okay, so my girlfriend's HP running XP home (aka SATAN'S ASSHOLE) is running
all screwed up, updates are ruing her machine, and well, windows blows like
that. I tell her she out to consider a Linux flavour, but she hates how
they're not compatible with win apps. But, it seems these days the open
source OS's run the smoothest.
So then it hits me. What's stopping someone from making a open source OS
that is built explicitly for running windows compatible apps? I know next to
nothing about programming, kernel structure, etc. I know Linux and mac have
been trying to make their stuff compatible now, but is it possible to make a
new OS from scratch with that compatibility in mind?
Let me know if I'm way off on this one, or if there are some resources I
should read so I don't sound like such a noob. :)
Thanks
-Dan

If you can't figure out Windows you best forget about Linux. Your first
sentence is nonsense.

dan wrote:
>
> okay, so my girlfriend's HP running XP home (aka SATAN'S ASSHOLE) is running
> all screwed up, updates are ruing her machine, and well, windows blows like
> that. I tell her she out to consider a Linux flavour, but she hates how
> they're not compatible with win apps. But, it seems these days the open
> source OS's run the smoothest.
> So then it hits me. What's stopping someone from making a open source OS
> that is built explicitly for running windows compatible apps? I know next to
> nothing about programming, kernel structure, etc. I know Linux and mac have
> been trying to make their stuff compatible now, but is it possible to make a
> new OS from scratch with that compatibility in mind?
> Let me know if I'm way off on this one, or if there are some resources I
> should read so I don't sound like such a noob. :)
> Thanks
> -Dan

First off, I've been using windows for 6 years.I alternate between 2kpro and
98. I can run it just fine, it's my girlfriend that's having issues with it,
and she really can't afford to buy another OS. XP home is a ****ty OS and is
extremely prone to crashing. It is too restrictive and its "user
friendliness" makes it too complicated. It's an instance of fixing something
that's not broken and making it worse. Everyone I know that has used it has
had numerous issues and has either bought/stole pro, or downgraded or go
open source. I only mentioned it because it got me thinking about an open
source windows compatible system. As far as HPs go, I haven't used a HP
desktop or laptop yet that didn't have serious issues. In my opinion they
should stick to UNIX workstations for engineers and stay away from personal
machines (I built my own machine and use Toshiba laptops).
Second: I can run Linux. I don't know why you would assume otherwise. I am
by no means an expert but I can install it and run/install programmes. I
still have allot to learn though.
Third: All I asked was if it is possible to make an open source OS built
explicitly for windows compatibility, not for you to make assumptions about
my computer skills.

So, let me clarify. What is preventing people from making an open source OS
that is totally windows compatible. Is there crucial component inaccessible
in closed source windows. That is, rather than adjusting another open source
OS now, why not make one compatible from the start?
I am by no means trying to start a flame war, nor am I looking for an
argument. I just wanted some info, or some links to info on the subject.

"Wizard" <no@stinking.ads.com> wrote in message
news:3FC1EE0E.D396AD3E@stinking.ads.com...
> If you can't figure out Windows you best forget about Linux. Your first
> sentence is nonsense.
>
> dan wrote:
> >
> > okay, so my girlfriend's HP running XP home (aka SATAN'S ASSHOLE) is
running
> > all screwed up, updates are ruing her machine, and well, windows blows
like
> > that. I tell her she out to consider a Linux flavour, but she hates how
> > they're not compatible with win apps. But, it seems these days the open
> > source OS's run the smoothest.
> > So then it hits me. What's stopping someone from making a open
source OS
> > that is built explicitly for running windows compatible apps? I know
next to
> > nothing about programming, kernel structure, etc. I know Linux and mac
have
> > been trying to make their stuff compatible now, but is it possible to
make a
> > new OS from scratch with that compatibility in mind?
> > Let me know if I'm way off on this one, or if there are some
resources I
> > should read so I don't sound like such a noob. :)
> > Thanks
> > -Dan

> So, let me clarify. What is preventing people from making an open source
OS
> that is totally windows compatible.

I dont know if its any good or not but lindows is supposed to be
compatable...its not open source though...but i dont think it costs all that
much...

craig....

Serok4242 wrote:
>> So, let me clarify. What is preventing people from making an open
>> source OS that is totally windows compatible.
>
> I dont know if its any good or not but lindows is supposed to be
> compatable...its not open source though...but i dont think it costs
> all that much...
>
> craig....

Suse Linux is supposed to have some new tools that make many windows
programs compatible with linux. Even games under WineX. Lindows is NOT
windows compatible, it runs proprietary software, though it IS
open-source, and must be to even be using the Linux kernel. There are
places you cand ownload it for free, though with reduced functionality
and no support.
It takes a lot more to make something "windows compatible", but the
thing is, why should they? Why send more money into the pockets of
Microsoft, when most things can be done under linux with other software.
You just THINK you need windows compatibility.

--
Night_Seer