Linux?

SoberGuy · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 06:32 PM

So, after years of disliking Micro$oft, I"m thinking about making hte jump. I'm curious what anyone here thinks about Linux. In particular, I'm curious about compatibility with programs like Word and Excel. With Excel, I"m particularly concerned about VBA and macros; being able to program and run them on a Linux based machine. At some point, I'm hoping to set up a server for the house and a Linux firewall. Anyway, for those who use Linux, what do you think about it? Is it able to handle Micro$oft documents and spreadsheets? Is there a noticeable difference with performance, adware, spyware, viruses, etc? Thanks for chiming in...

John_White · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 06:42 PM

You may want to try Natas' other site: http://linuxgangster.org/

JuliusSqueezer · #3 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 06:47 PM

I'm confused. Is Linux the one with the piano or the blanket?

toker · #4 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 06:51 PM

if your asking if you can run MS Office, the answer is... no. BUT there is an office for linux, its called open office. It can read MS docs, but I dont think you can do the deep stuff as you can with MS office.

My advice is to put your desired flavor of linux on a machine, load up X and play around with it.

if you want a taste of what linux is like, try D.S.L. I cant say it out right b/c it has a bad word it in, lol any way, its the first link here

small linux - Google Search

It can run inside windows so you can play with it.

Johnny Utah · #5 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 07:24 PM

Congratulations SoberGuy! Switching from Microsoft to Linux is one of the greatest decisions a person can make. I unfortunately am a Windows administrator, so I cannot completely leave Microsoft...yet.

Toker, you can successfully run MS office on Linux. However it can be a little tricky. The program most often used is WINE.
Here's a link to the site: Wine HQ

SoberGuy, My experience with Linux is that it is better than Windows in almost every aspect. It performs faster, it is WAY more secure, and less prone to viruses and spyware. Plus it is free. You can't beat that.

One of my favorite flavors for a beginner switching from windows is Ubuntu.
Check it out: Welcome - Ubuntu: Linux for human beings

If you have anyother questions, feel free to ask. Natas' other site is good. So is LinuxQuestions.org

toker · #6 (**permalink**) 02-13-2007, 08:25 PM

I have tried to play with Wine, but never could get it to play nice with me, lol.

morti · #7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 01:16 PM

I am also a Windows Admin like Johnny Utah and my favorite flavor is Fedora. RedHat has been the leader for ages in business linux and Fedora caries on their tradition of making it easy to use for us windows switchers.

Incidentally, at home, I am even running open office on my windows boxes. I like it better. It is less Bloat-ware than anything ever to come out of Redmond, WA.

OpenOffice.org: Home

You might download it and play with it before you make the change.

I will say this... If you are used to being king of the road when it comes to windows, be prepared for a sharp learning curve when you first load up that Linux system.

-Your Sick Uncle Morti.

natas · #8 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 04:48 PM

If you got the money, get a Mac...seriously.

If not, the best distro for people new to Linux would be Ubuntu or Fedora. And yes, go to my other site http://linuxgangster.org and ask some questions over there. The site is slow right now because I haven't had much time to update it (I am working on getting it going).

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