I recently began experimenting with the two systems and comparing them. The two popular versions of Linux are currently Ubuntu and Fedora. I had an old laptop that I wanted to breathe some life into it without making the computer slower than it already was. I downloaded Fedora for free and installed it onto a DVD-R; the file was about 4 Gb; the next step was the laptop. I partitioned the hard drive and kept the original software in case I desired to return the old computer into its original condition. Installation was straight forward and not very different from a Windows setup.

The old laptop is running about as fast as the newer computer with Vista. The Linux uses about 5 Gb of hard drive space to run whereas Vista needs about 15 Gb. My biggest concern was internet connectivity, but Fedora had the drivers for the built in wireless in the laptop. I was also impressed with open source office software. This software is free and files can be saved in the same formats as Microsoft Office’s. I can create Word, Power Point, Excel and Database documents and transfer them to Vista. Compatibility is not the same issue that Linux had a decade ago.

For the Linux Fedora, more time and computer knowledge is required. Most software on the market is designed to work with Vista not Linux and you need to search on the internet for Linux compatible software. For some businesses requiring specific software compatibility is a serious issue. I wanted to play DVDs on the Linux, but it took me half a day to find the free software. Youtube plays the video, but I do not get sound. There is a website that I fund that has list with links to the Linux version of the Microsoft or Apple software. For example, Mercury messenger can be used on the Linux.

If you have the time to search for software and you need a new operating system, free is a much more affordable than several hundred dollars.

64 bit Windows is a different story; programs that support 64 bit MS and drivers for hardware are greatly lacking. I recently began a comparison between 64 bit Vista and 64 bit Ubuntu Linux and quickly realized that drivers and software available for Linux are comparable to Vista 64. For example, my external hard drive software (Maxtor) is not supported, my wireless printserver (Netgear) is not supported and several software packages do not work. A 64 bit operating system is needed if you desire to run more than 3 Gb of RAM. Some of my software has difficulty with only 2 Gb of Ram (video editing for example), but that same software does not work with 64 bit. The open source community has done a good job with support for 64 bit Linux. Computers are getting more blotted and require the extra RAM for certain applications, but without hardware support, the extra RAM is useless. 64 bit Windows has been available since XP; that is more than enough time for various hardware and software manufacturers to get their act together. In the 64 bit arena, Linux quickly surpasses Windows. If you are aware of a list of software available for 64 bit Windows, please list it in the comments section below to assist those in need.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment is Microsoft's lack of support for Vista 64. Microsoft touted how great the new Aero feature was for Vista; and after I installed the Window's Ultimate package, there was no Aero. If Microsoft can't get features to work with Vista, why should anyone else? The Linux equivalent to Aero works fine on its 64 bit instillations.