The year I was born, computer's looked like this!

i thought it was like this.



Just kidding.

I run vista and think it stinks it is very slow. Maybe I should change?

Vista came out right at the time when the trend was going toward lighter computing. Kind of like GM putting out a huge gas guzzling sport utility vehicle right at the moment when everyone wants small gas efficient cars. Vista is an absolute hog on space and resources. You really have to have a fairly newer high speed big memory system to run it. Windows 7 is supposed to be lighter and not so much of a CPU hog but at this stage who knows... Microsoft is saying Windows 7 is what we need but remember that's what they said about Vista... You could try to locate Windows XP (which Microsoft no longer supports except on their special netbook versions) and re-install it.

If money is not a big issue, it is my opinion the the new Mac OS X we talked about earlier is absolutely the cat's meow in computing. You're gonna pay more for a Mac, but you'll have a far better machine with a very robust and virus free operating system that is easy on resources and almost maintenance free. McAffee and Norton become a thing of the past as does defragging your hard drive and blue screens of death.

If you like experimenting and tinkering with something completely differnet and new then maybe go the other way and get Linux for no cost. As it is Open Source, you just download it and run it. No licensing or EULAs to fuss with. You can install it on as many computers as you like and don't have to have anyone's permission to use it. It's yours and it's free!

The most popular distribution of Linux is Ubuntu. I know the name sounds funny but Ubuntu is very popular. You can download the Ubuntu "Live CD," pop it into the beverage tray at startup and have a complete Linux operating system that operates from in memory from the CD. It will have no effect on your Windows install. It's a great way to check out Linux and its programs and see if it is to your liking. With Linux you also don't have to worry about viruses and malware infecting your computer, nor do you ever have to defrag. Just install it and it runs. Linux is extremely robust and very secure.

Thought this was an interesting read... Link

thats a good read. i want to build a linux box. any advice ?

also whats a good tech forum. i would like to get in on one but have no idea whats a reliable good forum to join.

I-W if you like building computers, just about any distro will do. Funny... When I first started with Linux back in 2002 there were just a handful of distros. Now there are hundreds! Distrowatch keeps track of what they're all doing now.

On the other hand, if you just want a Linux machine, Dell has great deals on Ubuntu Linux machines and you know the hardware will already work without much configuration or tweaking. Of all the distros, Ubuntu seems to be the most user friendly for new users.

A word of awareness just in case you don't already know: Linux can mostly be used the same as Windows but is a more "hands on" operating system. Think of Windows as a Cadillac Limousine, complete with a chauffeur who will drive you where you may or may not want to go, all in creature comfort. Think of Linux as a street/strip hot rod that you wrench on and drive yourself. Both have their place.

The payoff with Linux? A cost free, rock solid operating system that hardly ever crashes with a wide range of free applications and programs. Added bonuses are: * No viruses, Trojans, worms or miningwear (thus, no need for McAffee or Norton) and defragging and blue screens are a thing of the past. Having such a system requires a little more work and effort.

If you decide to take the plunge, stop over at Linuxforums.org. I've been a Mod there for years as "Dapper Dan." We have a great bunch of folks who will give you good advice and solutions. We don't put up with flaming or trolls so you'll be in a nice hospitable environment where very knowledgeable Linux users are ready and willing to help.

* There actually are Linux viruses that have been created from time to time but none have had any real impact. Your chances of getting any are pretty close to zero.

i want to learn as much as i can. need to start out with basics. i hear ubuntu is real nice. i not sure where to start but i dont want it to be too easy.

Rob,