Installing Windows
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We do not install windows. We do not help anyone install windows.
Don't do it.
Linux, Free/Open Source Software, and your Freek Box
why installing WindowsTM on your Freek Box could be a mistake
Congratulations! You've worked hard to earn your Freek Box, and now you're finally taking it home.
We want to make sure our volunteers get the best possible value from their "new" computers. Often, our volunteers want to install Windows, but they wind up getting themselves in trouble of one kind or another. The purpose of this page is to identify the problems that can result from installing Windows, the concerns that have led our Freek Box adopters to do so in the past, and to suggest easier and safer ways to address those concerns.
Windows (commercial software) vs. Linux (free software)
Your Freek Box comes ready to perform many common tasks. We have carefully selected programs that are powerful and easy to use, and if you happen to need different programs, it's easy to find and add them.
Free software, consisting of the Linux operating system and an enormous variety of programs, has made this possible. It's not just free to use; it's also high-quality, and designed in such a way that anyone (in this case, Free Geek) can freely modify it to match how they (i.e. you, the adopter) intend to use it. In essence, this means a clean and functional desktop.
Windows, by contrast, is commercial software; you have to pay in order to use it. And most of the software (word processors, games, anti-virus programs, etc.) that you will need to make Windows useful is also commercial. (Some free software, like the popular Firefox web browser, does exist for Windows.)
If you simply put in a CD and install Windows, it will remove the free software that we've already installed; it's either Linux or Windows…not both. (It is possible, with a little extra effort, to install Windows in a less destructive manner. If you really need Windows, and are somewhat technically inclined, please ask us for some suggestions on keeping your Linux software intact.*)
- I'd like to prepare another document, which roughly outlines how to install a second hard drive, put GRUB or LILO on it, install Windows, and make the system dual-boot. Might also mention projects like WINE. If I ever do that, this sentence would be changed to read more like: "please get the document at this web address or from the tech support folks at FG."
What could go wrong?
Before you install Windows, consider the following:
- This is old hardware. Your Freek Box is constructed of reused parts. We have chosen parts we know to work well with Linux, but we do not know how well they work with Windows, or with any specific version of Windows. You may run into problems while installing Windows, or down the road. Also, Linux generally runs much faster and better on older/slower hardware than Windows does.
- Viruses, Spam, SpyWare, and the like. As you're surely aware, there are many annoyances even dangers out there these days that interfere with people's computer use. Windows is much more susceptible to all of them than other operating systems. While we can offer no guarantees, you are much safer with our system than if you install Windows; and you won't have to spend as much time finding, buying, installing, and updating things like anti-virus software.
- Free technical support. Your Freek Box comes with a year of free technical support from Free Geek. That's right, free! If you run into problems, or if you need help doing something new, we can help. But we can't help with any issues resulting from installing a new operating system like Windows. This is not because we are mean, or hate Microsoft; we simply have limited resources, and have to put them to the best use possible.
- Windows costs money. Even if you already own a copy of Windows, or don't mind getting an illegal copy of it, you will find that most software you need to use on Windows costs additional money. So does technical support. You might find that Windows is too slow with the older hardware in your Freek Box, and you need to spend money on a faster processor or more memory. By sticking with Linux, you will minimize the amount of money you end up dumping into your computer.
Common concerns: questions and answers
- Q: I need to be compatible with Windows. I have emails and files on my old PC that I need to move over; a family member has a Windows PC that I need to network with; I need to send Word documents to my boss.
- A: You might be surprised how easy these tasks are without switching to Windows. Contact our technical support people; we'll help you out!
- Q: I need plug-ins, media players, or other common software.
- A: Some of these are available for Linux, and are easy to install. Briefly: Java, RealPlayer, and Flash are available for Linux. Shockwave, Windows Media Player, Quicktime are not.
- Q: I want to use fancy software. Games, video editing, CAD.
- A: It's true, there is a lot of high-end or specialized software that will not run on Linux. In some cases there are excellent free alternatives (like the GIMP, which is like PhotoShop), but in some there aren't. But before you install Windows, consider that much of this software requires up-to-date, high-end hardware. Sadly, regardless of the operating system, your Freek Box may not be up to the task.
- Q: I want to improve my resume. Learning about computers will help me get a job, and many employers want Windows-related skills.
- A: Again, you might be surprised how much various software and operating systems have "grown together." For instance, OpenOffice (the word-processing and office package on your Freek Box) is nearly identical to Microsoft OfficeTM. Learning to use this and other programs on your Freek Box will translate well to a Windows-oriented work environment. Also, Linux use is on the rise in the business world, so learning to use it may, in itself, increase your employability.