Free Computing

[carrownisky]

Hi all

I am in the process of trying to move to a free (well as cheap as it comes) and easy to use computing set up.

Got a free 7 year old hand me up (from a son) desktop
put Ubuntu 8.1 on it - (no problems once i got a good burn of Ubuntu)

Using Google Docs and other free Google stuff as a WP/SS etc as Star Office seems a bit clumsy

Anyone else into a Linux/Google mix - or have any other free and easily useable software suggestions

[caveman_nige]

I use openoffice on my ubuntu install download: OpenOffice.org Download

[carrownisky]

hi nige

thanks - tried openoffice as well but like google docs better have you tried it?

[caveman_nige]

Not yet, I will add it to my list of things to try when i get the crappy linux thing to work properly, Linux can be a right royal pain in the arse. I try all OSs on my kit but Linux is by far the most tedious, yet I am willy to stick with it as I see potential..

When I have some time to blow I will spend some more time on it...

EDIT: Google docs, just been top google to take a look and its an online thing or I have to create an account with them to get to it. What is it, looks to like crap so far.... as I have no wish to sign up to gmail (the spammers favourite) just to get soem online doc system, crap if your on the road..

[ps2chiper]

Not really that tedious with ubuntu. its alot easier to use then windows. with ubuntu you can use synaptic package manager and install thing automatically without hunting them down on the new.

For a 7 year old computer I recommend Xubuntu. It Uses XCFC instead of gnome. It will run alot faster on older and slower computers.

[caveman_nige]

to say its a lot easier to use than windows is utter rubbish... and thats a fact.. Microsoft haters have this opinion but it is not valid. Th Mac biys have been screaming it for years as well, boring.....

I have various installs of linux dotted around, but just tend to play with ubuntu and suse. But if i need to get something done i will use XP pro and Win2k3 anyday... That said I wouldn't mind getting one install of linux running to a reasonable standard, it will get there that I am sure off but the support ..