Free Operating Systems??

[that_guy (Tony)]

Is there any good Free OS out there?? I'm currently running win7 but its always glitchy and horrible.

Thanks,
Tony

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

I really like Sabayon Linux but any linux will be great as long as you don't want to play a lot of current games for windows you should have anything you could possibly need but you will need to learn some new tricks to get the most out of them

[that_guy (Tony)]

how do you download an iso file? I always had trouble downloading it...

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

iso files are quite large so expect a large download from your ISP. I have an IINET account and their ftp site has all manner of Linux iso file available and does not count on the download. Try your ISP see if they have something.

You will need a DVD burner software with ISO burn feature.

[snowyskiesau]

If you're new to Linux then try downloading something like Ubuntu Live.
This will allow you to boot into Linux from the DVD/CD without doing an install to your hard disk.
Once you decide you want Linux (and who doesn't? ), you can perform a full install to hard disk.

As far as the actual Linux distributions to use, it depends on what you need. Ubuntu is a good choice as it includes everything you might need/want in a workstation - plus a lot of stuff you'll never use.
I used Centos as I have more need for a server OS than a work station.

As previously mentioned, check your ISP for free downloads of Linux - even Bigpond have them available.

[TheDecepticon]

I'm surprised that Win 7 is not playing well for you. I have it on 2 machines now and it is ultra stable and very easy to use. I'm not a Windoze lover, but I wouldn't go back to Linux now, it has lost most of its steam and never will become main stream at all, I believe.
Others may howl me down, but thats ok. Why don't you try Apple, it's just a Unix based system like Linux anyway.

[that_guy (Tony)]

can you download microsoft office? or is there a linux software that's compatible??

[that_guy (Tony)]

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

As previously mentioned, check your ISP for free downloads of Linux - even Bigpond have them available.

really! Is there a website to download Linux free for bigpond??

[snowyskiesau]

Originally Posted by that_guy

can you download microsoft office? or is there a linux software that's compatible??

AFAIK The only place you can get Microsoft Office is on DVD/CD from a Microsoft reseller.
It doesn't run on Linux.
You can download OpenOffice which is free and provides the same features as MS Office (wp/spreadheet/database etc). There is compatibility in that OpenOffice can write files in MS Office format.
This compatability is not 100% as converting a complex document between Word and OpenOffice can result in some format corruption.
I've yet to create an OpenOffice document that can't be read correctly (i.e. formatted) by Word.

[snowyskiesau]

Originally Posted by that_guy

really! Is there a website to download Linux free for bigpond??

If your ISP is Bigpond then try here.
Downloading from this Bigpond server does not count towards your monthly quota.
You can get OpenOffice here as well.

[that_guy (Tony)]

which file is it?? they is soooo many!! and is there a way to download iso files with out a disk??

[Terry B]

Originally Posted by that_guy

really! Is there a website to download Linux free for bigpond??

From here
http://files.bigpond.com/library/index.php

[that_guy (Tony)]

does daemon tools work to extract iso files??

[snowyskiesau]

Originally Posted by that_guy

which file is it?? they is soooo many!! and is there a way to download iso files with out a disk??

I'd suggest doing a search on the page in the Bigpond link and look for Ubuntu. There will be a lot of downloads listed, try Ubuntu v10.04 RC Desktop i386 ISO.
It's the latest, stable version and can be used as a Live CD/DVD (no hard disk install required). It's about 750MB.

You'll need a windows program to burn the ISO image to a DVD but as a Linux only user, I can't help there

I'm not suggesting that Ubuntu is the best distribution but this one will allow you to try out Linux without making any changes to your existing setup

[that_guy (Tony)]

does bigpond download include broad band? all i see is cable and adsl!
EDIT: I download the 2gb Ubuntu Ultimate, is this good?

[snowyskiesau]

Originally Posted by that_guy

does bigpond download include broad band? all i see is cable and adsl!

Cable and ADSL are broadband
Which do you have?

[that_guy (Tony)]

i don't know.... I am a complete internet noob!

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by that_guy

does daemon tools work to extract iso files??

Do you mean you don't have a CD/DVD writer?

Daemon Tools lets you mount ISOs as if they were physical disks, but you can't just them drag-and-drop the contents onto a blank CD. That will not copy all the boot data.

Google for "windows free ISO burner" - omit the quotes. I've used a few of them, but normally write CDs/DVDs from Linux.

Some of the Linux CDs have instructions on how to make up a bootable USB stick from the ISO.

[that_guy (Tony)]

i dont have any disk CD or DVD so, i have no choice but to put it on the hard drive

[Barrykgerdes]

Hi

Ubuntu Linux is good. It has Open office which is better than MS office and can work with office files. As for the operating system. Ubuntu is about to issue a new upgrade 10.4. I will be downloading the iso (650MB)and making a disk.

Linux does take a bit of getting used to as most of the programs are distributed as source code and you need to build them yourself but you will learn a lot about real computing in the process, especially command line operation. However there is a great inventory of programs in their repository that can be easily installed that mimic just about any program that has been written for any operating system. They have a great forum/help system. If you have a query ask the question on the forum. It is usually answered within 10 minutes.

When I first wanted to try Linux I sent a message to their web page saying I only had dial up. They sent me some disks gratis (version 6.04 it was then) from France..

If you have trouble getting it PM me and I will make you a disk and post it. I have 9.10 on disk now but 10.04 is scheduled for release this month.

Barry