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February 9, 2007
Dear CNET members,
Happy Friday, folks! Well, Patti, the community members came through this week on your question regarding your curiosity about Linux! While we didn't get a huge quantity of answers, we sure did receive a lot of quality answers. Just reading the submissions from you folks, I can feel the passion behind our Linux users. I know that just the mere fact that I'm now mentioning Linux, some of the folks reading this are running the other direction, but they shouldn't. I know Linux isn't for everyone, but keeping an open mind is always a good thing. I know for a fact that if anyone here does decide to give Linux a shot or wants to learn about it, there is a huge, supporting, passionate, and tight-knit community out there that is willing to help you succeed in becoming a Linux user. I remember reading a post in the forums once that read, "99.9 percent of Linux users will help another Linux user," and that by itself says it all. So if you're contemplating using Linux or are just curious about it, I urge you to check out all the helpful advice being offered from our members this week. It will not give you a better understanding of it, but also a better sense if Linux is for you. So for starters, I give you the winning answer from Cameron, who goes through a series of questions, starting with what your needs are. And anyone who has additional suggestions for those who are thinking of trying Linux, swing by the forum thread and offer your penguin advice. Have a great weekend and enjoy!
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Member Question of the Week
Question for the community: Given the mixed reviews for the new Windows Vista and the increasing popularity of open-source software, I started wondering about free operating systems. How realistic is it for the average Windows user to install and use a Linux-based OS such as Ubuntu? I bought a Toshiba Satellite laptop last fall, and I'm wondering if it's possible to use Ubuntu on that machine instead of Windows XP. If it is a good OS for those of us with no Linux experience, what are the pros and cons of such a system? And can I totally get rid of Windows XP? Thanks!
Submitted by:
Patti H.
The first question to ask before getting new hardware or software is always "what are your needs?" Then what are your resources, and finally, what is available?
Most home users surf the Web, do e-mail, take and share digital pictures (well, you will), and trade and print documents with your friends. An open-source operating system does those things. It's safer on the Internet, because it doesn't get viruses.
There's one place open-source falls down, and that's running the very *cheapest* modems, printers, and cameras. If you've still got that ink-jet printer or all-in-one that came "free" with your mail-order Dell, chances are...
Submitted by:
Cameron S. of San Jose, California
For
Cameron's
efforts, we're sending him his choice of any
CNET Learning CD.
Community Buzz
 Each week we take a look at topics discussed in the forums.
Have fun and enjoy!
More from the forums
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Check out next week's question:
I am looking to find out as much as possible on the subject of home multimedia. I want to set up my own media system to play videos, view photos, and listen to music from my computer to a TV and a projector, either through wireless and/or the new wired network using your home electrical wiring. Please let me know what my options are and how I can go about achieving this. Thank you!
--Submitted by:
Mike R.
If you have the answer,
e-mail us at messageboards@cnet.com.
If we choose your response, you'll get a
free CNET Learning CD.
Have a question?
• Multimedia
• Internet Security
• Digital Cameras
• Home Audio & Video
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• PC Upgrading
• PC Troubleshooting
• Digital Music
• Consumer electronics
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Simple question, simple answer
Help your fellow members
This week on CNET
CNET Learning Hub: Vista
 Looking to upgrade to Windows Vista? Consider this your one stop shop for all things Windows Vista. CNET Learning Hub: Vista features tutorials, tips, and classes with CNET experts.
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