Anybody going Linux come Christmas

[Virgil]

I am reading some at linux.org and it seems somewhat involved. I just wonder how people feel about adopting Linux especially now that the 2.6 kernel is out.

I would be interested to know how a 64-bit processor fits into your decision.

[Renew Deal]

1. I run linux.

I have it as a seperate boot option. I have not tried the new kernel but my boss likes it. Linux is useful and fun to play with. Apple OS X is the best balance of both worlds. 64 bit doesn't affect me.

[alfredo]

2. I think YellowDog Linux is already 64 bit.

I would like to see how it would work on a Dual 2GIG G5.

I have been running Linux for years, but just recently I have gone OSX on all my machines. It was tough, but I can now run all the UNIX/Linux apps I used on Linux.

I would like to have a Linux laptop.

[tsipple]

3. 64-Bit Is Geekish at This Stage

I wouldn't sweat that one. If the 64-bit processor is one or two dollars more (literally), then I'd go for it. Otherwise, no big deal. Linux works great on both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms.

The reason for a 64-bit processor is simple: memory addressability. If you plan to stuff your system with more than 4 GB of memory, then it's worth considering. If you never plan to do that, don't bother.

Speaking of which, that's the single biggest factor in causing a computer to become obsolete. Buy a system that lets you stuff lots of RAM in it, and upgrade the RAM first. Don't worry about the processor. One processor might be 30% faster than another, but RAM is multiple factors of 10 faster than a hard disk.

Linux is also very good at extending the life of your computer equipment. I've got a ten year old computer that runs just fine with Linux for web browsing, e-mail, networking, etc.

Finally, I'm a big fan of Knoppix. Knoppix is a Linux distribution that's contained entirely on a single CD-ROM, and it boots from the CD. So you can run Linux without installing Linux on the hard disk. (It won't touch your PC's hard disk unless you want it to.) That's a great way to try out Linux if you're concerned about doing something to your PC.

Otherwise there are some great Linux distributions out there for the beginner, such as Lycoris, Lindows, and Xandros.

I'm running Linux on my IBM ThinkPad, and I love it. I encourage everyone to at least try Knoppix and start the process of getting familiar with it and switching over. You'll be so glad you got off the Microsoft nickel-and-dime-you-to-death treadmill.

[banana republican]

4. Just purchase a copy of SUSE 9.0

to try on an extra computer I have...

But it doesn't boot from the CD-ROM

Have to figure out how to install it.......

[tsipple]

5. Some PCs Don't Boot CD-ROMs Well

First, of course, check your PC's BIOS settings. (That's the setup program that you can get into using a hotkey just after you turn on your PC.)

Second, you may need to build the boot diskette(s) from the CD to get it installed. There should be instructions with the SuSE CD that help you do that. I think it's four diskettes, as I recall. (I've done it myself.)

Hope that helps!

[Deja Q]

6. SuSE will be coming out with an AMD 64-bit CPU version shortly!

If I could afford it, I would upgrade to the Athlon Hammer 64-bit CPU. It'd be cool to see how the games would be affected, but not by much methinks.

What hardware I do have works.

I currently use SuSE 8.2 Pro.

I've ordered SuSE 9.0 Pro via 3rd party, to save $65 net. I will also be buying Mandrake 9.2 PowerPack via the same 3rd party (www.12penguins.com) at some point.

But SUSE has improved its distro greatly since 8.2 - while it lacks the newest Linux components (not even Samba 3 or Gnome 2.4), they've made vast improvements elsewhere, making the 9.1 release something really special when it comes out in Spring 2004. (and I love the new animated mouse pointer, hehe!)