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Can I get Linux and Firefox on CD! My XP won't let me connect to the internet.

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My desktop operating system is XP. The latest upgrade has made it impossible to get on the internet. The Geek Squad guy says tha I need to upgrade my memory and go to Windows 8. The combination would cost me $200 with not quarantees that it would work.

Downloads are impossible so I need to have the appropriate browser software on CD.

Our laptops are fine because they are newer and make this communication possible.

My desktop operating system is XP. The latest upgrade has made it impossible to get on the internet. The Geek Squad guy says tha I need to upgrade my memory and go to Windows 8. The combination would cost me $200 with not quarantees that it would work. Downloads are impossible so I need to have the appropriate browser software on CD. Our laptops are fine because they are newer and make this communication possible.

All Replies (6)

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As you seem to want to replace broken Windows XP with a Linux distro, please allow me to suggest [http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc] that could help you select the right one according to your needs.

Most if not all distros allow you to download CD images that you can use.

You can do all this on one of the laptops that have connectivity.

Hope this helps, if not please get back with any further questions you might have.

Modified by alex_mayorga

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OpenSUSE and Ubuntu are good choices (you can get LiveCD which can be used to install also) and unless you like a more colorful look you may prefer Gnome over KDE. Depending on your hardware specs you may even want to use a lighter desktop like XFCE.

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I call BS on the Geeksquad. Take your computer to a reputable, Local, repair shop (never trust big box stores). There is absolutely no reason that XP can't connect to the internet, millions of people use it every day with all the latest updates.

As for Linux, you can order a CD, but that's beyond the scope of this forum. Use the links provided above for help if that is the route you want to go.

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To tag on, please note that Linux is quite a bit more complicated than Windows, and just for ease of use you may want to get a second opinion from a more reliable source than take the plunge to linux.

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I just wonder if GS made the claim so as to make a sale on new memory and OS installs.

True it can be daunting for a bit at minimum depending on experience, which is why it is not a bad idea to boot LiveCD on cd or usb to try it before installing. Also can partition for Linux and dual boot instead of wiping Windows and install Linux only.

I dual boot with openSUSE and WinXP on this computer.

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I wouldn't install Windows 8 on an older machine. A lot of the UI changes are designed for a touchscreen and you probably won't enjoy using it on a computer that's more than 5 years old.