Downloading Linux

[GamerMax5]

If I download Linux onto my Win98 PC, what exactly will happen? Would I lose a lot of programs? I just want to know if I should make the change because I heard Linux is really good. One question though... if I get Linux, will I still be able to use Visual Basic 6.0?

[Arachnid13]

most download sites offer you images you can burn to a cd to boot from. the best way to install linux is to make a new partition on your hard drive, unfortunately you can only do this without effecting existing partitions if you have unpartitioned space, so the easiest thing to do may be to purchase a small cheap hard drive. and then install linux to this. most versions of linux also install a program that runs when your computer boots so that you can choose between the different operating systems you have on your system. so you can install linux without it having any effect on your current o/s

[GamerMax5]

So what exactly makes Linux better than Windows?

[Cander]

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. As an IT professional you should only think of Linux as another piece of technology instead of worrying about getting into the religious Windows versus Linux arguements.

But to go ahead and give you a couple of advantages of Linux

- More secure as far as base user security.
- Easier to fix things when things go wrong

Bad stuff about Linux:
- Still kind of clunky as far as available GUI's
- Driver and software installation can often be a pain in the arse

Windows is the opposite

[GamerMax5]

So what about compatibility? Is this a major issue with Linux based systems?

[Cander]

compatability with what?

[GamerMax5]

Like programs. I have some Windows programs that I really can't afford to lose. So what would be the better choice?

[patrick24601]

Windows programs do not natively work on Linux. Look at the WINE project for Linux. It allows you to run quite a few Windows programs in Linux.

Also in answer to your earlier question. Once you download a linux ISO you will burn it on a CD. Before you even think about an install make sure you have a space empty partition on your hard drive. It will be reformatted for linux. You will then boot the CD and install Linux on that partition. You will then have a dual boot system - when your computer boots up it will give you a choice of Linux or Windows.

Why are you getting Linux? I am Linux fan, but please make sure you have a need for it. You can also run a PC emulator on Windows and run Linux at the same time at Windows. Look at something like VMware, Bochs, or MS Virtual PC for something like that.