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> From: Bob Hamil <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: [PCBUILD] Non-microsoft operating systems?
> Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 8:45 AM
>
> I'm looking for a Non-microsoft operating system, for a lower end,
> pentium desktop.  I'm very interested in  getting away from microsoft
> os, does anyone have experience or recomendations for Non-microsoft
> operating systems, either as a single install, or as a dual-boot system,
> using system commander?
> This will be for small business, webpage building, and internet use.
>
The first question that needs asking is:  Are you willing to give up
Windows applications as well as Windows?  If so, then the applications you
want to use on the operating system pretty much determine your choice of
OS.  Of course your reasons for deciding against Microsoft also partially
determines you choice.

The second question is:  What operating systems are available and do they
meet the requirements from question one and also meet your other needs.
The obvious answers are:  OS/2, PC/DOS and similar DOS clones, Linux.  I'm
not sure there are others that might be feasible.  I'm going partially on a
guess since I don't know all your requirements.  OS/2 is the most
Windows-like and the applications you want may be reasonably priced.  If
you don't mind giving up the graphics interface, you might be able to get
by with PC/DOS and DOS-based applications.  Linux would be a radical
departure from any Microsoft OS and although Linux is theoritically free,
it might mean a lot of training to use and the applications may not be
cheap.

These are just a few things to consider.