Linux is generally more stable than Windows and can run on older, slower hardware. But, it still has its weaknesses. I've used Linux on primary computer for probably six years. It's been useful and productive, but I still keep some Windows boxes around. My laptop runs Windows 7. I use this machine when I travel for the mapping applications available. Linux doesn't directly support a good map program. I keep another, very old desktop to control my Canon 5D when doing macro work. The software that comes with the camera is very helpful for this work, and there's nothing comparable on Linux. Finally, Linux has been pretty picky about printers. HP printers are very well supported, but Canon printer support is very weak. Before abandoning Windows or Mac check that any peripherals you have will work. Good Luck, Tim On Wed, 2010-01-13 at 10:30 -0700, mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote: > Well most and sooner or later all of us will deal with the problem of a > hard drive sooner or later. In my case its still a sore subject, but it > wasn't the hard drive that caused the problem, but Windows. Can you say > a ticked off MS customer again. To make matters worse I was going to > just reload windows and reformat the hard drive, but there was an issue > with that too. Some where along the line the CD got place in a > different envelop so those magic numbers that unlock the software were > no where to be found. And to answer your question YES it was a legal > copy, but I didn't want to take the time to beg MS for anything, much > less be in the mood for it in the first place. I decided to load Linux > on to the old laptop and I could use it as an image dump. > > It has Gimp, and I am looking for a raw converter, a monitor > calibration system and you know I might just go open source. If I can > find the right software you know being held up by these companies is > starting to get old. Looks like the 2200 will work with it, IF I ever > print from it (which isn't that likely) and if I could get the monitor > calibrated, I should be able to get decent color for doing adjustments > ect in the field. > > This hard drive hassle may actually be a long term benefit. > > >
