Hi All,

 

A number of us in the UK are currently exploring Linux as a general replacement for Messrs gates and Co OS's.

 

The motivations in my case and I suspect many others are various.

Firstly there is the need to consider the number of licensed copies of Windows (various flavours) needed when you own more than one PC and the associated costs of upgrades etc.

Secondly there is the requirement to retain the use of older "legacy" machines which are perfectly serviceable for many tasks but lack the resources required for later flavours of "windblows"

Thirdly there are now a number of Linux distros that offer windows- like GUI environments that make people like me who feel more comfortable than with command-line interface.

Fourthly there seems to be a growing range of open source applications attractive to amateur radio and an increasing number of applications designed primarily for windows that are also available to the Linux user community.

Fifthly, while the dominance of Microsoft maw well have been a major influence in putting computing power into the hands of so many it's nice to feel that Bill and his mates do not yet rule the world.

 

After all someone once said "In a world of truly open systems who would need windows and gates?"

 

I currently have Ubuntu running on a 800Mhz machine with 1Ghz ram and all the usual bits, this is complimented by Ubuntu running on a Samsung GT7000 300mhz laptop with 256M ram and an old 200Mhz machine with 96M ram running PuppyLinux. Applications include (except for the Puppy) OpenOffice which compares well to MS office for most apps and a range of audio and multimedia stuff. Although I have a PC running XPPRO and a laptop running XPMedia centre I doubt if I will ever buy another MS upgrade or product.

 

So, I for one will be very interested in any Linux developments in the group.