I wish to use free OS but I'm scared of..

hi there i need help

All my friends are using Microsoft OS but I wish to try something like linux OS and I don't wanna waste my hardisc space to do a dualboot on my computer and yet I'm scare that after i've using linux OS ,my computer is unable to read or share file with them..

pls tell me what i should do now...

Run live Ubuntu from CD
It's free, takes up no disk space (actually you can even unplug your Harddrive !)

Once you feel comfortable with it
Install it (or not, your choice)

Linux makes it easy

what about the reading and sharing files amount my friend??

it will be a major problem if i can't do my homework and something like powerpoint presentation..
u know as a student.. we do a lot of homework together and discussion.... ??!!

What?

Anyway, Ubuntu can save any data to USB drive or anywhere

Really the LiveCD is the best first choice

erm... that is not my point..
what i mean is , for example, if A is using Microsoft word to do an assignment and I need to recheck for A. how?? am I able to read and edit?? and what if I'm A and he need to edit my assignment. will he able to read my file and edit it??

Running Ubuntu Live will not change anything on your HDD. The OS will just boot temporarily from the CD and allow you to try it out. After that, if you restart the PC and remove the CD, you'll be able to boot into Windows normally.

if i only run ubantu OS on my computer, will I still able to share, read and edit file with them?

Yes you can edit or whatever
You can mount the Hardrive or plug in a USB flash drive and edit from there
You can use the Internet, and fileshare all day long
All whilst using Ubuntu LiveCD only (A fully operational Operating System, and world respected)

So far, your first question is fully answered
But the best option is for you to try it and see for yourself
Some (millions of users) like Linux more than MS, and use Linux for absolutely everything
Some (millions again) like MS only
It all comes down to choice (be that financial\security\ or compatibility; note: there are hundreds of Advantages and Disadvantages)

They all started by trying it first

so you are sure about JUST using ubuntu live CD ONLY( without other OS running) i can still share, transfer, edit and read file(s) from and through Microsoft office, i guess just use ubuntu.

now, pls tell me more about ubuntu or maybe other OS that will suit me.

I'm a collage student who need to get along with other students( Microsoft XP/ vista/ 98 user). I'm not really a PC game person but I do sometime. I'd be happy that I've a very fast computer too.

Absolutely :grinthumb

Microsoft office No that's Microsoft !
Ubuntu is free and uses free programs like OpenOffice

Too much to say
Here's lots of info from their actual home site: http://www.ubuntu.com/products/WhatIsUbuntu/desktopedition

Well if you need compatibility with others, try Windows and Office
Ubuntu is a totally unrelated Operating System

i'm using window XP with Microsoft office 2007 at the moment. When you mentioned about windows i guess you are referring to Windows as OS or not??

Yes

But I'm starting to think that you may stay with Windows after all this (just a hunch)
Really Ubuntu is free, and does not hurt your computer to try it
I have about 50 Linux CDs with me (mainly due to revision updates)
I can boot from my (free) Ubuntu right now, with no issue whatsoever
I feel everyone should keep a Ubuntu Live CD handy, just in case Windows faults, and you need to get on the Internet straight away

Anyway, this thread is fully covered I feel

Stick with Windows if you're a student and use the computer for important assignments etc. Some documents created in MS Office may not be completely compatible with OpenOffice and vice-versa. Also, you need to pay for official Ubuntu technical support, unlike Microsoft's products.

ok

that is what I'm scare of..

what is that?? what do u mean??

If you purchase Windows
You can get non stop free support from going to Microsoft servers (ie Updates Phone\Email online support etc etc)

But if you use the free Ubuntu, you do not get free support (actually you do from the forums - just not official support )

beside I'm using laptop with intel CPU, T2080@1.73GHz, 1.99GB of RAM

Well it's a bit fast for Ubuntu
But Windows Vista may be a tad slow with it

Xp may be just right

this is one of the good thing and one of the bad thing too!! because I need to check on the update and save it and install it.. now my Xp has used about 16GB...

I'm not sure what you're saying

Ubuntu is just under 700Meg to download (ie the size of a CD )

You can use CCleaner to remove unnecessary temp files in Windows (I use it everyday)

yes.. I agreed. ccleaner is a good stuff..
i use it everyday too..
I'm sorry that the 16 GB has included all the installed softwares too..
things like adobe flash player 10 active X, adobe flash player 10 plugin adobe reader, avira antivir personal,cleaner,safari,java(TM) 6update 11, intel graphic media accelerator driver,K-lite mega codec 4.1.4,microsoft compression client pack 1.0 for window XP, microsoft Office Enterprise 2007( plus all the security updates), malwarebytes's anti-malware, microsoft user-mode driver framerwork feature pack 1.0( i don't know what is that), mozilla firefox, realtek high definition audio driver,realtek GbE & FE Enthernet PCI NIC driver, bluetooth software, windows Genuine advantage validation tool, SUPERantispyware free edition, windows internet EXplorer 7 ( plus software updates and security updates), windows live Essentials, windows live sign-in assistant, windows live upload tool, windows media format 11 runtime, windows media player11, windows xp-software updates, windows XP service pack 3, and ( finally) Zonealarm