Netbook Operating System - Windows Or Linux?

Netbook Operating System - Windows Or Linux?

The type of work you do on the netbook will determine the type of software that you install on it. This is where you have to make a very important and fundamental decision - the choice of operating system that you want on your netbook.
The operating system is the main software that controls how any computer works. The vast majority of desktop and laptop computers have Windows XP or Windows Vista as their operating system, with Apples OSX operating system taking second place on machines such as the iMac and Macbook.

However, most netbook manufacturers allow you to choose between Windows XP and various versions of Linux, which is a free operating system beloved of computer boffins but generally considered too complicated for day-to-day use at home or in an office.

The reason for this is simple - netbooks are meant to be cheap arid affordable, but paying Microsoft's license fee for a copy of Windows can add as much as £50 to the cost. In contrast, the various versions of Linux - which generally have names such as Ubuntu and Linpus - are what's known as 'open-source' software. This means that the people who developed the software have basically given it away to the world out of the kindness of their hearts. If you're looking at paying £250 for a netbook with Windows, then switching to a Linux model that costs £200 represents a saving of 20 per cent.

Admittedly, some people will run a mile before they'll even look at a machine running Linux. It's true that Linux isn't the easiest operating system to get to grips with, but netbook manufacturers do make an effort to simplify their versions of Linux and to provide a simple suite of software to help you get started. As well as programs for browsing the web and handling email, many netbooks include copies of the free Openoffice suite, the Linux equivalent of Microsoft Office that enables you to work with word-processing and spreadsheet documents on a Windows PC if you need to.
There's no need to be scared of using a Linux netbook. It's easy to get to grips with, and you can be surfing the Internet or writing documents in no time at all.

On the other hand, if you're already used to using Windows on a PC then a netbook that runs Windows will be instantly familiar and will, allow you to get started without having to learn how to use new programs. But if you buy a netbook with Windows you should check to see what other software is Included with It as well. Many Windows netbooks include a copy of Microsoft Works, which includes word-processing and spreadsheet features that are compatible with the more expensive Microsoft Office. However, we have seen some Windows netbooks that don't include any additional software. You could always install your own copy of Works or Office, but as netbooks don't have built-in CD or DVD drives you'll need to buy an external DVD drive in order to install software from CD or DVD disks.

Fortunately, most netbooks have a good set of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports that will allow you to connect an external CD or DVD drive. They generally have wireless networking features too, so that you can connect to hotspots in internet cafes, or other places.

Its early days for the netbook phenomenon right now, and new models are emerging on an almost weekly basis. However, if you bear in mind the key points that we've outlined here, you can be sure that you'll be able to choose the netbook that is just right for you.
By Kristie Haller