Thread: WinXP to Linux Instead of Windows 7

I have been a Microsoft/PC being ever since PC-DOS 1.1, but this Win7 thing is getting ridiculous, mainly if I have to do a clean install in its place of an upgrade over my WinXP, with the only inspiration to keep from having an unconfirmed OS (and shake me down for $200 for the license). As a result, ever since I have to do a clean install, is there a well-supported Linux OS product that will run on my a range of WinXP PCs (Dell 450, Dell Optiplex 745, Sony Vaio, HP Laptop) as well as run the following apps:

* MS-DOS Window (for PC-Write and other DOS programs);
* OpenOffice;
* Sea Monkey browser and email;
* Quicken;
* Basic I/O connectivity (for USB thumb drive and SD Card);
* Reasonable free antivirus software (like Avast, Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware);
* Skype;
* CD/DVD Burner.

Optional:
* Virtual CD 4.5;
* Motorola Phone Tools;
* Windows Media Player;
* Office 2000 (hey, I can at least ask).

I am not a Linux user, but have kept up with the PC/Microsoft thing adequate to keep my PC as a useful tool. Any information, detailed of general, would be respected.

It's simple to install as well as you don't actually require making use of the commandline interface. You can do appealing much all using GUI.

For a windows media player substitute you could make use of Rhythmbox, which is excellent. Sometimes I make use of it, if I don't I utilize mpg321 (playing music in terminal).

And for antivirus, you don't require any one. The chances on receiving a virus on Linux are too low as well as the possibility of a virus being executed by you as well as ran by root also in fact influence your machine is also very low. If you want to run Windows programs try by means of 'wine', a windows emulator.