10 things you should do to improve every new Windows PC

11) Get frustrated. 12) Format and install Linux.

Again, what does this have to do with open source or Linux? Maybe if the article included installing OpenOffice, Cygwin (which I find immensely useful) or a host of other open source software, then I'm not sure why this article is here. Besides, this article is of minimal use, even for Windows users. Installing anti-virus is an enhancement to Windows? These steps are not improvements, but maybe fixing Windows shortcomings.

Ken

The article has nothing to do with Linux or FOSS but anyone who does use Linux or FOSS who would read it would think to themselves the same thing Tracy did in her editorial comment..which is there is really only one thing you need to do..

Install Linux..problems solved..;-)

Ah, I missed the comment, the font was much smaller. Still, I would rather see articles that promote Linux rather than denigrate Windows (which is an easy target).

Sorry Ken. This was one that was too hard to resist.

I have to wonder why the author felt the need to make this statement:

------------------------------- 5. Activate Windows At some point during the setup process you will likely be asked to activate Windows. (Linux you would similarly be asked to register your particular distribution.) This is a good time to get that out of the way. Taking this step assures your operating system is legitimate and opens up a new set of support features including community forums and FAQs. -------------------------------

Since when does Microsoft "ask"?

Since when does any Linux distribution require activation? (ok, maybe Lindows...)

Ugh.

GPLv2 section 4 explains under what circumstances I am prohibited from using GPL'd software.

I have never done anything listed in that section.

Therefore, registered or not, my installed copies of Linux are fully legitimate.

Quoting:Sorry Ken. This was one that was too hard to resist.

LOL. I work with Windows and Linux everyday, I know the feeling.

Ken I work with Linux, Mac (occassionally) and Windows. Running Windows on a VM on my Linux box makes my life that little bit easier. Windows is remarkably stable on a VM, and I have all the linux stuff at my finger tips.

"Linux: the proper sandbox for Windows"

@tracyanne I ALSO work with Linux and Win$uck$ every day, Mac OS less often, so I ALSO know this feeling. My own recommendation besides a VM session under Linux is the standard dual-boot option under grub (oh, someone probably wrote this practice above). - Install that M$ OS - Throw at the install the standard updates, SP's, Recovery Console, registry-hive diagnoses, anti-virus, personal firewall,.... yada yada yada - Install Linux - Adjust user and sudo'er permissions - Fine-tune the grub boot (can add a small extra layer of security here), Linux set to boot by default

BINGO... a flexible, an optimized and a "somewhat" secure system!

2c

Fluff, the big difference is with a VM you have both OSs available at the same time.That for me is a bonus. The othe bonus is that I can remote desktop into the servers (Windows) in Kentucky, from the Linux Box, meaning I can set aside a separate Virtual Desktop for each of the Servers, so I can flick between the Windows desktop, the Linux desktop and the server desktops, and copy/paste text from one to the other.

@tracyanne Guess that I started out assuming we all HAVE TO first start off installing & keeping that there Win$uck$ OS on our new PCs (even against our wills!) Given that this "other" undesired OS is ALREADY thrust upon us, the first thing that then comes to my mind is to quickly install Linux as a dual-boot option. If the VM on your Linux Box best suits your purpose, then that's great! You should definitely keep to this for your PCs, and encourage others to do the same. 2c