Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
Which OS should I install?
I have an old computer that has had the backup partition wiped, and it did not come with a restore disk.
What operating system would you recommend that does not cost anything? How about Linux and what versions are the best? Can you provide links?
I would like a version that works well with my existing windows software and drivers for my hardware. The computer is a Compaq, and it is 1.6Ghz, all the normal hardware from that time period.
9 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
There are many versions of Linux to try. Too many to name, but I'lll list a few to check out.
- Red Hat (most common commercial brand)
- Debian (large selection of apps)
- Slackware (fast, powerful, a bit tricky to setup for novices)
- Ubuntu (Part OS, Part Philosophy - Linux for Human Beings)
- Mandrake (Fairly simple and user-friendly)
- Free-BSD (Based on BSD version of Unix)
- Knoppix (Run directly from a CD - no install necessary)
So many choices, so little time. But try a few before sticking to one. Knoppix is a good first choice since you can run it directly from CD without installing anything or committing yourself to Linux.
Understand, it's a big change from Windows if you have never tried Linux. Much to learn. Some distributions try to ease that learning curve (Mandrake, Ubuntu, Knoppix).
The thing is, don't expect your Windows-based software to work without a Windows emulator, like WINE.
Enjoy.
Source(s): Learn about & download Linux distributions: http://www.linux.org/ Try Knoppix: http://www.knoppix.org/ Check out Free-BSD: http://www.freebsd.org/ Enter the world of Ubuntu: http://www.ubuntu.com/ Download WINE: http://www.winehq.com/ - 1 decade ago
Linux - Ubuntu is good. But you want to use existing Windows software and old hardware, unless you know what you're doing, you're going to have a difficult time. Better stick with Windows.
- vern2618Lv 51 decade ago
I use Fedora core 5, but there are many that will work with your setup. Try the one that run from cd to see what you like and what will work. This link will be essential for you if you want to install a linux based OS. LinuxQuestions.org
Source(s): In a world without Fences and Walls, Who needs Gates and Windows? - 1 decade ago
Win 98 SE would be the best OS for your PC.
If you prefer linux you can use RedHat which is the most user friendly.
You can use Fedora Core. It can be found here - http://fedora.redhat.com/Download/
- How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
- 1 decade ago
linux is good but did you know by law thay have to give you a recuvary disk
- 1 decade ago
get a new PC, there's always something new every 6 months, so don't expect that manufacturers will create something that will last... its a part of their marketing strategy...
