A Moving to Linux Question

[Doug]

On 03/03/2011 05:25 PM, rikona wrote:
> Hello Amichai,
>
> Thursday, March 3, 2011, 1:04:13 PM, Amichai wrote:
>
> AR>  I'd like to find the fastest way to verify a computer running Windows is
> AR>  ready to move to Linux. Not hardware-wise only, software-wise to.
>
> AR>  I would like to have a Windows app that can run from a USB Stick (without
> AR>  the need to install it) that will scan the installed hardware and software
> AR>  and give a table as a result that lists the Windows app on one side and the
> AR>  parallel Linux app on the other. If no match was found - a link to a site to
> AR>  report the app to a community database that updates the alternatives, or
> AR>  something along those lines.
>
> AR>  Any app like that exists?
>
> No app that I know of, but some time ago when I was checking out
> equivalent apps for a school, I found a web site listing equivalent or
> near-equivalent apps. It was a rather complete list covering many
> different categories, and was VERY useful. And, no, I don't remember
> the site. :-(( Worth a good search, though, if it is still around.
>
As someone else mentioned, the easiest way to find out if the OS
will run is to try one of the live boot disks--almost all the present
Linux distros have them.

As to software, I too have seen the list mentioned, and I don't
remember what it was called, but Google should find it fairly easily.
One thing to bear in mind:  Debian and Ubuntu, particularly Debian,
are really gung-ho about not using anything you have to pay for, and
Deb tries to keep you from even using something developed by a
commercial firm, altho I think they've thrown in the towel on
NVidia drivers.  If you want a true comparison, you must include
non-free software.  Distros like MINT and Zorin are much more
open-minded.

Actually, because of the proselytes in the Linux world, there is
not as much pay-for software as there might otherwise be. At
least, AFAIK.  If I have to choose between free or pay, for the
same capability, I'll certainly take free, but if I have to choose
between not very good or non-existent and pay, I'll certainly
pay.  (Putting on my asbestos jumper.)

--doug

-- 
Blessed are the peacemakers...for they shall be shot at from both sides. --A. M. Greeley