It has never been easier. Use Wubi!
I’m not going to describe it – you can watch or this- how you can now install ubuntu linux within your windows partition on the C: drive. Alternatively you can do this.
Frankly, if you need to learn anything about linux, simply do a youtube search. People have created a treasure trove of resources to help you. And they are better teachers than the guys at windows. Like this one on how to install or remove software you may want – like openoffice!
But here is my kicker argument just for the record.
If you continually use MS windows, MS office, MS explorer and the like than you are seeing the world through a private, filtered, monochrome computer world. A monopoly that controls your digital interactions to a large extent. You need to free your mind of these shackles! Why do you trust a world wide monopoly with your digital life? Why perpetuate an educational system predicated on this model? We know that we support global, collaborative, problem solving, open source movements. Why not on the desktop?
I KNOW that the desktop based office is finished. Online office suites are going to dominate MS office in the years to come. Google Docs and the Zoho Suite – especially Zoho – offer everything you need for personal [writer, show, sheet, wiki, more] or small business software needs. Microsoft is irrelevant – or should be – except for the fact people don’t know it yet. I’m trying to spread the word.
Its an empowerment strategy. Free your mind.
Last thing. If you are really concerned about your baby MS system then find an older computer that isn’t used anymore, because the MS bloatware slowed it, and install ubuntu after wiping the hard drive. You will be amazed at how lively the ‘old’ computer will become.
Free your students minds – choose the open source, freely available software that reintroduces choices into computing. If you have a specific question feel free to email or post a comment. Is there a learning curve – sure! Is it worth it – Double Sure! Cheers!
P.S. That OSX operating system you may like is linux kernal based too!
James is a science tech geek who appreciates the need for finding new methods to teach students science. Having worked in Kuwait and China for seven years he repatriated back to Canada in 2007. He has seen a great deal of new technology being used in the same old styles and it bothers him. He feels there is a unique challenge to integrating technology into science classes in a new, meaningful way. He is searching and occasionally creates a lesson or two he thinks is worth sharing. He hopes they are.
The Windows Myths..Why Microsoft is scared of Linux….and should be! /U Tech Tips/ – I think from my … http://tinyurl.com/64k33kReply – Quote
Just to clarify, Mac OS X is not GNU/Linux. It has the same modular structure as GNU/Linux but it doesn’t actually use the Linux kernel. Choosing Mac OS over Windows helps GNU/Linux in that it bolsters the network effect of POSIX based systems, but Mac OS still denies its users the freedom they deserve with their software.
While Mac OS X is far from freedom, if you are a Windows user it is certainly a small step in the right direction. Follow Mac OS with a move to Ubuntu and that is a huge step. Go from Ubuntu to something like gNewSense and we’re cooking on the front burner.
It does often seem that there are not enough software companies giving business and also home users options. I work with small business owners and also IT consultants providing services to small business owners, and I know often the complexity of the solutions they must implement to make companies work efficiently is not always best served by big players like Microsoft. I hope that tech companies continue to develop high-quality software that will give small business (and larger business) owners be more likely to find options that suit their specialized needs.