Free Software Linux

My regular desktop computer, Twoflower*, that I use for work and play is dying… Twoflower is pretty old now by PC terms and is becoming quite unreliable. I built it about 4 or 5 years ago I guess, although I can’t remember exactly when, and it has been a good workhorse until quite recently. But the time has finally come to move on.

I still run Windows XP, as do most people I know who haven't bought a PC since Vista came out. Is this the end of an era? The demise of Microsoft's last "workable" operating system version?

If you buy Linux, you’re not only keeping money away from Microsoft, you’re telling OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), that you really do want Linux. And, if enough people do that, the OEMs will support Linux on more of their systems, their vendors will make drivers for Linux components, and the entire Linux desktop world will be the stronger for it.

I've written plenty about the exciting new class of ultraportables, most of which run GNU/Linux as their primary operating system, but that's maybe led me to overlook what's happening with the ordinary PC. Like this: a PC system box (no monitor) for just over £100. The spec? Low end, but eminently usable: * Intel® Celeron 3.2GHz Processor * 80GB – 7200RPM Hard Disk Drive * 512MB DDR II RAM * DVD Rom drive * VIA PM 800 Pro Motherboard * Integrated shared 64MB Graphics * 5.1 channel AC’97 Sound * 6 x USB 2.0 Ports * Integrated Ethernet 10/100 Mbps * 1 x AGP 8x , 3 x PCI * Enhance 250W PSU * Multimedia Keyboard * Optical Scroll Mouse * Ubuntu Linux