Why should I add ubuntu to a computer that runs OK on XP?

Question

I do use microsoft money and will need to keep using that. The rest of the windows programs that are out there I don't really care much about, and understand there are plenty of free programs that will replace them. I plan to keep the computer I'm using for another year or two. Suggestions, recommendations?

Linux Mint 11 · Accepted Answer

It is not absolutely necessary to install.

RUN LINUX LIVE without committing yourself !

Linux is now in a position of offering a viable alternative to proprietary platforms and more than capable of offering a full desktop experience.

There are two worth taking an immediate look at and both use the GNOME Desktop Environment being Linux Mint 6 and Ubuntu 9.04 and both are very easy to use.

Linux Mint 6 Release notes
http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_felicia.php
Ubuntu 9.04 Release notes
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/JauntyJackalope/TechnicalOverview

Linux Mint 6 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31
Ubuntu 9.04 Download
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

If you like either of them

Linux Mint 6 installation tutorial
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia
Ubuntu 9.04 installation tutorial
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-ubuntu-9.04

You download the ISO. image of either Linux Mint 6 or Ubuntu 9.04 then you need to create a Bootable CD from the ISO. This can easily be done using Nero Burning ROM or similar software. Linux Mint 6 and Ubuntu 9.04 can also be run straight from the LiveCD you have created without touching your Hard Drive.

Screenshot of my custom LiveDVD of Mint 6 running Beryl 0.2.1
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii256/Linux_Ubuntu_geek/?action=view¤t=Screenshot-1.png
Screenshot of my custom LiveDVD of Ubuntu 9.04 running Beryl 0.2.1
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii256/Linux_Ubuntu_geek/?action=view¤t=Screenshot.png


Remember you can RUN IT LIVE !


LUg.

jumpingrightin · Answer

Ubuntu is free and will allow you to continue to use your computer free without having to worry about cost of upgrades. Plus, Ubuntu works faster than XP on the same machine.
The best thing to do, is install Ubuntu so you can dual-boot between XP or Ubuntu.
Ubuntu also doesn't have viruses and never crashes.

Jarrah G · Answer

reasons for: 
ubuntu is free 
faster
looks better
more custermizable
more open 
never ending oppitunitys for ubuntu
reasons against
you will have to download some free opensourse version of money and will have to learn it again but it will probly be better anyway once you learn it

Braedon L · Answer

So what is your goal by adding ubuntu? I mean, it's a great OS, but if Windows works fine for you, what do you hope to accomplish by wasting more hard drive space?

tylertrain · Answer

You don't have to if you don't need to. I abide by the rule of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". So if you don't have a need for your computer running faster or don't need the free software (most of which can actually be downloaded for windows too), don't switch

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Why should I add ubuntu to a computer that runs OK on XP?

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