Operating System?

Question

I have been using Ubuntu for a while, but it was very hard to use and get best efficiency, because of a lot knowledge needed. I as a former user of XP wanted setups to be easy and all files (especially .exe) openable. This disappointed me. What could I do? XP is very expensive (Vista will need better pc). I also need .exe to be executed as Wine has not been working well enough for me(bugs, errors, etc...). Only these files with .deb were normally able to be used. That was not enough. I did not even know how to install java programming and compilations to my pc. I really liked the point of view (free forever). The only thing I hated in XP was error reports and quickly crashing system. So in conclusion I do not know where to go :D
What OS to choose (I need it to be free)?
Something very similar to XP, but free. I would like to have mac, but it is too expensive for me...
Can you offer me something?

Answer 1

Ignore stupid answers.



First... "*.exe" is a ___DOS___ command. It indicates an EXEcutable file, and *should* run on any *compatable* system. However... Many programs are set-up so that the .exe file NEEDS a Windows environment to run.

MOST Windows only executable files have a .w** file extension.

Windows (and any other GUI) actually runs overtop of a DOS shell. Remove the DOS shell, and the computer does NOT work.



What you will have to do is find and install the specific drivers for your particular LINUX program (no two penguins are the same) that the particular program uses.

That being said, if you're trying to load MS Office on a LINUX box, you're doomed to disappointment!



Now, to istall Java and it's libraries on your system, either go to the IBM website and download it, or, insert the CD with it on it into your drive, and install from there.



Unfortunately, Red Hat is the only one that seemed to try to mimic the XP feel. Draw backs are that it is several years old, and that it is NOT freeware.



However, I can tell you that Windows 95 is no longer supported or licened by Microslut, so you can download a perfectly legal pirated copy from anywhere. I say perfectly legal and pirated, because the license is expired, but you're not receiving an original copy of the OS. If it hasn't yet, '98 will soon be in the same boat. Otherwise, you can probably find a *legal* copy of XP Home for under a "C" note somewhere.

Answer 2

The OS choices basically are a Linux varient, Windows (XP, Vista, whatever) and Mac OSX. Of those the only ones that you could get free would be Linux.



Instead of trying to get Windows programs (aka exe's) running under Linux you could try using Linux programs that do the same thing. For instance instead of Microsoft Office you can use Open Office.



Of course, there are some programs (notably many modern games) that don't have a Linux version, those you'd likely need to run under Windows. (Some games work with WINE but it's not exactly easy to get working.)



A lot of people who want to use Linux but also want to play the newest games will make a dual-boot system, with both Linux and Windows installed on it. They choose which OS to boot depending on what they want to do.

Answer 3

A few good answers here. I can't understand why anyone would want to use 95, free or not. Virtually nothing runs on it these days. Plus it's full of holes. Try to hang out for six months. A lot of amazing things are about to happen and I think Google will be the forerunner. Vista may well be the last of the fuel (memory) hungry "Yank Tanks". In the meantime, as one person has said, try using Knoppix. it runs from a CD so it won't stuff up your computer settings. It comes with a heap of stuff and Open Office works fine with it. Go to my site http://pctutorials.at3host.com and look in the Software section. There you will find a tutorial on how to download and install Knoppix on a CD. Everything is free!



Good luck.

Answer 4

Ubuntu has an Add / Remove (Package Manager) feature that is similar to Windows. If you use that, you will not be so frustrated. BTW, I used Ubuntu for about 3 months, then found LinuxMint, which was a little easier than Ubuntu for new Windows converts.



TIP: ".exe" files are Windows only, the trick is to find a Linux application that is equivalent to the Windows one. Have you tried to ask here: What is the Linux version of program "XYZ"?



Then, we can help.

Answer 5

I like Ubuntu, I've had no problems with it. You'll probably spend some time googling a bit until you find your way around.



However, I do recommend a mac. You can hack one onto windows if you are willing to make the effort, they call them hackentosh, but even then it wont utilize all of the features. If I were you and were short on money, just buy a mac mini from ebay for $300 or whatever. Probably the best $300 you'd ever spend.

Answer 6

I'm sorry Ubuntu wasn't working out, its a great system. I can't think of any other free os other than the Fedora or GNOME cores that might be easier for you to use. You could try buying an OEM version of XP. Their a little cheaper, or you can buy a student version if you won't use it for profit.

Answer 7

I found Ubuntu to be VERY restictive and hard to use also. I have used probably evey major distro of Linux ever made over the past 12 years and have found that PCLinuxOS to be about the best one for most users. It's simple to install, handles almost all hardware issues, and is very easy to update. Give it a try.

Answer 8

If it needs to be free you're going to need another version of Linux if you don't like the Ubuntu. of course then you'll probably run into the same problem you're already having.

Answer 9

.exe is a Windows executable file extension. Only Windows can use an .exe to install or run a file.

Answer 10

PC Linux best for new people little easier for new people and little easier to load software Wine works little better with it

Answer 11

Try solaris

Answer 12

Try knoppix for change.