Compuker Question

I've got a friend who's a computer geek, and he's not a fan of ANY of the products from Microsoft. He tells me that for my computer to run better, I need to not only dump Internet Explorer in favor of Firefox, but that I should dump Windows completely and switch my operating system to something called Ombuntu [I believe that's it].

I know a lot of you use Firefox, and are mostly pleased with it...but is anyone here experienced with Ombuntu? Friend tells me that since it's not Windows based, I can throw away any antivirus software...because nobody's writing virus programs for Ombuntu! From what I've researched on my own, Ombuntu works with OpenOffice, which I have on my computers in lieu of Microsoft Office. But since most of the PC world is Windows-oriented, I'm just wondering if switching to Ombuntu would put me out of synch with everyone else...which is not a good thing when sending out resumes and job apps.

Anyone have any expertise to offer? Like ol' Ross Perot, I'm all ears.

We switched from Micro$oft & Windows to Apple Mac and we can't see going back.
We use a couple of Mac Mini's, a Macbook Pro, iPhones, & iPad,
We haven't had any virus or worm trouble for three years now.
There are Mac programs that read and write MS program files.
We use Mac Word and it does our job.
On one Mac Mini, we use a program called VM Fusion ware, and it creates a virtual windows desktop from which we run Quickbooks when necessary.
I tried open office, but wasn't impressed, like Mac better.
Visit an Apple store, and go to the help desk and let them show you what Mac's can do.

Problem with that is, I'm not planning [or financially able right now] to buy a new computer.

So UBUNTU [I misspelled it above] may be my best option. It comes with Firefox browser, so there goes most of the Internet Explorer headaches from the get-go.

But I still appreciate your response. The more options I hear, hopefully the better informed I'll be.

I think Ombuntu is a form of Linux. It, like firefox, is an open source ware. That allows the individual to modify the source code to get the computer to do what they want. When you are monitoring your own operating system, if someone does try and "hack" you, your understandings of the hidden workings of your system would allow you to recognize the attack. I only used an open source operating system once, and I really didn't care for it.

Unless you plan on putting this friend on retainer or are interested in becoming a computer geek yourself, stick with the mainstream operating systems (either Microsoft or Apple). I mostly use Windows XP and have played around a bit with Windows 7 and like both (next spring I plan on getting a new computer with Windows 7).

I usually use Firefox as put out by Mozilla without modification by myself. There are sometimes when I HAVE to use IE but rare.

You probably mean Ubuntu - www.ubuntu.com. It's one of many variations of the Linux operating system. You can download it for free from their web site. Many other sites offer a DVD for a few dollars. The best part is that it can boot and run from a DVD so you can try it out without affecting your current Windows installation.

I find the anti-Microsoft comments silly. Yes, the company is a thug-giant that ate-up many little guys in the past. So did the "big three" car companies along with many big tractor companies. Regardless, Microsoft has the most popular operating system and Web-browser in the world. In part, because they flood the market, but also because they have good products. Nothing comes close to having universal compatibility with mainstream software. Mac is getting somewhat close, but that's about it.

I have no idea what it is you fear, or think you can't do - but I've been using home computers since they were first invented and had no hard drives. Since then, along with the evolution of Windows, I've never ever had a system failure due to a virus, spy-ware, hack-attacks, etc. There have always been good free programs to protect your computer. Also, PC hardware parts have always been cheap and easy to buy. Can't say I've ever had a problem with MS Web-browers, or web-authoring tools either. So yeah, being the most popular makes you most subject to attacks. But using the most popular also means you can find the most stuff to use with it - including a lot of great share-ware.
Just my opinion, but I'd love to hear exactly what "runs better" (from your friend) actually means. Gaming? Video editing? Photo editing? Audio editing? Writing complex scripts? Web authoring? Crunching numbers? I suspect for most general users, many of the so-called higher-tech advantages mean nothing.
I'm no "geek" although I use to build and sell computers back when it was worth the bother. Now I keep up just enough to do what I want. I find it a pleasure to be able to get free programs and cheap hardware after it has evolved but aged a year or so to bring the price way down - and much is only Windows compatible.

I'm curious. Just exactly what issue have you had with a MS OS or Web-browser that could not be correctly easily, for free?

My only gripe with MS right now is the silly naming of "Windows 7 Home Premium" when it is actually the cheapeset, barebones OS system they sell - and absolutely NOT premium. Needs a $100 upgrade plus special hardware just to make it equal to Windows XP home-version.

Unbuntu is a good operating system IF you have a well versed background in DOS...it loads fine off a cd but you have to install programs manually...its not as simple as point and click...i have heard of Linux installer programs but i've yet to find one worth fooling with.

Just learn to live with MS. XP is OK, Win 7 is better. The others stunk. Ubuntu is a very easy to install linux, if you find that it fits your needs.
I too am a MS hater, but you need to follow the pack most of the time. My favorite browser/mail program is seamonkey, the newer version of Mozilla. Short and sweet. Once in a while you find some thing that only explorer will run. (compliments of MS.)

I agree with jdemaris - "I find the anti-Microsoft comments silly..." No business that has ever existed is perfect.

Cussing Microsoft is like cussing Ford, Chevy, or John Deere... They all make mistakes, but they're still the best "bang for your buck" out there...

If you have a technical bent and like to tinker, the Linux variants are fine and you might have fun learning something new. You WILL be out in the weeds support-wise on most scanners, printers, digital cameras, etc, if you have Linux and have trouble getting any of those type of hardware devices to work.

To me, Linux on the desktop is similar to hybrid carsin that they are OK while they're working, but just wait till you have trouble.... Its hard enough keeping mainstream technology going...

Unix can be reliable, but it also can fall flat on its face just as easily as Windows... I say that as having been a Unix sysadmin for 20-30 users over 10 years and was playing with Minix which came about before Linux was written.

The best way (in the past year or two) to keep a Windows XP (or newer) PC clean is just don't browse the internet in an administrative user account. Especially if you have kids that use it, if you just keep them in a non-admin userid, it drastically limits the ability of any virus to get installed on it.

Just my 2 cents...

Howard

There's a reason people rob banks and not hospitals or orpanages. Think about it.

If you (or your friend) know how to burn a .iso file onto a CD you should consider Puppy Linux. I like it better than Ubuntu because it's smaller and faster and has everything I need.
Puppy Linux

As stated earlier, Ubuntu is a Linux variant. I have not used Ubuntu myself, but have about 15 years experience with Red Hat and Fedora, so I think I can speak with some authority. Linux gets better every year, while Microsoft still refuses to address some fundamental issues with Windows. Consequently you put yourself at risk everytime you connect your Windows PC to the internet. You can make Windows acceptably secure, but only by adding third-party antivirus and firewall packages, and keeping them up to date. Few people are willing to go to the expense and aggravation of keeping their OS patches and antivirus current.

Now, as far as Linux goes and Ubuntu in particular, I wouldn't be concerned as long as your friend is willing to help you out any time you run into a problem. It helps if you have some UNIX experience, but this is not necessary. Once your Ubuntu system is up and running it will be quite stable and should require little maintenance other than running the program which automatically installs updates.

As far as compatibility with the rest of the world, you'll find that OpenOffice is quite current with MS Office. It is not as polished of a package as MS Office, but what do you expect for free?

You don't necessarily have to pick one over the other. I suggest you start out using a bootable CD to run Linux on your PC without actually installing it. Most of the major distributions have "Live CD" options including Ubuntu and Fedora.