Probably a dumb question, but do I have to actually buy XP?

**-al-** · 09-25-2003, 09:30 PM

I bought a M10000 from a large online store, but it didn't come with an OS...duh.

So Do I have to actually buy a new full version? I looked at download.com, but didn't see any operating system downloads!

**thekage** · 09-25-2003, 09:39 PM

Umm.. when you bought the motherboard, did it come with a hard drive?
Officially... to be legal, YES you need to buy a new operating system...
That meaning again, to be legal. So to say.. there are other ways of getting an operating system.. mainly speaking of windows, which I assume you plan on running based off of your original post. There are also many open source distributions of linux that you can download for free.

**-al-** · 09-25-2003, 09:50 PM

No, I bought my HD seperatly from a different online place.

Yes, I was going to install windows XP, but being the thrifty person I am, maybe I will look into linuix... Will it support everything like my DVD rom, HD, Winamp, etc...?

**osirisdon** · 09-25-2003, 09:54 PM

oh god plz help this poor soul.

**-al-** · 09-25-2003, 09:57 PM

I think I resent that comment.

**noodles** · 09-25-2003, 10:03 PM

Winamp. Windows.
Notice any similarities?

Winamp. Linux.
How about now? No?

**carabuser** · 09-25-2003, 10:04 PM

Go linux, man. It'll support everythink u litsed. Try Mandrake 9.1. There is no winamp for linux, there that xmms player, which is almost the same thing.
Also there a linux distro made for Epias, called Freepia (i think).

**Seraph** · 09-25-2003, 11:04 PM

Go with linux unless you can get a hold of Xp. XP is not too expensive if you want a legal copy. Otherwise, I recommand Mandrake.

On that note, MS should try to reduce their price for the OS. I sware to god at 150+ bucks, who is going to go buy XP unless it came with your computer. I legally have every windows from 3.0 to Xp but I never paid more than 50 bucks for any of them. The only things I am missing on my collection would be 1.x, 2.x and 2k3.

Long live linux.