Software recomendations

No1newts · 31 Aug 2009 at 21:31

Going to be building myself a PC sometime toward the end of the week and a friend of mine who has worked in IT for a looooong time has recommended that rather buying Windows I would be just as well off getting Linux as an operating system as it runs just as well.

Additionally he said that there is no need to go out and spend cash on the likes of Norton etc and I would be just as well getting my AV from AVG Free (formerly Grisoft)

What are other peoples experience with these pieces of software? I am not in the situation where I need to save money so don't mind paying for the brands if they are better but if I can get good software free I would not turn my nose up at it.

Thanks

Daegan · 31 Aug 2009 at 22:00

What operating system to go for depends on what you're going to be using your PC for and how easy (or difficult) you want to make things for yourself. For desktop use traditionally Windows does more, does it better and is easier to use, but that's not to say you won't be able to do everything you want to on Linux, you just haven't said what you're going to be using the PC for.

There's a whole thread dedicated to AV stuck at the top of the forum. And yes some of them, even some of the good ones are free.

chrisxuk · 31 Aug 2009 at 22:32

If you've always been used to Windows, then i suppose moving to Linux will take a bit of getting used to so that's something to consider.

Like previously said, AV thread at the top. AVG free is good, but there's other free options. Firefox as your Internet Browser. All depends on what you are going to be using the computer for

theheyes · 31 Aug 2009 at 22:47

If you're doing a self-build then you could always try to live with Linux for a month or so and if it doesn't work out then get Windows. You're not really tied to anything in that respect.

If you're serious about giving Linux a go then you'll want to choose your hardware a bit more carefully. For example, nVidia cards are better supported than AMD and some chipsets for wireless cards are a bit iffy. If you do decide to go Linux there are people in the Linux forum who can advise you further.