[Contrarienne]

I've thought for some time that I'd like to try Linux, and it seems a good time now because there aren't many options if one needs a new computer. By this I mean that I would not want to get a system with Windows Vista, and I am not interested in Macs. I don't actually need a new computer, as I've got a desktop with Windows XP that works just fine. What I feel a need for is to learn how to use Linux and how to use a laptop. I'll be getting the Asus Eee 1000 as soon as it's in at amazon.

I know it is likely that I'll be needing help, since I've never used Linux and have some pretty strong preferences - like it is essential for me to have Opera as the default browser. That'll be the first thing for me to do, but I am wondering if it is as easy as downloading the Linux Xandros version from opera.com - or is there some other preparation I must make?

I think it'll be fun to find substitutions for other software that I've used, if they don't have versions compatible with Linux. I guess some of my software won't even be relevant outside of a Windows system.

These are some of the programs I use. In addition to Opera, I use Firefox and SlimBrowser. I use NoteTab Light, explorer2, BitPim, PopPeeper, Digsby, Irfanview, Lunabar, RamBooster (to monitor RAM usage only), Avira, TClock and PowerMenu.

Is there any reason why I wouldn't need an anti-virus program?

I am not sure how I will get connected to the internet at home with the laptop. I have a DSL modem for my desktop. I know I could either subscribe to wireless through my AT&T DSL account or upgrade it, but I'd rather not have to contact AT&T. I rarely do, but when I do, they are so unable to give me service that I end up needing corporate to make a simple change.

What is Bluetooth for in a laptop? I don't have it in my desktop.

This is pretty much what's on my mind at the moment. If I'm a bit out of sync, it is probably because I am drinking tea when I am supposed to be drinking coffee :P

[jayd512]

Hi, Contrarienne! Welcome to LinuxForums!

Most of the programs you mentioned have Linux equivalents that you can use without too much trouble. In fact, Firefox is the default browser for quite a few distros. And some of the window managers out there come with a RAM usage monitor or Network monitor included on the toolbars.
There's really no true need to have an anti-virus program on your home machines because, first, there aren't more than a few viruses out there that can affect the Linux Filesystems. And seeing as how, in a Linux environment, you're typically not going to be running with admin rights you won't have to worry about any malicious files digging into your system.
As far as connecting to the internet, the eee comes equipped with wireless capabilities, so you may want to look into getting a wireless router. And the bluetooth is for synching up you PDA or other gadgets to your computer.
Other than that, switching over to Linux can be a bit of a learning curve, but it's quite the experience when you realize that your computer is under your complete control.

Have fun with Linux, and we'll see you on the boards!

[Contrarienne]

Thanks, Jay. I think I'm going to love it

[Cabhan]

I should add that with Linux, to install Opera probably won't even involve going to the Opera website. Instead, you just open your package manager (your one-stop shop for most of your Linux apps) and type "opera", and bang! No need to even download a file on your own .

As jayd said, you will almost always find an equivalent program for Linux. For instance, they use Microsoft Office, we use OpenOffice. They use AIM, we use Pidgin. They use Outlook, we use Thunderbird. Etc. etc. So I think you will have little problem finding programs to suit your needs.

I'm not sure why you would have to go through AT&T to upgrade to wireless. Just pick up a wireless router at your local computer store or online, and plug the DSL into it. Now you have a wireless network that you can connect to from any system that knows the password (or for your desktop for instance, you can just plug right in with an Ethernet cable).

But I'm glad to see your interest in Linux, and remember that this is an entire forum dedicated to helping people use Linux effectively and solve their problems. So don't be a stranger! We like to help.

[kostasan]

EEEPC has an antivirus, but it doesn't need it too much. You should scan from time to time for infected files that can infect windows pcs!!

[Freston]

Originally Posted by Contrarienne

This is pretty much what's on my mind at the moment. If I'm a bit out of sync, it is probably because I am drinking tea when I am supposed to be drinking coffee :P

I'm a drinker of both. But there's a time for tea and there's a time for coffee. You can't act like you don't care and drink one when it's time for the other. The universe doesn't work that way. Nasty things will come of it.

Welcome to the forums anyway!

As long as you don't expect to much of your new little device you should be alright I guess. It's build as a lightweight portable device, not as a preformance monster. Other than that, it's just a new interface to get used to and I guess downloading applications from the repo (as mentioned above) might be new to a Windows user but like all things convenient it's easy to get used to.

Originally Posted by Contrarienne

Is there any reason why I wouldn't need an anti-virus program?

Not running a virus scanner is like not dragging an anchor.
It's not that Linux is invulnerable though, and a Linux box can easily become a carrier for virii... not infected itself, but spreading the virusses to other machines non the less. I don't worry about it to much. Just take care not to run binaries from untrusted sources.

Originally Posted by Contrarienne

What is Bluetooth for in a laptop? I don't have it in my desktop.

Short range wireless data transfers. You could buy a Bluetooth dongle for your PC for :estimates: maybe $20 or so?? I saw one the other day for €15,- and it might help you transfer files from your PC to your eee. Or you could attach a Bluetooth mouse to your eee, but those mice are a bit more expensive.