Ok, after Wednesday's discussion of Linux I am left wondering about the availability of software that is similar to that available for Windows machines.

Can Linux run the Windows based games and educational software? In particular titles such as Elementary/High School Advantage, Diablo, the Myst series, the Heros of Might and Magic series, MS Office.

I did follow Rover's link to Linux software, but didn't find much that I would want. If I can't run my library of existing software, why would I want to switch over to Linux?

Countingapples,

Most of the software you listed is designed to run in a Windows environment, the problem is most applications are written for that and not ported over to Linux. However, there are a ton of applications written for Linux that will enable you to do most anything you can think of, Email, Chat, Newsgroups, Office Suites, Internet, DVD/CD Burning, finance, Photo, Video etc...all included on Linux distributions, best of all it is open source software so the Cost is pennies compared to what you would spend for Windows and it's applications. Of course Linux is not as easy to run as Windows, but it is starting to get real close and I can recommend running it side by side with windows to get a good feel for it, and once you did...trust me you will want to use it a whole lot more. I would recommend starting out with KNOPPIX Linux, it runs totally from CD and it will not harm your Windows computer...you can read and or download a copy at the following URL.



Knoppix

I'll take that under advisement. When I'm ready, I'll probably have lots of questions.

Thanks Denman,

countingapples

I've downloaded the Knoppix ISO and am playing around with it in my spare time. I haven't made up my mind yet. I need to spend more time with it to make up my mind about Linux.

Ok... I've decided that I want to install Linux on my laptop as a secondary OS.

Now.. how much space should I allow for the OS and how much for it's apps and data? I'd like to keep it separate from my windows things.

Another consideration is.. which flavor of Linux would I want to use for the install?

Countingapples,

As discussed on the show you should have about a 4GB partition for the install, moreover...1GB of space for the swap file.

any thoughts about the linux flavor to use? I need recommendations for both a laptop and my desktop. I'd prefer one of the free distros if at all possible. I definitely need something that's easy to learn and fuss with.

There is no reason to try Linux it is a outdated OS stay with Windows it is such a problem to try to install software with a Linux OS which ever distro someone might pick that is what you are stuck with a cluttered OS there is no .exe to install software with Linux.