XP or Linux

[parabolize]

"Just how would I get started on the dual op system?"
If you are going to use a lot of HD space with the games and media get another drive. Otherwise whatever linux distro you install will resize your drive for you. When your ready to do it backup, defragment and scandisk your windows HD.

"What do I use for firewall security and antivirus on Linux?"
The installer for your distro will walk you through your firewall. AV isn't a problem.

[DarkHorse]

Imperator Fyron said:

Home is terrible. Try to avoid it. I don't remember all of the specific reasons, but a quick google search should turn up plenty of sites about the differences.

[/quote]

I have two machines, a desktop running XP Pro, and a laptop running XP Home. There is no difference between the two that would be noticed by an independent user (e.g. not a corporation running an intranet). Unless you run a large intranet and are concerned with pushing policy changes on your network clients, you don't need to spend the extra money on Pro. Just run a decent firewall and a/v, and you'll be fine. And you'll be able to run 99.99% of the software available, unlike Linux.

There are plenty of sites around that will help you with detailed guides on how to tweak XP for best performance, reliability and security. www.tweaktown.com is one that I can remember off the top of my head.

[Elshar]

I'd go with Fyron's assessment. Install 2k/xp pro, and then a linux distro.

You'll be able to run just about anything. Most games made within the past 6-7 years will run in 2k/xp. The ones that don't can either be tweaked somehow to run in 2k/xp, or will run in linux with Cedega.

The main difference between xp home and pro is that home will not let you add/remove accounts (This is different than the Users listed on the welcome screen), mess with services easily, or allow more advanced windows networking stuff (Like logging into a domain, etc). There's a complete marketing-speak breakdown at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/h...choosing2.mspx

I would also recommend buying a drive for each OS if you do dual boot. It takes alot of the complexity out of the installation and maintainance. How you dual boot depends on what Version of windows too.


Elshar

[Fyron]

XP has a very dumbed down interface (I am not talking about the default theme), making it harder to administer your computer than in 2000. A lot of settings windows are obfuscated with "user friendly" crap that doesn't make it any easier to use for the non-technical Users (as they will not understand what they are doing either way) and just gets in the way for technical Users. XP Home is far worse in this regard than XP Pro, as fewer of the "user friendly" interfaces can be disabled. Security settings under Home are few and far between. You can not control access to shared files very well, you can not secure files from non-administrator Users very well, etc. Networking in Home is just a joke... Of course, this doesn't matter much if you only have a single PC in your house and never go to lan parties or anything...

"Each interactive user in XP Home is assumed to be a member of the Owners local group, which is the Windows XP equivalent of the Windows 2000 Administrator account" source

This is a very scary prospsect... Running as administrator for daily use is generally a terrible idea, as not doing so prevents a lot of malware from being able to install itself (since you don't have direct permission to install software).

Product activation is definitely a good reason not to buy XP of any sort...

XP isn't worth the cost to purchase in the first place, but if you really must do so, at least get the Pro Version...

[Arkcon]

Wardad said:
What do I use for firewall security and antivirus on Linux?

My firewall currently is iptables, which is built into Linux, unlike XP's SP2 firewall, which is just a bandaid slapped unto a sucking chest wound.

O.K. that's a little unfair. But iptables is so easy to setup, and never slows down the system. To think of all the crap I endured trying to get Zone Alarm Pro to work, only to have it slow down my system ... . You see why I really enjoy Linux.

[Wardad]

The discussions are interesting.

I just found this on dual booting: http://www.aboutdebian.com/dualboot.htm

I'm considering Debian Linux.
I guess I will just download the CDs. Some many utilities!!!
Which Web Browser and Mail Server to use?

What about DVD software? Photoshop?
I use 601 instead of MS Orifice, what's good in Linux?

If it gets to be too much trouble I can just can it all and try XP Pro at $100 to $200 and renew Norton at $30.

[Aiken]

For web browser - Mozilla Firefox
Web server? I think you'll need a mail client - Mozilla Thunderburd or KMail (if you prefere KDE).
DVD software - MPlayer (no DVD menu) or xine (has dvd menu) + some frontend (totem or kaffein).
Office suite - OpenOffice.org

[parabolize]

Ubuntu has a nice selection of default apps. It's made by some of the people who make debian. If you want to do debian it self use the sarge installer. They say it's testing but it's very stable. Totem would be your dvd player with Ubuntu. GIMP is a good replacment for Photoshop. Open Office is good.

[DarkHorse]

XP Home is fine for its intended purpose, which is typical home use. I've never had networking problems, file sharing problems, or security issues with either box, Pro or Home. And as far as the interface, that's personal taste. One just has to be careful, that's all, and that's true of any OS.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for Linux, but it's day is still years away. There's just way too much that won't run on it today.

[Wardad]

OK, a question from a friend of mine:
Can XP home be upgraded to XP Pro?