>
> [ Shameless Linux plug (:-]
>
> Meanwhile, if you're doing a full install anyhow, you could give one of the
> Linux distros a try. Its the expected long download to get the install
> disk(s), but installation is quicker than Windows. Take a look at <a> href="http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en-gb/concept.php3"> Mandriva [/url].
>
> Advantages are no viruses, no registry to corrupt, excellent multitasking and
> good solid applications. A downside is that there is a short sharp learning
> period to find out what everything is called. (With a few tweaks, you can even
> run MS programs still (:-))
>
>
> If you want to dual boot, install Windows first. A Windows install will
> obliterate the Linux stuff whereas installing Linux later, the Linux boot
> loader will kindly let you choose.
>
>
> Good luck,
> Martin
>
>
Linux has been on my mind for a while, but I always hated dos, and I find it difficult to convice myself to learn a whole new set of command lines entries.
From what I've seen on Tech TV installing drivers and new software can be a b!tch.

---

Boinc V7.2.42
Win7 i5 3.33G 4GB, GTX470

> > [ Shameless Linux plug (:-]
> >
[...]
> Linux has been on my mind for a while, but I always hated dos, and I find it
> difficult to convice myself to learn a whole new set of command lines entries.

In that case, take a look. You will be amazed. You can do a Mandriva install and thereafter use the system all with only GUI clicks. No need for the command line.

(You'll possibly find at some time or other that the Linux command line is a lot better than old DOS (:-))


> From what I've seen on Tech TV installing drivers and new software can be a b!tch.

Try it for yourself. If your hardware is supported then it is all too easy. Just a few clicks and no reboot required. Most recent hardware is supported. You have to have bleeding edge stuff or esoteric rubbish for it not to be useable.

Good luck,
Martin

---

See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

I have, in the past, installed several versions of Linux on a PC for expirimental purposes. Usually Red Hat, but a couple of other brands also.

In all cases the installation was a GUI driven event. Different from Windows of course (if you have ever installed it). I know many people have only used the OS pre-installed on the system they bought. But in either case, installing WIndows or Linux, it is a process in which you interact with GUI tools.

The only reasons I have not converted machines over to Linux is mostly inertia. Though the lack of a GUI and RPM like install for BOINC also plays a part, plus the reports that the Linux versions of the Science Applications are significantly slower than the Windows versions.

---

> I have, in the past, installed several versions of Linux on a PC for
[...]
> In all cases the installation was a GUI driven event. Different from Windows
[...]
> The only reasons I have not converted machines over to Linux is mostly
> inertia. Though the lack of a GUI and RPM like install for BOINC also plays a

An RPM is being put together by a dedicated soul.

Meanwhile, downloading a compressed tar file is only an extra click to 'install' wherever you want it on you system. There are preprepared scripts published to then turn that into an always on 'service'.


> significantly slower than the Windows versions.

With the old 'overoptimised' Intel benchmarking, that might have appeared to be the case. Take a look at the work done by Ned and Metod (and benher and others) recently for optimising the s@h clients.

Also note that Linux + Wine is usually faster than any native Windows!


BTW: Excellent documentation on your site. Keep with the good work.

Regards,
Martin

---

See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

[...]
> inertia. Though the lack of a GUI and RPM like install for BOINC also plays a
[...]

You can find a Mandrake/Mandriva linux Boinc RPM here, kindly put together by Andreas Radke.

Good luck,
Martin

(Mandriva is described here.)

---

See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)