On Thu, 07 Apr 2005 15:53:22 -0400, Harry Krause wrote:

thunder wrote:
On Thu, 07 Apr 2005 14:10:30 -0400, JimH wrote:



Big brother has you.


If you feel that way, perhaps it is time to consider another OS. I've
been using Linux for close to 10 years now, and break out in hives, if I
have to use MS. Linux has many Live CDs now, that can let you get a
feel for the system, without having to alter your existing MS system.
Just a thought.

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=cd

http://www.linuxiso.org/

Or, my favorite:

http://www.debian.org/distrib/



I'm thinking of getting a new home desktop computer soon, and am wondering
if I want to convert my present one to Linux and run it as a server and as
the back up machine for my files and my wife's files.

The new distos of Linux seem pretty reasonable options these days to MS.
Debian is one I'm considering. Why do you like it?

To me, it has a nice mixture of control and ease of use. When I first
started with Linux, there were some rough edges. One of the distros I
used, installed everything including the kitchen sink. I prefer a lighter
system. Another problem was upgrading, or installing new programs. With
some of the other distros, there were library conflicts, DLL Hell, for MS
users. Debian uses the apt package management system, although I think
many distros now use it. Apt works wonders at resolving any conflicts.
apt-get install whatever, and you are basically done.

I think most modern distributions are quite easy to install and use, but
when I found Debian, I found a home. It fits all my computing needs, and
I haven't bothered to look elsewhere. It, as most Linux systems, allows
an incredible amount of control. Then there is no spyware, no virii, no
MS upgrade train, etc. etc.

You are talking about a new desktop? The new 64 bit MS system is expected
out next month. I have to laugh. I have been using a 100% 64 bit system
for some time now. Did I mention, MS is slow in addressing the needs of
it's users?