Re: How do I know if I want Linux

Don Wrote:

>I have heard and seen here many messages from the Linux/EMC guru's here,
>and with the amount of controller software for Windows systems, I am
>having a hard time to seek a reason why I would need two O/S's.
>

Don...
Windows Software can be expensive. Some people are just looking
for a cheaper alternative. With Some CNC software costing
upwards of $1000 it's easy to see how a 1GB partition on a hard
drive to re-boot into linux and run EMC (which is free) is a
cheaper alternative.

For example:
1GB drive space (free if you have a big disk on your PC)
Redhat linux 5.2 $30 with manuls $3 disk only.
RT-Linux Free for download
EMC Free for download
-------------------------------------
Total sofware cost= $30

On the other hand....

install Linux 1Hr X $10 per hour = $10
Figure out install problems 6hr X $10 = $60
Download and Install rt-linux 8hr x $10 = $80
Figure out RT-linux problems 8hr x $10 = $80
Install EMC ( just a guess) 6hr X $10 = $60
Configure EMC (just a guess) 4hr X $10 = $40

-----------------------------------------------------
Total $330

So If your time is valuable ( and you arn't into linux for
the fun and education) then I don't see a BIG cost savings.

Also You could easily spend a few weeks getting familiar with
X windows and other linux stuff. Don't get me wrong... I am
a great linux fan. But it is still software and software is
full of details no matter who wrote it.

Now the idea for a "rtlinux-EMC " ez install CD has merit.
it could cut the install time significantly for a person who
just wants to use EMC and RT-linux to cut metal. But it will
only work if it is focused on the EMC task at hand and is
not a general linux install. This means that you would still
use your existing Windows OS for all your other functions
and only use linux for the machining portion. You must reboot
to switch between windows and linux, so it is a pain. But hey
PC's are getting cheap too. Look for cheap Pentium 90 Mhz
machines at computer shows. A lot of them are being dumped
due to Y2K issues.

In short it depends on your goals and pocket book. Also if
you use your hobbies for education, I can recomend linux as
a good way to learn more advanced computer concepts.


Hope this helps

dave