[Console]

Not necessarily, some of the newer distro's (like ubuntu and madriva) are very easy to install and have most of the apps you need out of the box. Linux is getting easier for the average user ever day, there's no reason anyone who doesn't mind investing a bit of time installing and learning the in's and out's of a new OS can have one.

[Sidders]

Maybe one day. That day is not any time soon.

[Chrz]

Whats the advantages of Linux anyways??

[Sidders]

There are endless.

[David]

thing is, i find my windows computer reliable enough for what I do, and the majority of applications are written for windows... so why would I want linux?

[Sidders]

the majority of applications are written for windows...

You've answered your own question.

[Mafro]

Is it just me or do people who use linux and firefox act like they are above normal Windows-using people?

[Chrz]

lol - i agree.... you must have to be cool to use firefox...

[Mafro]

Exactly, but I wouldn't use the work "cool". I'm happy enough with Windows XP and Internet Explorer.

[Chrz]

Yeah, i'm with you, a mate of mine couldn't live without linux but really, I don't see the point.

[Mafro]

Was he a bit geeky by any chance?

[Quincy]

did he look like millhouse? or console?

[Mafro]

So, back on topic, out of the first two laptops I posted, the second one would be the best for the kind of stuff I'm wanting to do?

[Console]

the majority of applications are written for windows...

You've answered your own question.

Actually that's not true, there are more than 5 times the amount of programs written for *nix compared to Windows. You can run alot of Windows programs of *nix anyway, and if you can't there are plenty of very good (sometimes better),free alternatives.

I'm happy enough with Windows XP and Internet Explorer.

Yeah, i'm with you, a mate of mine couldn't live without linux but really, I don't see the point.

The reason most people switch is because Windows is riddled with viruses and it can be a pain to completely lock it down. Also using IE is the main problem when it comes to viruses, so making a switch to a different browser makes a lot of difference, it's not just the fact it's easily skinnable and has a load of features IE doesn't (although IE7 will be having both tabbed browsing and a search bar in the top right hand corner).

So, back on topic, out of the first two laptops I posted, the second one would be the best for the kind of stuff I'm wanting to do?

The first two laptops are very similar, there's not much between them, but the second one is probably the one you want.

[Mafro]

Thanks for the help.

[MK Chris]

(although IE7 will be having both tabbed browsing and a search bar in the top right hand corner).

I bet it only searches MSN though - unless there's a registry setting where you can change the search URL.

[Console]

I bet it only searches MSN though - unless there's a registry setting where you can change the search URL.

Actually, that may not be true:-

http://elliottback.com/wp/wp-content/lh5r8xf.jpg

In that picture (of the IE7 beta), there is a tiny little arrow on the search button, indicating that there are other search engines to choose from, although msn would probably be the default.

[Sidders]

It tells me I'm forbidded to look at that.

[Console]

Works for me, but I've mirrored it here:-

http://vimagination.zapto.org/images/lh5r8xf.jpg

[Sheep]

The server understood the request, but is refusing to fulfill it. Authorization will not help and the request SHOULD NOT be repeated.

Doesnt sound good

[Sidders]

Works for me, but I've mirrored it here:-

http://vimagination.zapto.org/images/lh5r8xf.jpg

I don't think I'll switch.

[Console]

I don't think I'll switch.

Really, but what about the lovely transparent interface (why?) and the close button that is now 10 pixels away from the corner, stopping you doing that quick mouse flick and click to close it.

Does look suspiciously like firefox though, doesn't it?

[Mike Redding]

I prefer firefox to IE. It's easier to use.

[Sheep]

Its just a rip of firefox with a different name.

[Console]

Its just a rip of firefox with a different name.

For legal reasons, this is the opinion of one board member, not the entire forum as a whole.

OTOH there are a lot of similarities...