- Linux cannot run shock-wave programs
- Many PC games do not have Linux capability (this excludes flash, and java games)
- Viruses can happen on any system, but each Linux computer needs a custom virus, so its not 100% virus proof
- Most newer graphics cards are supported, but several graphics cards may need work before they will work. (the only time you will need graphic cards is mostly to play computer games
- You may have to use Google a lot to get things to work if you want to to something more complex
- Windows programs will not work on Linux, but many companies have a Linux version of what you are trying to download.
- USB wireless adapters are very difficult to get working with Linux
If you feel that the above things will not affect your computer using abilities, then you could use Linux. I would recommend using a laptop to initially try out Linux, as most laptops are fully built to work on every operating system without much extra work. If you want to use a desktop, you may run into problems with your internet unless you are using a cable connection rather then a wireless connection.
Getting Linux
If you type into Google "download Linux" you may get slightly confused as multiple Linux platforms are available. The easiest Linux flavor, operating system, and most widely used is currently Ubuntu. The reason Ubuntu is the most popular is because of the massive community that has been backing it, as well as troubleshooting all different problems for new users. To download Ubuntu, you need to go to this link here -> Ubuntu Download. Select Ubuntu 12.04, as the other option is a build that is newer, and does not as as much troubleshooting behind it yet. If you have a six year old computer select 32 bit, otherwise choose 64 bit. Now the website will say that you can pay for Linux if you would like to contribute to the further development of the operating system, but you can always hit the not now option and start downloading for free. This download will take a while to work, so while it is downloading find a USB flash drive that you can store at least 4 GB of data on. If you don't have one then you can use a re-writable disk.
Flash Drive Install
While you are downloading your OS file, go to this website ->Linux USB creator and download the USB live creator program. What this does is allow you to put the file you download onto the flash drive of your choosing. Make sure that the flash drive you want to put Ubuntu on can be formatted, wiped of all data, because it will have to be formatted to be used to install Ubuntu. After downloading the creator, go ahead and install it. When it has finished, you should hopefully have your operation system fully downloaded, if not be patient and wait for it to finish. When you launch it, the program should look like this image to the right. Step one is asking what drive you want to make the Ubuntu launcher, select your flash drive and move to step 2. Click the ISO button, and select your downloaded Ubuntu Iso file. Skip step 3 and 4 unless you have been told otherwise by another user as these are advanced options. Click the lightning bolt to start it, then move on to the installation segment.
CD install
Right click on the file, and select open with Microsoft disc burner. Insert the re-writable disk, and start burning. When it has completed move on to the installation guide below.
Ubuntu Installation Guide
With either the CD or flash drive inserted into your computer, reboot the system. If you used the CD a prompt should say to press any key to boot from disk, if not or you used a flash drive you may need to go through the BIOS to allow the installation to start. To enter bios simply press F1 or F2 when the computer is booting. You will then get an image similar to this with other tabs next to it. Use the arrow keys to go to the boot section and use the change value keys to position either your cdrom/dvd player to first for CD installation, or Removable Disk to first for flash drive installation. After you have finished press F10, and it should give you the press any key prompt.
After getting through the BIOS, you should see a screen similar to this. You will want to select Install Ubuntu, or try Ubuntu to see if you will like the Operating system first. The second option will run Ubuntu off of the CD or the Flash drive, this will make the system run very slowly and may deter you from continuing to install. After you hit install the program will ask you how you want to install Ubuntu. Select "Install Ubuntu alongside them" if you want to have windows after you have installed Ubuntu. It will then prompt you to allocate the amount of space you will give Ubuntu. I recommend at least 30 GB, or 30000 MB as the program will say. Ubuntu makes it fairly simple to install, and it will then ask you for a couple of details about the Operating system. The first text box will be your computer name which can be just about anything. As you type your name you will notice that the computer name box will also be filled out. You don't need to worry about this as it's just assigning your computers identity for the Operating system. Then you need to type a username that everyone will see, and then create a password. Hit continue and follow the rest of the steps in the installation process. When it has finished it will ask to reboot, and the installation CD or flash drive be removed from the computer. When you reboot a menu should pop up and you can select to boot either Windows, or Ubuntu. Select Ubuntu and type in your password. You now have a Linux operable machine. Ubuntu will come with several programs already that will speed up your installation of your system, but you should update your system before you decide to check out what they are. when on your desktop press ctr-alt-t. This will bring up a black box called terminal, this is basically the "run" program in Windows. Type "sudo apt-get update" and hit enter. You will be prompted to type your password, but when you type, the cursor will not move, so don't get freaked out. When you type your password and hit enter a whole bunch of text will fly by, it will occasionally verify to install something, hit the y key to continue. When it has finished, another program should pop up and tell you exactly how many updates you have. Hit yes, and let the updates install then restart your computer. Unlike Windows, the updates that Ubuntu has can be installed while doing other things on your system, and will be fully installed when you shut down your computer. After the updates are finished, you have a fully functional Ubuntu machine. If you want to install other programs open up the software center program and search by name for the program you want to install. Below is a list of the programs that Ubuntu will already come with, and a list you should install through the Software Center.
Programs Ubuntu comes with
- Mozilla Firefox
- Libre Office (Microsoft Word Programs)
- A more functional Video player
Programs you should install through software center
- Adobe Flash Player
- Iced Tea (this is what will allow java to work in Firefox)
Programs to download through the internet
- Ubuntu Tweak (this program will allow you to customize the Ubuntu layout far easier and faster then the default manner)
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