[KLUG Members] Windows user with interest in Linux.

[Jason R. Schroeder]

Hi, I am new to Linux for the most part, and have some questions for you all to respond to. Hopefully with the feedback I receive I can get a better understand of the capabilities of Linux, and if it will suit my needs. 

 

I have been using windows for the past 16 years, so I am attached to it the software just like bill wants us all to be. I use windows for a lot of things. Video editing, homework (office), listening to music, and games. I have meddled with Linux in the past, red hat and mandrake. Let me tell you, it didn't last long before I went back to windows. But over the years my computer collection has grown, and my needs have changed. I am not playing the quantity of games, but utilizing other aspects I have only been able to find in windows. I'll go through the machines I have, and what I primarily use them for now. 

 

I have 3 computers that are running (handful of others for parts, etc). 

 

I have a Pentium Celeron 2.8 GHz, 784mb ram, 200 GB hd space that I am running Windows Server 2k3. I use this machine to host files, a web server, and an exchange server for my mail (also utilizing the calendar to share my schedule with the rest of my family). 

 

I have a desktop, AMD Athlon 64bit 3500+ processor, 2gb ram, 7800GT SLI ( 2 video card) setup, with 320gb of hd space. It is running Windows XP 64bit version. I use this occasionally to play games, and use it to program on it, Visual c++ and Visual C#, photo editing and video editing(my off-road videos), and burning DVDs. 

 

And lastly I have a Dell XPS laptop, Celeron Centrino 2 GHz, 1 GB, NVIDIA 7800 GTX go video card. I use this machine for most of my work (mobility is a great feeling). I play games, check mail, and program on it. This machine is also used by my fiancé who is decently computer illiterate. 

 

Anyways, the big thing I am concern about would be my server (computer #1). Is it possible to host an exchange server where outlook can connect the same way it can now? As for programming, is there any way to have a team collaborative programming project? I am always trying to find ways to better utilize the server other than increase my power bill. I also use this server for a shared printer connection for the other machines. As for the desktop, I could switch it to Linux or dual boot it, but I like to retain the same if not similar capabilities as before, plus also retain the ability to play games( I didn't drop this kind of $$$ into it for it to just sit there). Heh

 

Well, that's all I can think about for now. I will try to attend your meeting next Tuesday; you guys are only 2 blocks from my house. Please let me know if Linux might be able to serve my needs and yet free me from the cost of having to upgrade windows every 4 or 5 years. 

 

Thanks ahead of time,

 

Jason Schroeder  

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