Thinking of changing to Linux on older PC, got a few questions

[AngelzUnit]

Hey everyone. Well, I currently have windows XP on a PC that's roughly 8 years old. The thing is I don't know nothing about it.

Was wondering if I can run all the programs on Linux like I do on Windows? I know it's a little bit different but I got 2 brothers in elementary school, and this is the computer they use for their work and what not, so I don't think I can switch to it if it won't be able to run all the programs I do on Windows. Major stuff they usually use are things like the Microsoft office programs, msn messenger, firefox, also games like D2, starcraft etc.

And is it anyway compatible with stuff from windows? Like if they do work on school using windows, they can bring it home and work on it using linux?

[Juke]

You can run Windows exe files on Linux with a emulation programs. Firefox is also compatable with Linux. As far as Microsoft Office files you can get a Freeware program called Open Office from openoffice.org . This can open any Microsoft Office application such as Powerpoint excel word and so on.

Its a good ideal for your 2 brothers to learn linux early in life. for the fact they will learn to work around the all so horrable world of Microsoft. If they wont to excel in life within the Tech world this will help them in the long run.

First things in memory are never forgotten, we have to wright down everything after that

[bigdeath]

I agree totally. Also Linux isn't really susceptible to viruses so they can't really mess it up. If you switch I suggest getting Ubuntu. I love it! And get Wine and virtualbox as well. You can run your windows programs with those. You can even download the widows version of virtualbox and run linux within windows to see if its something you want to do.