Chris recently raised the question of whether there was a decent alternative to using Windows and asked me if it was possible to put together a section of the site to make people aware that they do have a choice.
The most likely contender is of course Linux. Linux comes in many different guises known as "flavours" and the purpose of this particular editorial is to introduce you to what I regard as probably the easiest flavour to install and use.

Before we start it's worth pointing out that for the novices amongst you it may be a bit of a challenge to even install it but don't allow that to put you off as help will be at hand to see you through the hard times. The other benefit is that this operating system is freely downloadable with no cost to you. I can't stress enough though that to download it, a broadband connection is a must!!!

The flavour in question is Mandrake Linux.
Mandrake has a nice user friendly setup that more or less guides you through the entire installation.
Once installed you will find a multitude of "Linux equivelant" applications these include e-mail clients, web browsers, media players and windows compatible office applications.

Why go through the hastle??? I hear you ask.

Well where do I begin!!
The first obvious advantage is the threat of virus and spyware infections. I can probably count on one hand the amount of virus threats there are for Linux as opposed to the 90,000 plus threats that plague windows.
There is also an impresive array of software applications that come with Mandrake linux which ranges from office applications (compatible with word, excell and power point files) to CD/DVD burning software.

The only downside I can think of is that Linux has a very steep learning curve and does take a lot of getting used to. My advice to you is to persevere and you WILL see the light at the end of the tunnel!!

To find out more about Linux and download Mandrake click here