good choice it is.  The reason Linux is free is because it is open source, developed jointly by thousands if not millions, and certainly not because it is of inferior quality.  You could take oolooz's advice and change over an application at a time.  But Linux really is easy to use nowadays.  Easy enough to start using right out of the box, even if your a first time user (depending on the distribution of course).  As soon as you have install CD, which are free to download on the internet, you can set up a working Linux system with which you can do pretty much everything you could with windows, and a lot more, in only about 30 to 90 minutes (it varies depending on how many packages you install).  There are many different flavors, or distributions, of Linux, I suggest trying Mandrake Linux.  Its a very good distribution that is very easy on newcomers, and dosen't try to be *TOO* much like windows.  Post install configuration is minimum, and the instructions are very clearly written without alot of tech jargun.  No need to feel fear or uncertainty, instead look foreward to using faster, more stable, and more secure software, and you control, rather than software that is controled by a handful of executives in Redmond.

Good Luck

  ;)  V  

Kupotek:
I had originally posted this on a more neutral site, which is why some of the  talk  doesnt' apply, those who  were confused *cough*Stryker*cough* Don't take offense to that, please..

I am merely  concerned with  some issues  concerning a  switch from  Windows which I have been using for about 10 years, to Linux.  

What I do and do not know:

1.  I  have pretty much a  airtight  routine for installing the programs I use on a regular basis, under Windows XP.  

a. Adobe Photoshop
b. Some games ( Anarchy Online, SWG perhaps )
c. Macromedia Dreamweaver for html/notepad )
d. Leap FTP for uploading edited webfiles

etc ... ad  nauseum

Also my internet connection under windows, as it applies to my Adsl.

My concerns are:

a. Will I beable to use these programs under Linux?
b. if not what is the  alternatives?
c. ( self explanatory fear of the unknowns )

Thanks again for all the input!

[ May 31, 2003: Message edited by: Emiko ]

[ May 31, 2003: Message edited by: Emiko ]

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