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Linux vs. Vista for an absolute beginner? (+related Vista/hardware query)
tomos:
Two and a half questions ... sort of :)
1) How would Linux ("Linpus" it's called) be for an absolute beginner (more or less) as compared to Vista
2) Would the specs of laptop below be comfortable with Vista (VHB) for basic use ?
3) there's also the aspect that I'll get called on if there's a problem - while I might cope with Vista, I've never used Linux so have no idea how that might be
they want to buy this - they dont even know (or understand) about the Linux option yet
-
Acer Extensa 5230E-581G16 CM585 1GB 160GB 15.4" WXGA non-glare TFT
Celeron-M 585 2.16GHz
1024MB Speicher
160GB Festplatte
DVD+/-RW DL
Intel GMA X4500HD (IGP) max.1759MB shared memory
USB 2.0/Modem/Gb LAN/WLAN 802.11bg
PCMCIA Typ II und ExpressCard/54 Slot
Card Reader
15.4" WXGA non-glare TFT (1280x800)
Windows Vista Home Basic-
Seems like a good deal for just over €400 but I'm afraid Vista might be too much for this machine?
so another option would be
-
Acer Extensa 5230-571G16_Linux
15,4 Zoll WXGA Notebook
Intel Celeron M575 2,0GHz,
1GB RAM,
160GB HDD,
Intel GMA 4500MHD,
DVD +/-RW DL,
Linux (Linpus)-
for €70 cheaper
Considering I'm the person who'll be helping them out in times of trouble but also with learning word-processing and internets
and keeping in mind I'm no expert in windows but generally just research if there's a problem.
:-\ There's also Acer's very poor reputation for service and more importantly repair but I couldnt find any other similar size laptop at that price
Any opinions ?
- better to go for the Vista or the Linpus Linus ?
Damn, they've a flash site so I cant link to the page - how stupid. This page is as near as I can get if you want to look - it's the Extensa 5230)
thanks!
Dormouse:
My absolute beginners prefer Linux.
My non-technophiles who have used Windows (XP or earlier) don't like Vista, but don't particularly like Linux either. A bit of an unlearning curve for them either way.
Easier to manage security aspects on Linux because the number of threats is so much lower (beginners/tenchophobes generally aren't the best at updating AVs etc and get fed up with the intrusions).
I'd say go with what you know unless you are interested in learning what you don't. Otherwise I'd go for Linux except for those who will have exposure to Windows progs elsewhere that they might like to use but can't. Powerpoint is better than the OO equiv, but my user who doesn't like that does not want to give up lots of Linux progs and does not want to switch to Windows, though would be happy(ish) with dual boot option. I'm the one who would least like to give up Windows completely because I have so many little apps that I don't want to give up; beginners don't really care as long as the computer will do what they want.
mouser:
I think you are wise to focus on the issue of how YOU are going to help them when they run into trouble. I'd be hesitant setting anyone up on a computer that used an OS i didn't know if i was going to be doing support for them. That suggests setting them up with the OS that *you* are most comfortable with.
f0dder:
For absolute computer-newbies with limited needs, both linux and windows would be fine (as long as hardware is properly supported) - however, if you don't have enough linux knowledge to support them, linux might not be a wise choice. The linux "community" is not newbie-friendly, and too often you'll get replies like "rtfm" (hah, if there was any decent docs) or "you have the source, fix it". Frequently, too technical terms are also used. Add to the top of that that most "normal" people run windows, which could result in your non-techs getting exposure to (and wanting to run) windows-only applications.
The specs sound pretty OK for Vista, btw. RAM might be a bit in the low end, but I don't suppose they're going to be heavy users. Run the thing through vLite and they should be OK :)
40hz:
3) there's also the aspect that I'll get called on if there's a problem - while I might cope with Vista, I've never used Linux so have no idea how that might be
-tomos (March 24, 2009, 10:41 AM)
--- End quote ---
End of discussion. Spare yourself a lot of grief. Have them go with Vista. 8)
The specs sound pretty OK for Vista, btw. RAM might be a bit in the low end, but I don't suppose they're going to be heavy users. Run the thing through vLite and they should be OK :)
-f0dder (March 24, 2009, 12:22 PM)
--- End quote ---
+1 with f0dder on that. :Thmbsup:
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