(06-05-2014 10:38 PM)nzmorange Wrote: (06-05-2014 10:35 PM)georgia_tech_swagger Wrote: (06-05-2014 10:03 PM)nzmorange Wrote: Unfortunately, Apple sucks harder than Microsoft, and you need a degree in computer science to even get a Linux computer (mild exaggeration).
Linux Mint Desktop Edition. I can grant you installation isn't foolproof braindead easy ... but then, you'd have to grant me that you never had to install Windows before either.
I have had to install windows once. It was not a ton of fun.
I might even spring for Linux, but I A) have no idea how to even get it and B) feel like there would be MAJOR compatibility issues with virtually everything and I lack the degree in computer science required to deal with it.
Linux Mint Debian Edition I mean. It comes by default as a LiveCD ... so you can boot it off the CD itself and play around. Reboot ... you're back to normal like nothing ever happened.
Step 1)
http://www.linuxmint.com/download_lmde.php
Step 2) Choose the Cinnamon 64-bit version.
Step 3) Scroll down and choose whatever United States mirror you like ... click on the name of the mirror and the ISO will begin downloading.
Step 4) When finished downloading, burn the ISO to a blank DVD. You MUST USE "Disc Image" format, NOT "Data" format. Depending on the name of the software you use to burn DVDs, it could also be called "ISO Format" or "Image FOrmat".
Step 5) Pop in the DVD, reboot your computer.
Step 6) When your computer is booting, select whatever button it displays for "boot options" or "interrupt normal startup" or "boot sequence" or similar. It is typically F12 or some other F key. What key varies depending on your computer. If you don't see anything, tell me what your computer is and I'll look it up.
Step 7) Select the DVD drive from the boot screen. Hit enter.
Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) will now boot. It will be somewhat slower than it would be if you installed it, since it is having to read everything off the DVD drive on the fly... and a DVD drive is much slower than a hard drive. But it will boot to a full LMDE desktop. You can play around and see what you think.
If you tell me what city you live in (PM if you want) I can direct you toward your nearest LUG (Linux User Group).... which love to help newbies ditch Windows. If you bring your machine in, they'll even install it in dual boot mode (windows and linux) for you and show you the ropes.
Or you can come to the Southeast Linuxfest (see announcements) and GTS will personally set it up for you. :)