Advice request for new system planning

[David Teague(T-bird acct)]

Kim Briggs wrote:

>On 1/27/06, David Teague(T-bird acct) <davidbteague at verizon.net> wrote:
>  
>
>>Hi folks
>>
>>I want to build a system that to run Linux (probably Ubuntu or Kubuntu,
>>possibly some other Debian derivative) and Windows. I would like a
>>recommendation of:
>><SNIP>
>>
>David,
>
>If you're really looking for opinions, I suggest you split the money
>and get 2 decent computers instead of a dual-boot one (e.g., a
>reconditioned IBM P4 1.8GHz machine can be gotten for about 300USD and
>run linux well).  
>
I will certainly consider this possibility. I would only have to buy
one machine. My current machine answers your description well.
With networked machines data transfer isn't a problem.

I wanted to put Windows and Linux on separate disks for the
reason you mention. At the very worst, I could boot a floppy or
CD to start Linux on the second disk.

I used a floppy to boot early Debian on a second hard disk. I left
Windows 3.1 to boot from its hard disk, Apart from hardware
failure, I never had trouble.

I have so far kept my computers in a back room, but this one will
go in my "music room" with my basses, my collection of CDs, midi
keyboard and printed music. I will put this machine (the screamer)
in the music room with Linux on it. If I need to run a Windows
application (such as Finale) that won't run under WINE, I can bite
the bullet and buy VMWare ... If a machine with x amount of
resources will run a program at satisfactory speed, then I will need a
machine 2 x amount of resources to run that program under
VMWare. Perhaps that is an exaggeration,  but from what I hear,
not by much.

>I'm not trying to bash windows, just give it its own
>machine.  You can't use your linux setup when you're using Windows. 
>Dual booting just makes for more headaches than its worth.  It should
>only be used as a last resort.
>
>That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.
>  
>
I assure you, you make sense! Thanks

David Teague