07-30-2002, 07:52 PM
|
|
Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 406
|
|
Linux?
I'm having a problem with my copy of Windows XP Home. Basically, it gives me a blue screen when my computer comes out of suspend or hibernation, and then forcefully restarts. I wanted to call Microsoft, but they don't have a toll-free number, which is annoying, and it seems to be just for "feature support," or something. Regardless, I was thinking of trying Linux. I'm just worried about the following things, in order of importance (descending).
-Can most Windows programs run on Linux? I especially want IE 6 (sorry, I don't like Netscape), and most importantly, Photoshop 7. I'd also like programs like Outlook XP, Word 2000, and also SimCity. ActiveSync is also very important to have. Could some/any of those work on Linux? Also, will these programs work at full speed?
-Hardware compatibility. Will it work with most printers, my iPaq, and a USB digital camera, and without a lot of annoying workarounds (by that, I don't mean one time workarounds at installation, but something I'd have to do every time I used the program/hardware).
-Seamlessness. I'd like to think I'm a computer expert. Thus, I don't mind, in fact, I often enjoy, playing with obscure settings and things to make something work/work better. But I don't want to make a habit of it. In XP, things generally work as they should. Is Linux like this too?
-Power managment. I have a notebook, and I would like Linux to do power management- for example, hibernation, suspend, turning off screen and hard drive during idle time when on battery. Will Linux do this? Also, will my Pentium III's SpeedStep controller work?
-Last, but not least- are there any other pitfalls that I should know about? Anything that's important, but not (immediately) obvious?
One last thing. I don't mind taking time to set things up and customize, more so than with Windows, but after that, I want it to run smoothly. I shouldn't (at least, don't want to) have to encounter many more "roadblocks" and problems than with Windows.
So, if this all turns out well, I may just switch. 8O We'll see...
And thanks for reading this long post, even more thanks if you actually reply. 
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Threaded Mode