My PC is now Windows Free

[superdumbell]

I finaly desided to take the leap and take windows completely off of my computer and now all I have is Fedora Cora 2, some of the things that helped me switched to linux are the Games and RAD programming tools for linux, REALbasic 2005 and Lazarus, and as far as the games I found www.happypenguin.org. I have got every thing exept for my printer and scanner to work which is a Lexmark X1185 that I got from wal-mart, my TV Tunner and 3Dfx card work fine, I wanted to put Fedora Core 4 on my computer but I had problems with my ltmodem on Core 4 and I dont have a copy of FC3. but the good thing is that I was able to get OpenOffice.org 2.0 Beta installed. After having Fedora I never want to switch back to windows

[SuperNu]

Congrats on going Windows free. I have been Windows free now for a few years and I don't see a need to ever install Windows again.

--SN

[nandowong]

congrats, I got rid of my dual boot crutch almost a year ago and have not looked back since.

I do use wine for some school software, it keeps me from having to instal windows

[gavinw6662]

nice, very nice. I still haven't switched 100%, but maybe soon!!!

[iamroot]

Congrats!!! I've been without Windows for 2 years now and still going strong=)

[Urameshi]

I am having the same problem you are. i have the same printer and there isn't a driver for it. you have to download it. the name of the driver is z600. it comes with a shell script. although i downloaded the driver, i can't get it to work. if this information is useful and you install the printer sucessfully, PLEASE REPLY.

[vishnumrao]

I too had a dual boot till about a week back when I removed my Xp boot. I am not going back to windows ever again. I have had absolutely no issues with FC4. All my hard ware got detected and FC4 runs smoothly right out of the box.

Fedora rocks, absolutely.
Glory to the penguin.


Cheers,
Vishnu Murahari Rao.

[Optimal Aurora]

Congradulations, you done something I wouldn't do. Its not that I am scared of leaving windows, but I want to keep up the experience and skills require to use certain windows apps and administering a windows server ran network, that is why I keep windows and besides I like it for graphics. So for me Dual Booting is the only key...

[CuCullin]

Good stuff :D

I try to keep my win-usage to a minimum a best. I recently thought I could go windows free - and perhaps I'll be able to soon, for now I have a hacked up lite version I messed with to run only the few things I want (specifically, I need to use AutoCAD at home, work-related.). Hopefully I'll find a cad/cam project worthy of replacing (or atleast supporting until it can replace) autocad.

[sueltraz]

Alas...I am addicted to Half-Life 2. DAMN IT VALVE! Will you just port the damn thing to Linux and be done with it?

[defkewl]

WIll your printer and scanner work on your current fedora instalation?

[Alerander]

Good! Very Good!
You do finish the works I can't do, I have to install windows for my school softwares such as Matlab, Multisim2001, I wander if I can get materials instead them under my FC4!

[imdeemvp]

I am trying and unfortually I needed for my sony clie palm device.....

[Knudson]

Alas...I am addicted to Half-Life 2. DAMN IT VALVE! Will you just port the damn thing to Linux and be done with it?

buy cedega...it's officially supported so just

# cedega setup.exe

next -> next -> next -> ok

and you can run hl2 on linux ^^

[kosmosik]

for RAD have you tired Borland Kylix? or pyqt with qt-designer? or pygtk with glade? there are some RAD options for Linux user for sure... :)

(I don't like basic)

[Alerander]

kosmosik, does your PC run Linux only?

[92b16vx]

buy cedega...it's officially supported so just

# cedega setup.exe

next -> next -> next -> ok

and you can run hl2 on linux ^^
Have you played HL2 on Linux yet? I hear it isn't that great. And if you have, do you play deathmaych? I have beat the game already a couple times, and all I still play is DM, so if it isn't up to par, than I really have a problem, paying someone else, to let me play a game I already payed to be able to play.

[glorfindel]

Hey,
Can you tell me how and where did you put that lexmark printer to work?

Thanks

I finaly desided to take the leap and take windows completely off of my computer and now all I have is Fedora Cora 2, some of the things that helped me switched to linux are the Games and RAD programming tools for linux, REALbasic 2005 and Lazarus, and as far as the games I found www.happypenguin.org. I have got every thing exept for my printer and scanner to work which is a Lexmark X1185 that I got from wal-mart, my TV Tunner and 3Dfx card work fine, I wanted to put Fedora Core 4 on my computer but I had problems with my ltmodem on Core 4 and I dont have a copy of FC3. but the good thing is that I was able to get OpenOffice.org 2.0 Beta installed. After having Fedora I never want to switch back to windows

[websavages]

I have a question which has me stumped. I have one laptop and two hard drives, one for linux and t'other for windows

Does that make my pc windows free?

Cheers ws

[GarySaved]

A few days ago, I got bored, and re-installed windows XP on my box.
I had not even gotten thru the install process, and was getting some errors.
They were fairly easy to fix. I just backed up a couple steps, and tried again, and it worked.
After installation I started updating. XP has about 400 meg of updates.

My Wife was happy that she could simply install things, that would work. (She said)
Yeah Right! (NOT)
Just about every package she installed, had problems that had to be fixed.

I installed a Firewall, Antivirus, AntiSpyware, and Registry Protection.

So ...

Windows actually boots slower than FC4, with nothing added on. (A clean install of XP)
After installing all the above programs, everything really slowed down.
Every time I wanted to do something, It was not in the most comvenient place. (Like it is in FC4)
Almost every program I listed above either wanted me to register them, or began nagging me that the 'Full' version would do all this ...

Well, I told my Wife it is now a dead issue. Fedore was re-installed to this box, and the 'Use all Partitions' option was checked.

Fedore beats Windows from any standpoint I can think of.

[iamroot]

The main attraction for Windows is that all hardware "just works" with it. Unlike with GNU/Linux.

[sayeeth]

The main attraction for Windows is that all hardware "just works" with it. Unlike with GNU/Linux.

Hell no man! The main attraction for Windows is their kiddy UI! :p

By the way, I'm yet to be completely Windows free. Hopefully soon!

[fsck]

Hell no man! The main attraction for Windows is their kiddy UI! :p
(snip)
Actually, you are both right. Windows has a very nice, if set-in-stone front end. And they have the market position to make sure that every OEM provides drivers for their hardware. Linux is a long way from the kind of hardware support that windows enforces, but we're getting there. And when we finally do get there, Linux will kick Windows ass for one simple reason: We actually give a damn about our users, not just our bottom line.
Both Gnome and KDE have come a hell of a long way in the last few years, and will continue to innovate into spaces that MS can only dream about, for the same reason.
But (and it's a big but), windows is the standard, like it or not. And it is still ahead of Linux in usability simply because it can create it's own standards and enforce them. Look how easy it is to set printers up (a long-time problem on UNIX systems). Look how easy it is to install software (think also, viruses). Look at your friends, family and workplace, and see that Microsoft writes the rules, and everyone else has to follow them, because "everyone else" uses windows.
Once upon a time, there were only a few models of car you could buy. Each one cost a fortune, and was impossible for anyone short of a top-of-the-class mechanical engineering graduate to maintain. Then there were dozens of manufacturers, working to more or less the same standards of internal-combustion engine, clutch systems, fuel delivery and carburation systems, and everyone could maintain their own if they chose, or leave it to a garage. Now, there are a few manufacturers, and they will sell you a car with a warranty, anti-rust, free insurance, free service and so on, but they still adhere to the same standards. They will take the service out of your hands, if that's what you want. They will maintain, mend, upgrade and recycle your car for you, if you choose.The car industry has grown well beyond it's original specifications because people want choice, and got it. It provides support for those things which you could do yourself, but may choose not to because the technology has outstripped your ability (or need) to understand it. It's a service, and that's where IT is heading.
There will still be those who put outsized spoilers, fat tires and bigger carbs on their cars, and further those who bore out and short-stroke the engine, fit NOS and racing gearboxes and ceramic brakes and so on. But those people will - and should - be the few and the brave But, to bring us back to computing for a second, Soon everyone will be able to buy the computer they need from a local shop and get support for it if they need it from a computer "garage" and have it serviced by a computer specialist. Or they can fit the new 2.6.12 kernel, and install the new XComposite settings for Xorg and some true transparency if they want, because standards exist which everyone adheres to, and choice is implicit in the contract.
Microsoft can fight and fight for closed-API and closed source solutions, but the world wants a car, not a Microsoft People Transportation Device (TM) "Where do you want to go today?"(TM) patent pending. Serviceable only by a qualified Microsoft certified mechanic, and if you open the hood, we'll sue you.

This was a 2-line answer when I started, and I'll get off my soapbox now. Thanks for bearing with me.

[tomcat]

The main attraction for Windows is that all hardware "just works" with it. Unlike with GNU/Linux.
Might be true in many cases, but not in my case. When I bought a new computer, it refused to install Windows XP. Since then I am windows free.


Yes, there is life after Microsoft. :D

[ramibow]

I'm trying awful hard to get rid of Windows. I have been trying many distros. Right now I'm using Xandros. :)

[Alerander]

Windows actually boots slower than FC4, with nothing added on. (A clean install of XP)
After installing all the above programs, everything really slowed down.
Every time I wanted to do something, It was not in the most comvenient place. (Like it is in FC4)
Almost every program I listed above either wanted me to register them, or began nagging me that the 'Full' version would do all this ...

Fedore beats Windows from any standpoint I can think of.

Hello, GarySaved
Actually, i found that my FC4 boots slower than XP, although now all i have is FC4. i'd like to know that how could you make FC4 boot faster than XP? ;)
Thank you! :p

[tomcat]

There is a topic for that: "How I made Fedora boot under 25 seconds" or so it is called, if I remember well.

[92b16vx]

Once you go through the services amd disable all the unnescessary ones, it boots real fast. I had timed WinXp 64 and FC4 64, and FC booted from start to finish about 15 seconds faster, now that I am back to normal versions of both Windows boots to the desktop faster, but is still runing start up process and unusable, and FC4 is probably booting up to a usable point in about the same amount of time if you include log on.

GarySaved,
Just about every package she installed, had problems that had to be fixed.
Sounds like more user error to me. I install about 20 apps on top of a clean install, and nothing ever hangs or gives me any poblems. Or, you have a whack copy of Xp.

[pparks1]

I have yet to be able to make FC4 boot faster on my laptop than Windows XP. I have shaved a significant amount of time off my boot however.

I am running FC4 on a Dell Latitude D610 laptop (Pentium M at 2.0ghz, 1.0gb ram, 80gb 5400 rpm hd). Windows XP boots up in 24 seconds from the time that I select it from the boot loader screen to the point that I get the CTRL-ALT-DEL logon screen.

My FC4 system is running the minimum number of services that I need. I followed the link above and setup the gdm-early-login stuff. I however did not recompile the kernel. With the latest patches installed, it takes my Fedora box approx 43 seconds from the time that I select it from the boot loader screen.

I probably shaved about 20 seconds off that Fedora boot time. For me, 43 seconds is fast enough as I don't boot it that often.

But, for the record, XP is still booting faster for me. But I like running Fedora more :)

[Alerander]

Me too, although my FC4 boot slower than xp, but i like to use that. i cleared Xp from my box.........
Cool!

[tomcat]

I think we all do have the time to wait maybe ten or twenty seconds more until a system completely booted. Time is not THAT precious.

[stanch]

I was windows free for awhile, but I ended up putting it back on. Doing my taxes on line is probably the bigest thing. Some shopping sites, many Federal gov sites, and almost all WA state gov sites won't support linux. Perhaps in the near future.
stanch

[Alerander]

I'm windows free now, i think i can keep it up.
I have found many advantages of FC4, it seems more suitable for me than Windows. The most important thing is that: it always free!!!

[ybnorml]

I'm in the process of trying to get FC4 tweaked and everything I need on here. My Pinnacle TV card was picked up, there's DVD and CD-RW support, my Audigy 5.1 was picked up, Ti-4200, Photosmart 1215 and removable devices too.

Last night I got NTFS set up so that's all good now. I need to get Wine running, find something to play wma and mpg files with and make sure I can do video editing, then I'm about done with it. I, too have a few sites that I can't get to work under FC4 but I may be able to live without that.

If I could import my bookmarks and my .pst file from Outlook into something else I'd be dang happy!

[Alerander]

It seems that i can never read oooffice files from MS word, because my files were written in Chinese. However, i can translate it to .pdf suffix and print it, Evince is pretty good!
As a result, i can finish most of my works just under FC4, although i don't know how to get my 1394 adapter working well. Anybody here can help me?
Thank you!

[Raafi]

May as well add my name to the list, windows free since Jan '05 and I have no intentions on going back

Anything that is not linux compatible, I dont really need. I got the job laptop for any windows apps I may need

[Alerander]

I'm glad to say that i just installed FC4 on laptop. i'm a student, and will have to use some school software such as Matlab or EDA, just go to library and won't going back to windows.

[Ulujain]

The main attraction for Windows is that all hardware "just works" with it. Unlike with GNU/Linux.

Either that or software you're used to.

[CuCullin]

It seems that i can never read oooffice files from MS word, because my files were written in Chinese. However, i can translate it to .pdf suffix and print it, Evince is pretty good!
As a result, i can finish most of my works just under FC4, although i don't know how to get my 1394 adapter working well. Anybody here can help me?
Thank you!

Alerander, my firewire card was automagically detected and supported - and now issues either, used it with my minidv camcorder for kino (testing cinellera soon, once I've built my new machine).

Might want to post up about it in the hardware forum though, since this thread isn't for that.

[MantisDragon]

I've been Windows free since the start of July when I dropped my World of Warcraft subscription. Should I ever go back to WoW I will reinstall XP but I highly doubt I will play that game again, after 4 months it jsut couldn't hold my attention. So far running FC4 on my lappy has been a great experience. I've had a few set backs and minor errors but nothing I haven't been able to fix myself or find a how-to on.

In all honesty I think Windows is easier for the general public or the casual net surfer, but not for me. No matter what, I didn't feel like I was in control of my system while running it. With Linux I feel like I have control and I like that.

[Alerander]

In all honesty I think Windows is easier for the general public or the casual net surfer, but not for me. No matter what, I didn't feel like I was in control of my system while running it. With Linux I feel like I have control and I like that.
Aha...I have to say the same, it's generally considered that windows is easier fot general public. However, i do not need this ease, actually,i find linux is convenient enough for me, i can get my lappy working fine just with it. so, Why NOT?

[dwflo]

My turn now, :D

Been Windblows free since July and have no regrets. It's like giving up drugs, after the withdrawals, life is sweet.
Fedora is by far the best OS I have used since OS\2. Those that knock Linux, just don't know what their missing.

[Ulujain]

I'm not Windows free and I probably never will be. I don't care for OS advocacy; the whole thing is a yawnfest IMHO. I use whatever OS is suited to a particular task, so I dual-boot.

The only thing more amusing than a Mac-using rebel is a Linux-using rebel, especially those who only discovered it the other day, got on the bandwagon, decided that Bill Gates has done them real and personal harm and lauded that fact to the world. OS schmOS. Use whatever gets the job done better and there are apps written for Windows that do perform the job better.

Cheers.

:)

[Raafi]

why did you post in this yawnfest?

[Ulujain]

Edit: couldn't be arsed.

[Raafi]

i wasnt offended, ulujain

Its just that you basically said everyone here, who has posted on this thread, is wasting their time.

[Shuai]

I have to daul-boot w/windows and fc4 because I need to keep Macromedia Flash on here. I'll kill windows off of me when it's time. That is, when macromedia has a stable Linux compat Flash.

[UnWorldly]

errr, when adobe has a linux compat flash, didnt they just merge?

I started living without windows the beginning of this summer when I no longer needed to rely on my computer to make it through shcool, now I am at a point where I can trust it to work for me when I need to get real work done. I spent alot of time this summer hopping between distros to get a feel for the one that I found the most productive for my purposes and fedora seems to match that the closest.

I still use windows on other computers which don't belong to me, I find that I need to keep my windows skills in order to remain a desirable employee so I still use it from time to time to keep from getting rusty and preserve my ability to solve windows problems. But my own computer is free of windows, For some purposes I think linux just fits better, free software is alot better for making music I think because everything co-operates using the JACK drivers instead off all the incompatible plugins and mater/slave programs and rewire that windows offers, the linux audio tools are mostly fitting together with each other much more nicely than anything on windows ever could. Being able to patch the kernel and rebuild, and tweak envery aspect of the system makes my sound perform at lower latencies then I could squeeze out of my windows machine, but that doesnt seem to happen for every person.

Linux just feels like being on the other side of the matrix in some ways, but there are inconveniances that one must deal with in order to use it, I have no problem vragging that I can look at porn sites all day and not get any spyware, but I can't genuinely advise kids to switch to linux just so they can watch porn without getting spyware because it really does take alot of work.

I dont think we can say that any linux os is objectively better than windows, but it does offer advandages for some specific purposes, like producing quality music on a budget, or manipulating data in certain ways, or bringing usefulness back to an aging machine(an advantage taht is quickly sinking). I think the age of aggressive advocacy is passing, that normal down to earth users will be better for getting linux more widely adopted then these really zealous braggy people that are still running their mouths. I think that when linux users become a more down to earth group that more people will adopt, we look like a bunch of crazy nerds right now and it intimidated people.

[Alerander]

I think the age of aggressive advocacy is passing, that normal down to earth users will be better for getting linux more widely adopted then these really zealous braggy people that are still running their mouths. I think that when linux users become a more down to earth group that more people will adopt, we look like a bunch of crazy nerds right now and it intimidated people.
Quite agree with you!