Tech Monday – New Operating System

I’ve been using Mandriva (a flavor of Linux) for about a month now, and all I can say is “Wow”. I actually tried the live CD first (it runs in memory, so you don’t have to install it) to see if I could really make the switch. After about two weeks of playing around with it, I decided that empty second hard drive I had would be a perfect place to put it and create a dual-boot machine. I waited for Mandriva 2008 to be released and downloaded the Powerpack version ($59 USD). It was a day long download over my satellite connection, but soooo worth it. It installed surprisingly easily. I had never installed an operating system before, and I know nothing about compiling drivers or anything else most Linux geeks do on a daily basis, so I was slightly trepidatious about it. Because of that, I did decide to buy that Powerpack version to make sure I had all the necessary proprietary drivers for my hardware. I really think that made it a lot easier. People, EVERYTHING works so far! I can play CDs and DVDs, watch TV, surf, chat, email, download pictures out of my camera, print, scan, fax, and guess what? No Blue Screen Of Death! And, get ready for some pretty sweet 3d effects if your computer has a beefy enough graphics card. You should check out the embedded video below to see what is possible with Compiz-Fusion (included in the download). It’s just a demonstration of what one person has done to customize their computer with the tools available in Compiz-Fusion.

I don’t recommend a full-install switch for the average user. As good as Mandriva is, you should be a Windows power-user or above before attempting to dual-boot anything. (JMHO) But, almost anybody can download the live CD (called Mandriva One) and run it from their CD drive to access web and email. Except, maybe my mom. Anyway, if you are interested in cutting the Microsoft apron-DRM-strings, One is a good place to start.

I tried Ubuntu, as well. I liked it, but for some reason, installation didn’t seem to be as easy. I would still recommend it for folks interested in trying out Linux…live CD first, please. (You can also get Ubuntu pre-installed on some Dell PCs.)

One more thing I have to say about Linux. You would not believe the amount of help Linux users are willing to extend to those who are trying to break the Windows habit. I have encountered some of the most helpful people in the online world in Linux forums. Everything from general recommendations to command lines are given away freely to those who simply ask. Linuxquestions.org is a good place to start, but is just one of MANY available forums, mailing lists, and chat rooms devoted to helping newbies like me get started with Linux.