What is the best free operating system?  What is the best free operating system that will run Windows programs
90523
The best free OS is probably one of the many versions (read distro or distribution in Linux-speak) of Linux.  One of my consistent favorites has been Fedora as this distribution has perhaps the greatest flexibility and options for use.  Ease of use variants of Linux are Linspire (this used to be called Lindows), Mandrake/Mandriva and Xandros.  There is also a version of Xandros (Xandros Desktop Deluxe) that is sold for about $100 that includes software (CodeWeavers Crossover Office*) that will permit you to run some Windows applications. An open source application called WINE (Wine is Not an Emulator) will also give you the ability to run some Windows applications from a Linux install, but I don't recommend this for people who are unfamiliar with Linux or tweaking software. \n\nThe short answer is the best free OS is Linux, but with 150 or so distributions available, it's possible that you may have that many different preferences (it really comes down to how you define best - e.g. is it the most bundled applications?  the most compatible with Windows? the easiest to use?)  If best for you means ease of use, then you must consider Linspire, Xandros or Mandriva.  If best for you means the greatest flexibility and most bundled applications, then you really should take a look at Fedora.\n\nThe best free operating system that will run Windows programs is ReactOS, although the developers clearly state that this is a project still in the Alpha stage of development (this means that unless you are willing to put up with some technical issues, stick with something else).  The next best would be any distribution of Linux that includes WINE (or a download of it), but again, you'll have to do your homework before using this. \n\nOn a short side note, there are some distributions that permit you to boot to Linux from a cd-rom without installing it on or over your current OS. If your intent is to get the feel of Linux before jumping in, you may want to consider this option. While there are several that will permit you to do this, the only one I've personally used is Knoppix STD which successfully booted on an old Pentium 233 MHz laptop. Other distros that are cd-bootable are Gnoppix, PC Linux OS, GeeXbox (there are more).\n\nTo look at comparisons and extensive information about the various distributions, one of the best sources is Distrowatch  (http://distrowatch.com/).\n\n*Information about CodeWeavers Crossover Office and other CodeWeavers products can be found at http://www.codeweavers.com - this is not a free product.
117419
Xandros would most likely work, I have the community edition installed. Its a great candy coated linux with the ease of Win/OSX. As for running windows program, if you have bought it with the CodeWeaver software which is a commercial WINE, its able to run IE, MS Office and Photoshop. A few other programs I tried did not work too well on it. Hope this helps and good luck.
259790
Unfortunately, the ONLY operating system to run 100% of all Windows programs at native speed is... Windows.\n\nThere are a few alternatives...\n\nMost *nix OSes (FreeBSD, Linux, etc.) have ways to run Windows programs through the WINE emulator and other similiar programs with a varying degree of success. With these, you don't need a copy of Windows installed- it just emulates the environment for the program.\n\nYou could under those operating systems run VMWare or Virtual PC, which means you are emulating an entire computer- you have to run the operating system "inside" the virtual PC, so you still need windows. It should run all windows programs, but there is a huge performance hit(from personal experience). and you need lotsa memory and a fast cpu.
3956
Ubuntu is a great way to go, it will partition the free space on your drive.  It is free, and they will even send you free CD's if you can't download it for some reason (if you are asking a question here, I assume you are already online). For me, the best part of Ubuntu is the community. There is a great community of people from around the world, that are very polite and always happy to help answer any questions that you may have: http://www.ubuntuforums.org\n\nEven though Ubuntu is currently on version 5.1 (Breezy Badger), http://ubuntuguide.org which was written for version 5.04 (Warty Warthog), is still a great guide that is very helpful as well.\n\nThe Synaptic Package Manager makes it VERY easy to install additional programs, and most of them are free.\n\nThere is a live CD (which runs from the CD, but is slower), if you would like to try it without having to install it to your hard drive first:\nhttp://mirror.mcs.anl.gov/pub/ubuntu-iso/5.10/\n\nGive it a try, I am sure that you will like it. I installed Ubuntu as a dual-boot about 5 months ago, and I finally removed Windows about two months ago. I am here to stay.
207110
winrar is the best to use..\n\nyou can get a 40 day FREE TRIAL at this link\n\nhttp://www.download.com/3000-2250-10007677.html
521960
If you have enough hard drive space, you can run both.  It is called a dual boot system.  You get to choose at startup. \nEach has its benefits.  Windows is a little easier with better support for things like scanners and such.  Linux is much, much cheaper.  It is more stable with no known viruses. Programs are usually free. However, it will not work with most soft or windows modems. Xandros is a good starter linux distribution.  If you download it, it is free in the basic edition.
1071791
You should try Ubuntu!\n\nUbuntu is free.\n\nUbuntu has 17,000 free programs!\n\nYou can order CDs for free from ubuntu.com, or for $10 from Amazon.com.  Search Amazon.com for "ubuntu" and you will find the CDs and also many books about it.\n\nIf you like computer projects you can download Ubuntu and burn it to a CD yourself, but it is about 700MB so you need a high-speed connection.  Instructions and screenshots are below.
860640
Linux is a very nice operating system.  It's used extensively by businesses as well as hobbyists, both of which also contribute to development.  Windows works best for most people because we are stuck with it, but Linux is like saying "if you could give up compatibility in order to design an operating system the right way, what would you make..."  In many ways, it's a computer programmer's "dream" system.\n\nTrue, Linux is less compatible than Windows, but it gets more popular every day, and nowadays you can do stuff with it that you could never do when I started using it.  It works on more different kinds of computer than Windows does, and it can even run some Windows apps natively (all Windows apps work if you use a virtual machine, but they run slowly).\n\nThink of Linux as a custom, designer system.  It's made by people who are picky and have a lot of preference when it comes to systems.  If your needs are like theirs, it will be right for you.  If not, then it isn't right for you.\n\nAlso, one last important detail is that Linux is Free software.  I don't mean to say that you can get it without paying (you can pay people to get it, but that's not required to have it), but actually Linux is software that respects your freedom to use the software for your own needs as well as to adapt it to whatever use you want--there are no legal sanctions against you.  Software like Windows is licensed with heavy restrictions on how you are allowed to use it.  Most people think this is no big deal, but thousands of people are breaking the law by violating a license they don't even know about!\n\nIf you are interested in the politics of Free software, I encourage you to read up on it.  If you don't care about the big picture, take it or leave it for what it is.\n\nPS (I put Linux on my girlfriend's laptop, and she absolutely adores it.  She is no computer expert, and is also used to Windows, but she has no trouble using it, and is very pleased that her computer runs faster and is more reliable.  Just make sure your husband knows FOR SURE what he is doing and understands that Linux is really right for you.)
24061
Let me to break down your question.\n\nComputer Languages free to learn in windows..?\n\nJava, php, perl, javascript, vbscript are free.\nmany free c, c++ compilers available in web.\n\nWhich computer lanaguage is best ?\n\nThere is no such thing as best.. Every computer language is best in its own way.. But we shall choose a language that can fulfill our requirements..\n\nsay for example :\n\nPhp\nFor small to medium web application.\n\njava/j2ee\nFor small to enterprise class web applications..\n\njavascript / vbscript\nFor client side validation in web pages\n\nvb.net / vc.net\nTo develop applications that will run in windows platform\n\nc/c++\nTo develop games, device drivers, OS etc.
157643
It is possible to run Windows applications on Linux, either with the free Wine ( http://www.winehq.org ) or the commercial, supported CrossOver Office ( http://www.codeweavers.com/ ).\n\nI'd recommend only doing this as a temporary measure, until suitable replacements can be found.
105248
Windows ME is the WORST operating system Microsoft created.   If you have an older PC, I would switch to Windows 2000 or Windows NT.  They are much more stable.\n\nI like Windows XP but I still prefer Windows 2000.
876092
get ubuntu a very good linux distro which is totally free!!\nget a free copy from here https://shipit.ubuntu.com/\n\nbtw people he meant he hates windows as much as he hates laden !!
85509
microsoft wil give u free updates &service windows xp best
1000528
"Best" being entirely subjective, I would have to say it is completely dependent on your needs and level of experience.\n\nIt is certainly, in my opinion, the best FREE distro for a New linux user making the switch from windows, if only for its level of community support and general ease of use.\n\nThere are paid version that are  perhaps friendlier to the new user, such as Linspire or PClinuxOS, but paid isn't free! =)\n\nBest as in function, that depends what you are doing - and it is SOOOOOO varied. Some distros are king of security, some let you get down and dirty and don't even HAVE a GUI, many experienced users would swear by gentoo, many others would curse you for choosing anything other than slackware. Some want control over every little function of the pc, and linux can do that, some want it more intuitive, linux can do that too.\n\nI can only recommend two things for you to determine what you are seeking, to better understand your own question\n\nfirst go here: http://www.linux.org/dist/\nand answer the prompts as to what you are looking for, and it will give you a rundown of whats out there\n\nsecond, check out: http://distrowatch.com/ , it will give you a  feel for whats popular and why.\n\n\n\nhappy penguin hunting!
593813
It is most absolutely worth the price - what other operating system supports as much hardware and software as Windows? It's a bargain.  As for piracy, it has been reduced significantly in the latest versions; people can't download updates now unless the Genuine Advantage tool verifies the OS is legitimate.  As for Linux, it works ok for certain applications, but it isn't as flexible and easy to use for a mass audience as Windows is.  Also, try getting support for Linux - I have used it for a long time for a couple of specific server applications and if I have ever had an issue with it, the Linux community has been very hostile about providing support; many of them have an elitist attitude.  And people think Windows is buggy?  Linux has tons of security holes, driver issues, software that won't run without days of tweaking.  I speak from experience.
414637
Windows is an operating system for computers.  It's what allows programs to run on a computer.  Usually, Windows only runs on PC's, but Macintosh just came out with a computer on which Windows can be run (Before, they had a different type of operating system, I believe called MAC OS).  For more info, I'd check out www.microsoft.com
25239
I found a lot of problems with Windows and I found the solution that works best for me, Ubuntu Linux.\n\nUbuntu is a great way to go. It is free, and they will even send you free CD's if you can't download it for some reason (if you are asking a question here, I assume you are already online). For me, the best part of Ubuntu is the community. There is a great community of people from around the world, that are very polite and happy to help answer any questions that you have: http://www.ubuntuforums.org\n\nEven though Ubuntu is currently on version 5.1 (Breezy Badger), http://ubuntuguide.org which was written for version 5.04 (Warty Warthog), is still a great guide that is very helpful as well.\n\nBest of all, you can get Ubuntu in Gnome, KDE, and more. If you want, you can even choose which version to use when you log in (requires additional installation).\n\nThe Synaptic Package Manager makes it VERY easy to install additional programs.\n\nThere is a live CD is you would like to try that first:\nhttp://mirror.mcs.anl.gov/pub/ubuntu-iso/5.10/\n\nGive it a try, I am sure that you will like it. I installed Ubuntu as a dual-boot about 4 months ago, and I eventually removed Windows a month ago. All of my Windows problems are solved, and I am here to stay.