Is Linux better then Windows 95? Can someone please direct me to the best free operating system?

Question

I have a computer that I just got that has Windows 95 on it but am thinking about trying one of the free ones out there. If you think that Windows 95 us better then let me know. If it is not better,can you recommend one , that is similar to Windows, that is better?

Answer 1

I have a similar computer that I am trying to get to work. It's a Compaq Presario 5035 with 64mb of RAM and a Pentium II processor. I was able to find a 20gb hard drive for it as the old 8gb drive died. I currently have Xubuntu on it (a less demanding version of Ubuntu) and it's working as expected with the hardware limitations.



From the Xubuntu website:



Minimum system requirements



To run the Desktop CD (LiveCD + Install CD), you need 128 MB RAM to run or 192 MB RAM to install. The Alternate Install CD only required you to have 64 MB RAM.



To install Xubuntu, you need 1.5 GB of free space on your hard disk.



Once installed, Xubuntu can run with 64 MB RAM, but it is strongly recommended to use at least 128 MB RAM.





You may also want to check out Puppy Linux.



http://www.puppylinux.org



You can run that one off a CD (the whole thing is only 50mb+) and it will save sessions on your hard drive.



Have fun!

Answer 2

Yes linux is better than windows 95 and some may even argue better than any windows including Vista. Linux can run on 32 or 64 bit machines, where-as you would have to purchase a 64 bit operating system seperate from the 32 bit operating system using windows. Linux is also free. You can download Linux from a number of different suppliers. SUSE and Red Hat are two of the best. Download them using windows, burn to a CD, then install onto your windows machine.... you can even have the option of formating your drive to clean it of windows, but make sure you have copied all the programs etc. you want to a cd, as formatting your hard drive with Linux, will wipe windows out!. Also, there are no viruses, spyware, malware etc. concerned with linux. it is much more secure. I run both Vista and Linux, and new vista is like old linux.... don't waste your money on windows.... linux is great. The only down side is that because it is open source, (that is anyone can work on it to improve it, make drivers, etc.,) not all of your periphreals like scanners, cameras etc. will always work with Linux. But most of them will. Good luck.

Answer 3

I use Linux Mint and is it better, eh personal preference. I did like Windows 7 I think they did a good job; I never used Mac. You can test drive Linux, burn it to a disk, put the CD/DVD in the computer, restart, and give it a go. It will not install or erase anything (unless you hit install). Linux can run on really old computers, some versions like Puppy Linux run in RAM, memory, you do not even need a hard drive. Saves you mega bucks having to buy a newer machine. Like switching phones, it is a slight learning curve. The pluses of course it is free, pretty safe from hacker and viruses. Anyhow give it a try, eh, you might like it, or not.

Answer 4

I would install Windows 98 right off the bat. It's much more stable than Windows 95, and has better drivers.

Answer 5

try linux its free and way better then 95 - heres your link

Answer 6

better or worse is relative, if you have a 500mhz pc with 128mb of memory, you may have trouble running anything better than 95. but if you have a higher powered computer, you could try Ubuntu, I would suggest a 5.10 or 6.06 version. it has a lower hardware requirements.

Answer 7

Windows 95 is so small and unable to upgrade with Windows products. Microsoft support was discontinued years ago for 95. Good that you are asking about the free Linux OS rather than throwing it in the trash - which is what anyone would tell you unless you like to play electronic solitaire. But, hope on.... all is not lost and this is your ONLY shot at Linux. I am going to paste the article from my forum. I am just starting with linux too as Microsoft has laready discontinued support all the way up to Windows XP SP2 and Vista. I don't think I'll be getting Vista, so Linux is the alternative as it has updates and upgrades for life and is the perfect alternative to "refurbish" older windows machines that just refuse to die. (You will want to delete everything you possibly can for precious space)



Now the only reason I say this is your only chance is because you will need at least 256M RAM for the normal Linux OS and there are only about four main ones before things become obscure: Madriva, Debian, Ubantu, and Suse Linus OS (operating sysytem). However, the very popular Ubantu has a smaller version .... here you go and also I will add the link to one of my own Modcasts you can play (MP3 30 minutes) to get you right up to speed about how to install this. You can also join the group I created "Linux-Ducks" Yahoo Groups...



ARTICLE:

Source: http://bluecollarpc.net/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=174

Xubuntu Linux OS for users with less-powerful computers ...



Xubuntu

http://www-static.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/xubuntu



Xubuntu is an official derivative of Ubuntu using the Xfce desktop environment. It is intended for users with less-powerful computers, or those that require a highly efficient desktop environment on faster systems. Xubuntu features primarily GNOME applications.



Xubuntu Desktop

When you start your system for the first time you'll see a desktop that is clean and tidy, no desktop icons and a default theme that is easy on the eye.



Ready-to-use

As soon as it's installed Xubuntu is ready for you to use. It comes with all the basic applications you need, including Abiword for documents, Gnumeric for spreadsheets, Firefox for web browsing and Mozilla Thunderbird for email.



You can download Xubuntu, visit the Xubuntu website to find out more.



System Requirements

Xubuntu is available for PC, 64-Bit PC.



CDs require 128MB RAM to run, or 192MB RAM to install. Desktop install requires at least 1.5GB of free space on your hard disk.

_________________

*****BlueCollarPCNet Forum Owner*****



I am the webmaster of the famous http://www.BlueCollarPC.Net website specializing in malware removal. So being a security site - Linux OS is a security option for all discontinued models of Windows because it is an "alive" OS with all security critical updates as normal. Go here to play my brand new podcast on Linux that is a good orientation of how the how thing works. PS>>>> The guy that offers a lot of support to worldwide Ubantu is that billionare guy that went up on the shuttle craft to the space station !



BlueCollarpC.Net Modcasts:

http://www.bluecollarpc.net/modcasts.html

PLAY: (click the link):

http://www.bluecollarpc.net/downloads/LinuxOS_Orientation.mp3

bcpcnet-modcasts:

Audio}}} 30.4M "Linux OS Orientation"

http://www.bluecollarpc.net/downloads/LinuxOS_Orientation.mp3

Linux OS Orientation.... This is about a half hour chat as an orientation to the alternate Linux Operating System. It is not a technical discussion at all. The basis for this orientation is to familiarize persons with the free Linux OS as a security option for older Windows machines. Microsoft has discontinued support except for Windows XP SP 2 (service pack 2) and newer Vista. This means no more critical updates and just now in April 2007 was the .Ani Cursor zero day exploite leaving unpatched machines to fend fo themselves with paid subscription antivirus and antispyware employing heuritics and defintions as the only security defenses along with a firewall. Enter Linux OS, the alive operating system with all the normal updates and upgrades ongoing we have been used to and including crtical security updates. The several items up front are the different "distros" available that are the distributions of Linux OS on CD's such as Mandriva, Debian, Ubuntu, and Suse. Linux OS is a step down from Windows and does not have the normal "installers" accustomed to. To get Linux either takes ordering the CD software free from Ubantu or a few dollars for others and more if softwares are included - or downloading it and burning it to Cd's to then install it. There is also the ability to burn the 'Live CD" which will not install Linux but allow it to run on the CD. This will allow shopping around to which version you like best. Ubuntu is the only prototype windows installer version that allows direct download and installation over the Internet which is not fully workable as yet. All this is discussed as the main upfront things you need to know to begin and make choices.

12:24 pm est