I being thinking for a while about swithing to Linux on my PC.  If there anyone who can help me by telling me the pros and cons of this move.

I just switched my laptop to a dual boot configuration Linux Mandrake and Windows 98 machine. I really like Linux… very much. However, there are many things to consider. First of all while there are many drivers written for hardware in Linux there are a lot that have not.   As a result some of the hardware on your computer may not work. Also, be advised if you need to have Internet access via a dial-up modem, I would dissuade you from going to Linux just yet. The main problems are the Modem (winmodems) and an ISP that supports Linux. If you have a fat pipe( Cable/DSL) you will be fine, perhaps even in better shape with Linux. Another problem (though not as severe any longer) is the sound card. However, there are places now to get sound driver emulators (OSS and ALSA come to mind).

If you decide to do it. Be warned: Setting up certain things are not as simple as with Windows and it will be frustrating at first but you will get the hang of it. I did.

First to see if you can easily install Linux get a hardware dump for you my Computer icon (right-click) see device manager if you use XP and find out Exactly what kind of hardware you have. Then go on the net (google will be best here ) and just type In the name of your hardware and `Linux and' `install' and `drivers'. Hunt around until you find some info on what you have. That is what I did BEFORE I installed it.

I recommend a dual boot configuration because once you uninstall windows you cannot reinstall it unless you have the disc. Even if you have a partition on your hard drive that allows restore it will get wiped clean unless you are very careful during your installation.

Beware.

I like mandrake because it has a great partitioning tool and easily allows me to choose between windows and linux at start-up.

Hope this helps….

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