Thread: Install Options, Support For Linux

The two most popular Linux window managers-the software that controls the look and behavior of the X Window graphical user interface-are Gnome and KDE. Most distributions default to installing one or the other-Ubuntu opts for the former, for example, and OpenSuSE, the latter. However, you could install both window managers on your system, and choose which to use when you log in. Also, several window managers, notably Blackbox and Xfce, require less memory and graphics processing than Gnome and KDE, making them a good choice for older hardware. Finally, lightweight Linux distribu¬tions, such as Puppy Linux, prune the OS down to its elements, breathing life into even the most ancient pc.



OS support is never cheap, but Linux support is relatively inexpensive. The $60 (approx Rs. 2700) packaged version of Novell's community-supported OpenSuSE 11.0 comes with 90 days of installation support. For long-term support, choose SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (currently in version 10), or go with Ubuntu and buy a support contract from maker Canonical. (Ubuntu users, though, joke that simply googling for technical support usually results in the exact answer you're look¬ing for on Canonical's forums.) While Linux isn't an alien life form, it is different from Windows, and making the transition to it will take some time and money. But never having to pay Microsoft for Windows and Office licenses again is a gift that keeps on giving. More important, you'll be free to run your choice of desktop and server software, on hardware you can afford.