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Trouble is there are things I can't do because I do not know the commands to use when the GUI won't do it. In these cases I reboot into Windows, do whatever it is, and then come back into Ubuntu.
By the way, can any body recommend a site to learn Linux commands?
Running linux requires that you know more about how it works and where things are in the file system than windows. The commands and scripting depend on which shell you use, and the commands you need to use for system maintenance like updating programs depends on the version of linux. For the commonly used bash shell look at Learning the bash Shell by Newham & Rosenblatt. In general look at the O'Reilly publisher for that and other linux books. You can also run bash on windows along with many other linux programs compiled for windows in the Cygwin system https://cygwin.com/.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicatio...
Also I have found a couple with low performing CPU for a low price that I could cheaply upgrade the CPU and add memory for a low price and end up with a nice system.
You can pick up a lot of good info in the Gulch.
Try the small company PCMaker in Waltham, MA. Their very simple web site is usually behind what they are selling so contact them directly for availability and prices. They use the standard Asian-made and assembled Compal components but match them optimally in their own system design, including the optional configurations available, all based on Intel for reliability (up to the latest I7 quad core 64b with 16Gb memory and dual SSDs). Though that means a near-custom design, the parts are reliable, standard, replacements remain available for years, and they have their own shop for reasonable repairs when needed over time.
They are probably still making available windows and drivers as far back as win7 (64b), or up to date. (Windows 8 is terrible and whether or not 10 turns out to be acceptable don't use a new Windows OS for at least a year after it's released).
But you pay more for that kind of quality and reliability with top grade hardware, not 'consumer' grade. They are small and so don't get the wholesale bulk discounts, including Windows, that the big companies do.
Never buy a microsoft software product until it's at least three years old. They routinely put out unfinished products and let the gullible public foot the bill for their beta testing, de bugging etc. When the system is almost the way it should have been at first retail sail they are three more debugging projects ahead. I just switched from XP to W7 if the timeline holds true my next one will be Windows 10.
Second I look for deals. I routinely by refurbished laptops. and just two weeks ago bought two W7 with 4 Gb Ram and 500 gb hard drives at 2.8 speed.all with open office. What follows is the addition of Liunux. I had one bad experience that cost me $80 to fix Microsofts screen controller software. The rest I have yet to pay over $200. I prefer Dell, will not touch HP nor Acer.
Were I buying top end though I'd keep it mind the service contract. That is their way of telling you something IS going to go wrong. Then get a less expensive back up machine. Amazing how much your work product will slow down when the machine is in the shop. Eight states away.I buy through Amazon, Tiger Direct and currently Discount Computer Depot.
Asus X550ZA
1TB
8GB RAM
64bit
CPU: AMD A10
Radeon Graphics
HDMI
DVD R/W
If you are more of a geek and are after a gaming machine or something that can do extreme graphics then perhaps I could see being more picky.
If you are after a really good linux machine then checkout out the system76 web site. Linux pre-installed laptops, desktops and servers. They are good folks.
The real question is what are you going to use it for? Unless you are a serious gamer, doing hardcore Photoshop or engineering analysis, the best processor is a waste. More memory is far more important to usability and longevity. I have a multi screen setup, and 12 GB RAM, but an old dual core processor, and it serves me just fine. I bought an i7, Yoga pro, with 16GB RAM for my trip to Africa. It is great, but processor overkill for me. If you do buy new, USB 3.0 ports are awesome, and lightning fast. I use a port replicator as a dock for my Yoga and work laptops. This connects with a single USB3.0, and drives two separate monitors, the keyboard/mouse and Ethernet on RJ45. All I have to connect is the USB and power cord!
My wife uses Macs. I got her into them for simplicity, and it really works. She has a 27" iMac, with a separate 27" monitor, just glorious screen space. With 16 GB RAM, she can open 10-20 files at once ad go nuts.
Never buy a microsoft software product until it's at least three years old. They routinely put out unfinished products and let the gullible public foot the bill for their beta testing, de bugging etc. When the system is almost the way it should have been at first retail sail they are three more debugging projects ahead. I just switched from XP to W7 if the timeline holds true my next one will be Windows 10.
Second I look for deals. I routinely by refurbished laptops. and just two weeks ago bought two W7 with 4 Gb Ram and 500 gb hard drives at 2.8 speed.all with open office. What follows is the addition of Liunux. I had one bad experience that cost me $80 to fix Microsofts screen controller software. The rest I have yet to pay over $200. I prefer Dell, will not touch HP nor Acer.
Were I buying top end though I'd keep it mind the service contract. That is their way of telling you something IS going to go wrong. Then get a less expensive back up machine. Amazing how much your work product will slow down when the machine is in the shop. Eight states away.
My at the time little girl picked up a 45rpm vinyl disk one day and said, "Dad I didn't know they made hard floppy disks. 31 years ago my how the world has changed with 40% of the planet on internet and probably 100% on cell radio phones doing text!
I agree with Michael about windows. Win7 is working well now, and I would not go for Win8 or Win10 for a few more years.
You will be pleased with the performance of Win7 with a modern laptop (less than 3 years old) cpu compared with your old one.
If you do a lot of typing, you probably should get an external keyboard for use at home, too. Much easier to replace a worn out keyboard when its a $20 external instead of having to send the whole laptop in for service.
Malwarebytes did a nice job cleaning it up, but apparently it gets worse:
http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/leno...
I prefer Macs, like SaltyDog. Better reliability, but at a price.
My advice is to start with Amazon to see what is out there, and then you can search beyond there once you decide on a model you like.
One important point.......Go to a brick and mortar store to find a brand that you like the keyboard feel on. If you do a lot of typing, you really need to be comfortable with the keyboard. Best Buy has a good selection to try out, as does staples. Not sure what you have for chains in your area.
On the PC front I've had the best luck, reliability wise from Asus & Sony.
Asus is my recommendation for performance, they make some wonderful gaming machines. I also like the keyboard feel on their gaming machines, very much like a standalone keyboard. And a gaming PC will run anything else without issue.
Sony has been good for year over year use. I have one in our office that I bought back in 2005 when they shut down CompUSA here. Still working fine, battery finally died a couple of months ago, but since it is not used as a portable, not a problem.
Both brands are not at the bottom price wise, but I consider them good values. My Asus Republic of Gamers laptop is 5 years old now and can still run any software on the market without problems. I still use 2 Sony laptops, 1 is 7 years old, the other is 10, so good long term service. Amortize cost over lifespan and they are good value.
Best Buy is the best around my area for Brick & Mortar. Your mileage may vary on the B&M front