Need help with decision.

[Jared]

If you like the Mac, stay with it.

Having tried the dual-boot option, I found it to be
a clumsy way to work, and eventually made the leap
into a full Linux partition. I suppose if you're
using something like Quark Xpress or Adobe Photoshop
and are real used to it, dual boot is wise. If you
do not NEED Windows, but only prefer it, go ahead
with Linux. It's frustrating at first because Windows
(and Macs) do some things better, which you'll miss,
but after a while, you'll have learned Linux and won't
miss the proprietary baggage one bit.

I believe your needs are part of a growing trend,
growing enough to be a market.

As mentioned in my previous letter, I am starting a
small business specifically targeting installing,
consulting, and developing in Linux and other free
software. I'm in way over my head (I know software,
not much hardware) and expect I will pester the
KCLUG list with lots of questions, but I am confident
it can be done. If you get to the point where you
are looking for someone to help setup Linux,
you could either show up to an installfest meeting
(the KC library is wheelchair-accessible), or put a
specific request to the list and chances are, someone
will be willing to help you. I would do so, but within
this group too many others are more capable than me.

>>I'd like the advice of all the KCLUG group members about my next (and
>>probably final) choice of a computer system (workstation) after a move
>>I'll be making in the near future (I estimate between 3 & 12 months),
>>to an Assisted Living Facility in the KC Metro Area.
>>
>>Should I -
>>
>>#1 Keep the system I presently own? This is a PowerMAC G4/400, 15"
>>    Studio Display Monitor, and a HP LaserJet 2100TN Printer, assembled
>>    on (and around)  a 48"-wide AnthroCart.
>>PRO: I've used this OS for about 2.5 years and like some of the
>>      software applications.
>>CON: Not Linux, OS/2 or Amiga. As this was only to be a "temporary"
>>      computer when the workstation with Linux pre-installed I bought
>>      in 1999 turned-out to be defective. I didn't bother to learn much
>>      about how the Macintosh computer hardware is all inter-connected.
>>
>>#2 Either buy a workstation running Linux or a dual-boot with windows
>>    or have the computer built by someone in the Metro area, but who? I
>>    think I should begin with either Mandrake or SuSE.
>>PRO: What can I say?
>>CON: OS is presently unknown to me. I have used a shell account with
>>      local ISPs using SunOS for 8-10 years, so basic operations are
>>      known, but Windows is a complete unknown.
>>
>>To further assist the list members to make an informed opinion I must
>>tell you about my physical/medical condition. I'm 60 years old and in
>>a wheelchair because I have no sense of balance, no involuntary
>>reflexes from the waist downward and poor coordination, all due to an
>>unknown medical condition.
>>
>>No matter which option I choose, I'll have to hire someone to set-up
>>the computer hardware at the very least, so I'm open to any
>>ideas/thoughts/suggestions concerning this matter.
>>
>>Thanks a lot!!