Thread: jow104 asking for computer assistance

If you're striking windows problems and want something relatively bulletproof on the email/web machine, try ubuntu linux.

woodbe

Originally Posted by woodbe

If you're striking windows problems and want something relatively bulletproof on the email/web machine, try ubuntu linux.

woodbe

Can you please give further info.

OK did an google

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/

basically yes, although the windows key supplied on the old PC's case probably wont work with the new XP disk.

Thats not impossible to get around though.. You can probably use the key from the new PC, it should still activate one more time

Or use the old key, phone the MS activation problem phone line and talk to the nice lady from India, act dumb and they can give you a new key that works

Plan C is to load reload the the old PC with Linux and just use it

Cheers

Ian

If you have plenty of net bandwidth you can download Suse Linux, it's 5 CDs of stuff, everything you could imagine. The basic install just sets you up with a workstation with web/email/Office and graphics software.

Like Ubuntu it just works and is secure, and it's actually easier to install than Windows

http://www.opensuse.org/

Cheers

Ian

Thanks Ian.

I now remember I have got an old windows 98 disk (came with a PC, long gone to the landfil) so would that save a call to the lady in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

So does linux not suffer virus problems from the web/Mail?

Originally Posted by jow104

So does linux not suffer virus problems from the web/Mail?

I haven't come across any, and I've been using it for a few months now.

The link below takes you to the Ubuntu Webcast site and it gives you a pretty good intro to what it's all about and how to install it (especially those from Alan Pope). For an older machine Xubuntu is recommended. It still works the same but uses a simpler graphical interface (from what I've read).

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com

Originally Posted by jow104

Can you please give further info.

OK did an google

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/

Hi jow104,

Linux is an opensource operating system. It comes in many flavours. Ubuntu is the current darling of the 'install and use' set. Basically, a standard install will give you everything you might need for internet and email and a bunch of other stuff you might not need.

It is different from Windows, but sufficiently familiar that most people find their way.

Viruses etc, are not yet a problem on linux. Maybe they never will be, but you never know, there are a lot of people wasting their lives hacking into windows because it is popular and easy to hack, why should windows have all the attention?.

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

woodbe

My pc supplier doesnt think I should go thjat way.

Quote

Hi John,

The main problem now linux is owned by Microsoft now and they have integrated it with Microsoft Server 2003 & 2008 as I am finding out to my cost when building up a web server for hosting web sites and become a isp in the near future.

Depends on specification of computer other option is put on windows 2000 as that is a stable operating system which can handle web & email no problems at all.

But main thing is that you still require a virus programme either if you use linux or windows as Microsoft have there ore in everything.

I think there may be one or two inaccuracies in your suppliers advice.

Just for a laugh you could sign up over here and ask them if they think your suppliers comments have any truth to them.

Yes Dan, I've had a few more of them from him as well.

Jow,

Your supplier is smoking crack.

woodbe.

The main problem now linux is owned by Microsoft

As it 'Open Source' public license no one can OWN it. Various companies release their own versions, but the core code is common, they just put their own front ends and customisations on it. But the licence to use the core code states that anything you develop from that code is also public property. So Ubuntu is still free, the company makes it's money by selling the manuals and technical support.

This has caused Microsoft a LOT of worry over the years, as their normal mode of operation is to just buy out the competition. As Linux isn't owned by anyone they couldn't buy it, or run anyone out of business over it. Also if they released their own version it would also be public domain.

Their previous strategy was to run it down and expouse how much better and more secure Windows was. That didn't fool enough people though, so now they seem to have settled on living with Linux and making some effort to have windows inter-operate with it. They would of course prefer that Linux and Mac OS just went way and everyone rushed out and bought a copy of Vista. Aint gonna happen

The beauty of Linux is you can get it for free and install it on any old PC and have a play. It has reached the state now where a normal user can install it and have a working PC. If you dont like it you can just format the disk again and re-load windows. If you break it badly, you can just re-format and load it again. All it cost you was some time.

Cheers

Ian

Thanks Ian.

I updated to bullguard 8 two days ago (virus software) from 7 and things have improved speed wise, also my deleted box in emails fills up automatically these days with the V mail etc.
However it also treats things like Woodworking tips as spam so I have to go in there to look after all.
Is there a way to let some spam in or have I got to accept small mercies?

Bullguard 8 is on a two months free trial if anyone is interested.

Will also get round to setting up Linux when the wife stops giving me more duties to fulful.