<p>I'm not sure if linux is more fun, but if you have nothing to do this summer and you're a CS (or I guess ECE major), I would suggest downloading the Ubuntu live CD and playing with it. Live CD doesn't require an commitment, you just boot from the CD. I installed Ubuntu on my laptop, dual boot with Windows, and I still don't have Windows completely working (issues with wireless networks), but Ubuntu is quite happy (except with quicktime). I finally can remember those shell commands since I've had to use them, instead of regurgiate them in CSW.</p>
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<p>well, it is currently running on my desktop (posting using it now actually), and the only thing I'd say is I wish I had more RAM ... but aero (the nice version of vista's GUI) will supposedly run prefectly on an integrated intel 950 grahpics chip (the newest one on Centrino Core Duos ... e1405 etc), anything more will work fine too.</p>
<p>SO honestly, they'yre blowing it out of proportion a bit, but yes, it does love its memory.</p>
<p>And to respond to other posts, that same desktop dual boots Knoppix and Vista, so I've got Linux down :D, and I have a Cingular 8125 Windows-Mobile Based phone, so I'll be sporting PDA when college nears.</p>
<p>And yes, newer macs can runn ALL THREE major operating platforms, so if you're looking for versitility, keep in mind that a mac is the way to go (even though linux drivers arn't out for the newest WiFi devices etc, so even my Dell can't fully work with linux just yet)</p>
<p>is your cingular the rebadged HTC w/wifi? if so that is a cool phone, my sis has the one without wifi and it makes me want a smartphone</p>
<p>i had a hdd based knoppix install (i always thought debian was nice and the live CD worked well) however I never got into linux that much...I tried for hours to get ati 3d drivers working and I never could so I gave up. I'd get bored again and try installing and doing it again a few times too (w/ suse, debian, knoppix on hdd, and who knows what else). I'm going to have to take the time and try slackware or gentoo one of these days.</p>
<p>also there is no need for a 2000 dollar laptop to run vista....in fact the Acer Aspire 5672 should run it fine and i've seen that laptop for $899......</p>
<p>From what I've read, you'll never get ati 3d drivers working in ubuntu/debian etc.</p>
<p>So I was thinking of reformatting my hd and putting a dual-book Linux / Windows since it seems to be quite useful for CS. From what I am reading - you guys seem to recommend Ubuntu?</p>
<p>I recommend Ubuntu because I find it to be user friendly (my parents and friends seem to be fine using it for internet surfing/IM) and it has a large support community. Plus, it's very compatible with my laptop (Dell Inspiron 600m)- the wireless card and network card drivers were already there (making it less of a pain than Windows).</p>
<p>It's possible to just shrink the Windows partition and install Ubuntu on the newly created free space, but sometimes it's nice to have a fresh install of Windows. I couldn't get my partition to shrink because I didn't have the right software. If you want some advice on how to partition and format your hard drive for the installs, PM me. I found some weird quirks in the process.</p>
<p>Ubuntu is good because it usually just works. I like gentoo better, but it is a PAIN to set up. I would say that Ubuntu is your best bet, however there is a new 'Ubunutu' out called 'Xubuntu' which uses a different desktop environment and also 'Kubuntu' which uses the KDE desktop (very pretty like a mac, but uses a lot more memory). Splitting your partition isn't too bad, you can use QTParted. It is a graphical tool found on most of the Knoppix live cds, although it might be on an Ubuntu live CD.</p>
<p>jesus christ.
how bad is it if i'm in CS and know NOTHING of what you guys are talking about.. linux, ubuntu... i've never even BEEN on a mac.. apple/notebook/whatever. i've used windows all of my life...</p>
<p>i feel so dumb right now.</p>
<p>It's okay, NotAPrettyGirl! I didn't know until after I got to CMU. :)</p>
<p>If you're curious about any of these things, try looking it up on Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page%5B/url%5D">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page</a></p>
<p>i had a mixed experience with linux....the first time, i installed SuSe (after almost scr*wing my comp while partitioning) and i couldn't start windows after that....so i had to reinstall windows and uninstall suse...but then i stumbled upon Knoppix live cd and it worked amzingly...</p>
<p>I'm a CS major, and I chose to spring for an Apple Macbook Pro as my laptop. I'd never actually owned or even used a Mac before I opened the box, but I've had it for a few weeks and I've simply fallen in love with it! I got the 15.4", 256mb X1600 one, as the 17" was too big for me, and I didn't want to deal with integrated graphics in the regular Macbook (even though I prefer its smaller size). To be honest, I was originally going to load Bootcamp and dual-boot with XP, but I've come to see that I don't really have a need; I love OSX, and I don't really have any programs that I use that are Windows-only or that I can't find better solutions on the Mac.</p>
<p>I also intend on bringing my 4-year-old Pentium 4 desktop with me, but I'll use it mostly as a fileserver. I've already gone the Linux route on my desktop. I started out dual-booting between XP and Ubuntu back when Ubuntu had its first release (it's on its fourth right now), and over time I've been using Windows less and less, Linux more and more. Right now, I've been using Ubuntu Dapper Drake since it was still an experimental release, and I spend 99.9% of my time in Linux. I keep the Windows installation around in case I ever need to use it, but I prefer my Linux installation. I've actually got more eye-candy running on my Linux box than on either my Mac or my Windows install (Compiz + Gnome + XGL = cube desktop, wobbly windows, MacOS-style dock, multiple desktops, fully composited window environment, the works). I'm even typing this from within Firefox on my Linux desktop!</p>
<p>I'm still waiting for a good native linux distro to support the MBP's EFI, but it's nice to know I can always install one with Bootcamp (and a little tinkering) or run it in virualization (Parallels), or even simply open up Terminal.app and have instant access to many *nix tools right in OSX on my Mac. If you are seriously looking at a macbook or macbook pro, and if you can afford them (as they are a little bit more expensive than similarly-configured generic PCs), they come highly recommended from me and many others.</p>
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From what I've read, you'll never get ati 3d drivers working in ubuntu/debian etc.
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<p>there is a guide posted in the forums at rage3d.com actually, it has been done (in fact they have screenshots also)</p>
<p>ok, just got my new pc assembled and running mostly from the help of a friend. Installing and setting up ubuntu was a *****, I had to edit a bunch of config files, etc... I would advise you have someone familiar with ubuntu when you try to install, using it afterword is pretty easy.</p>
<p>How is a dual Turion processor? There's a HP Pavillion with 1.66 Turion X 2, 2 gigs of RAM, GeForce GO, 120GB, 15.4 inches-for just above $1000, and there's a deal coming too.</p>
<p>I got a Macbook. The $1200 one (after the student discount) w/ a 2.0 ghz core duo processor. I also upgraded its memory from 512mb to 1.25gb for 80 bucks.</p>
<p>I really think the Macbook is the best deal out there. The only reason you would wan't a Macbook Pro was if you were a gamer, cause the macbook doesn't have a graphics card. However, the the Macbook was pretty much equal with the Macbook Pro in labtests by Macworld running Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, File zipping and some other stuff.</p>
<p>Im thinking og getting the macbook instead of the macbook pro too.</p>
<p>I bought an Acer Aspire 5672WLMi Notebook.
-Intel Core Duo Processor T2300
-1.66GHz
-2GB RAM, 120GB Hard Drive
-15.4-inch screen</p>
<p>Dell Latitude D620 Notebook
- Intel Core Duo T2500 (2 GHz)
- 14" Widescreen
- 1 GB Memory
- 60 GB Hard Drive
- CD-RW/DVD</p>
<p>That's about all I can remember...</p>
<p>Hey.. I'm back.
So, my laptop has a battery life of about.. one hour. Uh.. yea.
In classrooms are there places to plug your laptop in (for classes where I'd need a laptop...)?
I mean, is it even worth bringing my laptop versus having a desktop when it's like... I have to carry around these annoying wires everywhere I go? <em>When I'm used to the keyboard, mouse, and speakers of a regular computer?</em></p>
<p>If it helps, I have an.. Acer Aspire 3610
Anyy comment would be appreciated. thanksss.</p>
<p>There are no classes where you have o have a laptop. Some rooms have places to plug in laptops, but not all do. If it has a short battery life because the battery is old, can you buy a new one for a reasonable price?</p>