Dear all

I have been very disturbed by the latest developments in Microsoft.

As started by them, they have stopped selling windows XP and earlier versions and will only supply windows VISTA. Kindly read https://partner.microsoft.com/global/productssolutions/windows/windowsxp

This is really funny as VISTA is a real resource sucker demanding a minimum of 1 G RAM. Kindly check http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/system-requirements.aspx anyone who has actually used vista would say that for the system to RUN, it required a minimum of 2G RAM not to mention a good graphics card.

This means that most of the system we have are already obsolete.

This will not mean anything to the software guys because no matter what, the company pays for the OS.

But to an average man, who does not have so much resource, it would be a killing blow. It means that all our PC’s have to go for major up gradation resulting in a lot of money spilled.

I understand that most of you will say that why should i care. We have used pirated for so long, and we would do it in the future.

Please bear this in mind. The IT department is running raids in small office and making them buy all legal software, which if very expensive considering we have to upgrade every 2 years. Moreover, most software requires a ONLINE registration which is made mandatory, making piracy difficult.

Recently i came across an linux based OS called Ubuntu which can be freely downloaded. http://www.ubuntu.com/ this has the look and feel of a windows OS having most of the basic features preinstalled. Moreover, it also has the office software preloaded called open office which is supported by Sun Microsystems. http://www.openoffice.org/ also note that the whole thing was a mere 600MB, and required only 1 CD. Also, the loading is a piece of cake and u get very good results.

I have already loaded open office in my office and found it to be an excellent replacement of MICROSOFT OFFICE. It has practically all the features of WORD, EXCEL, PPT which we generally use. You can still open/ edit/ safe file in the present WORD formats. And the best part is it is free.

So if there is any computer enthusiast who knows a little about LINUX. I would like to experiment and try and have a windows less office. I understand that it will take some time getting used to something which does not run on windows, but if we do not start now, we are bound to be at mercy of a monopolistic company.

If any1 has worked on linux, or has a little idea about how to load and use it, his help would be highly appreciated.

I am starting my experiment very soon.

The aim of this experiment is to have a working network of at least 5 computers with
· An running GUI operating system, similar to windows.
· An running and easy to use office application, similar to MICROSOFT OFFICE.
· An up and running email client, similar to OUTLOOK EXPRESS or MICROSOFT OUTLOOK.
· An CAD software like AUTOCAD.
· An image editing software, similar to ADOBE PHOTOSHOP.

Any1 who is interested to participate, please do help in any way possible.

If any1 who has worked on linux or has some knowledge about the same, his guidance would be highly appreciated.

Soon i will start a blog regarding the same and the experiments that i conduct, and will try keeping every posted. But please try and help.