Choice of OS

While many people will naturally go with Microsoft Windows because of its common use, Linux now provides a viable alternative for home and office implementation. You will see in the choice section, the pros and cons of each operating system. Whatever you decide to choose, it will be a commitment not easily broken. Once you install e-mail software and various other applications, it is likely that a jump from one system to another will be more difficult because of familiarity with one software. Depending on what use your computer will have, one of the systems might not be a consideration because of its specificity. Our advice is to that you try each system. Avoid asking family and friends that might have used Linux and Windows, as you might encounter a fan of one system without a realistic comparison of the benefits or drawbacks.

Whatever operating system you want to install, the first step is to test the RAM. Because of the hardware specific of the RAM, it can be defective while still being detected by the system. Test software like memtest86+ can test all the individual memory cells the RAM bank is composed of to check if each of them works properly. If we can, go ahead and install the OS. If not the RAM needs to be changed beforehand. A bad memory bank can render the system unstable for seemingly no reason and a system installed with a defective bank can still be unstable even after changing that bank. This is why it is so important to test before installing any system.

There are currently three operating systems:

1. Microsoft Windows XP

2. Microsoft Windows Vista
3. Linux

Each of those systems would be good for a simple personal or business computer.

Windows XP

Pros

• Mature system
• Vast software offer
• Easy to install

Cons

• Cost
• Will not support direct X 10
• The end of life of that product is close

Windows Vista

Pros

• New Microsoft system
• Vast software offer
• Should be Microsoft system for the next years
• Only system to support direct 10 for gaming
• Visually elaborate interface (with the right version)
• Easy to install

Cons

• New system with some driver problems (will be solve with time)
• Cost
• Numerous hard to differentiate version can make it difficult for a beginner to choose
• Resource hog

Linux

Pros

• Free
• Vast software offer
• Stable
• Most of the software are free with very good product rivaling proprietary ones
• No spyware or viruses

Cons

• Cannot run Windows software (however, alternatives do exist that assure compatibility with current Windows software)
• Can be intimidating because of the plethora of offers

If you plan on buying a few games, then go for a Windows solution. There are many games under linux, but not all that much. It might be enough for a a casual gamer more interested in small fun games than the latest releases.

If you plan on working then see if there is an equivalent to the software with which you are working. For example Microsoft office has a Linux equivalent that will allow you to create document sheets, etc. that are compatible with MS office. You can check here what software is equivalent to the one you are using http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/Linux_software_equivalent_to_Windows_software.