[Ham-Computers] Reinstalling XP PRO

[Jim Hill]

"Free" is a real plus, but for there's a steep learning curve associated 
with shifting to Linux.  It's almost like you fell, hit your head, and 
immediately lost about 95% of your computer knowledge.  After the shock of 
instantly knowing nothing wears off, you are faced with endless choices. To 
start with, version ("distribution" in Linux terms) are you going to use 
(actually, this choice occurs before you realize you know 
nothing)?  There's plenty to choose from. The choices go on from there, 
which desktop will you use?  Later on you will have opinions, but that's 
after you made your initial installation.  Next, there is a completely new 
vocabulary to contend with, and some distributions include unique terms. 
The sites I visited all had a well written "mission" giving the advantages 
of Linux, possibly the advantages of their distribution as compared to 
others, info on free downloads, etc.  A detailed installation was provided, 
but usually the writer neglected to have their spouse, parents, or the 
receptionist at work try an installation using the data before including it 
on the web site.  Once it is installed, is it as good as your current 
Windows setup?  Initial reactions are probably disappointing.

My suggestion, don't jump into Linux with both feet.  Install it on that 
old computer you are no longer using.  One of the advantages of Linux is 
less computer power is needed.  If that choice is not practical,  put it on 
another hard drive.  Usually, it isn't that hard to swap hard drives.  If 
there is an adult education class on Linux - take it.  I'm doing so.  We 
started out by installing Debian on the school computers.  It took a number 
of meetings, while we foundered around and the instructor helped those with 
the most serious problems.  A number of other distributions floated around 
the class, and I decided to try Ubuntu on my home computer.  It installed 
much easier with only one real snag (downloading ISO files) and I didn't 
have the instructor available. I did use my other computer to go to their 
Absolute Beginner forum and ask questions, plus lots of lurking reading 
other questions and answers.

I'm sure there are some on this group who installed Linux with minimal 
problems, but it's my experience that no matter what I do, fix cars, fix 
the house, pick up that SX-28A off the floor, work on computers, there are 
others who can do the job easier, better, or faster than myself.  And there 
are others who ask me questions on these topics.

Off the soapbox now
73's Jim w6ivw






At 01:29 PM 6/10/2006, you wrote:
> > WØQFC wrote:
>>Thanks for the reply and info.
>>I guess I knew that but I must be getting feeble and a bad case of CRS.
>>I really got screwed by the guy I bought the software from and now I must 
>>lay out some big $$ for replacement software. . . .
>
>Perhaps it is time to upgrade to Linux?
>
>It is all free.
>
>--
>Thanks! & 73, doc kd4e  http://bibleseven.com
>Florida Home w/Rohn 45 in concrete base & 10 acres for sale:
><http://bibleseven.cjb.cc/cjb-steelhouse-index.html>
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