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Don't toss your old computer!
For this edition of the Open Source Insider, Mark & I discussed some ideas of what to do with your old computer. Let's first setup the situation: You just purchased a new Dell with Windows Vista, or a MacPro with OSX Leopard to replace your aging Windows 2000 or Windows XP system. The old system has a processor that runs at 500mhz or faster, you have about 256MB of memory (RAM), and a 10-20gb hard drive. Many people wouldn't think twice about tossing this computer into the trash (read more on that below), or maybe donating it to Good Will. Let's discuss an alternative: turn this computer into an open source learning tool! If you have children or are interested in alternative to proprietary (closed, insecure) software, you can turn this system into something very useful in no time at all. Obtain the software
The first thing you'll want to do is download or obtain a copy of Ubuntu Linux (the current version is 7.10).  Ubuntu comes as a free download of a DVD image (available at www.ubunutu.com). You'll need a DVD writer and a blank DVD to use the image. After you've downloaded the file, burn it to your DVD and you're ready to go. If you don't have a DVD writer in your new computer, you can obtain a free (donations appreciated) Ubuntu DVD: on the Ubuntu home page, click on Get Ubuntu, then Request a free CD. You can also purchase a DVD if you'd like to receive it quicker. Please note that while you can install Ubuntu from a CD, the version we'll be discussing is the DVD.
Install Ubuntu
Installing Ubuntu couldn't be easier. First, you'll boot off your Ubuntu DVD. Most computers are setup to automatically boot off the DVD, so just insert it and you'll be booting in no time. One great feature of Ubuntu is that it can run 'live' off of the DVD. This means that you can preview what a basic install of Ubuntu looks like on any computer, without worrying about installing it. Using Ubuntu will not harm your computer or mess up your Windows operating system in any
way.
Once you have Ubuntu running from the DVD, you can double click the Install Ubuntu icon to begin installing. You'll have the option of keeping your existing Windows installation, for a dual boot system. If you're installing this on your newer system, you should keep your
Windows around. We do recommend, however, that if you're installing this on your old box, you should wipe out your old system so you have as much room as possible. MAKE SURE you backup anything that you may need in the future before you wipe anything! Ubuntu should only take about 30 minutes to install. Once it's done, you'll reboot, login, and you're ready to go with your new Open Source Linux system.
About Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular and user friendly Linux Distributions (flavors). It's based on the very robust Debian Linux, but has been extended to be a very close Windows replacement. The
major software packages included in Ubuntu include: -OpenOffice ~ OpenOffice is a drop-in replacement for MS Office 2003. It comes with a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation program, database, and drawing program. It's 100% compatible with MS Office formats such as .doc, .xls, .ppt, etc. It's also completely free. -Firefox ~ The same Firefox web browser you're (hopefully) using on your Windows system works perfectly on Ubuntu. Every extension works just the same as well. In fact, I switch between my Windows (at work) Firefox and my Ubuntu Firefox multiple times every day. -Google Picasa ~ One of the best image management programs is Google Picasa. It makes managing and editing your photos a breeze. Picasa is available on Windows as well as Ubuntu, so you can try it out before your Ubuntu system is installed. -RythmBox ~ This program will allow you to manage your music and podcasts just as you do with iTunes. It is not compatible with the iTunes store though. If you purchased DRM (encrypted) music from the iTunes store, it will not work with Rythmbox. Rythmbox will, however, allow you to use your iPod (or any other music player). These are the four most popular applications that come with Ubuntu, but there are literally hundreds more that you can install & use for free. The top three that I use are Firefox, OpenOffice, and a different music player called Audacity. It requires a little more setup to get going, but I like the interface better than Rythmbox. To install additional software, look for the Administration Menu and click on Synaptic Package Manager. From there you can search for hundreds of different programs to try. Enjoy your new Open Source Ubuntu (Linux) system!
Don't trash that computer!
If you decide that you don't want to keep that old computer, please DO NOT throw it in the garbage. In addition to the many non-profit organizations that can re-use your system, there are proper ways to dispose of it. The components in your old computer contain elements (such as mercury) that can be harmful to the environment and cannot be placed in a regular garbage dump. Please research for computer recycling facilities in your area. Shane Williams
Open Source Insider.
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