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M$1.00  Funded By Mahalo ? |  March 31, 2009 04:23 PM

If I want to run Linux on a new computer... is it cheaper to still buy Windows?

...is it cheaper to get a new desktop with windows from Dell (or similar) or can I find a new one with no operating system? I am not as interested in piecing one together.
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pescina pescina
 
 March 31, 2009 06:21 PM
Actually, some major vendors are giving options for those who would like to have a linux distro instead of Windows, when getting a new computer. Unlike a previous answer, I would recommend buying a computer with Ubuntu. You can try it for a while and, if you don't like it install Windows. I don't think this will happen, though, as Ubuntu is closer to XP than Vista to XP and is really easy to use. Also, since you'd be buying a computer directly from the vendor, you wouldn't have any hardware issues.

One more thing... Not only it's a bit cheaper to get a computer with linux installed. Also, linux uses less resources than Windows, so it won't need a lot of RAM or the newest and most expensive processor to run.

Check this out:

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

And some eye candy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4wB3GUemVw
Source(s):
Ubuntu user.
http://www.ubuntu.com/



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deathapple... deathapple...
 
March 31, 2009 04:32 PM
Unless you buy a pc from a reseller/mom-and-pop store, you will get Windows bundled with the machine. Netbooks (from companies like Acer, Asus, HP, Dell) may come with versions of Linux, to save the manufacturer some money. I would stay stick with Windows unless you HAVE to have Linux. If you do, get someone to build a PC for you (or buy a Netbook).

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pmacdon1 pmacdon1
 
March 31, 2009 04:57 PM
Dell offers some Laptops and Desktops that come without windows. You can customize them too so you have some flexibility in the computer you get.

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/linux_3x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/e510_nseries?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

However the amount you are going to save by not getting windows will be less than $100 (you save $71 on a Dell Inspiron 530), and there are less options. So I would say if you can find the exact computer you want without Windows, then it is a good deal. However, getting the right computer is far more important than saving $70.

Also here is a list from Linux.org of computer vendors which may or may not be helpful.
http://www.linux.org/vendor/system/desktop.html

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Voted as best: mattman4
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meskarune meskarune
 
April 01, 2009 08:24 PM
You can get a cheap/good computer from newegg.com that has no opperating system. And you could always end up selling the windows os...

I wouldn't recommend ubuntu for a first distro though, its way too buggy. Go with mint or suse.

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