I'm thinking of buying a netbook as a second machine for net access and mobile broadband. Should I get one with XP or can I run Linux and not worry about what's "under the bonnet"?
D Cameron
Linux-based netbooks have friendly front ends that make it simple to run the software provided, and they're fine as long as they do what you want. The only way to find out is to try one -- or try several, because they all come with different versions of Linux that work in different ways. If you find you need to change the base software or add new programs, it can be a considerable challenge, because you'll have to learn Linux from scratch (including the DOS-like command line). Basically, if you can do what you want with the built-in software or by using online applications, then you could certainly try Linux. However, if you want to use familiar Windows applications (including iTunes) and your existing skills, then you should stick with XP.
Since you plan to use mobile broadband, you must obviously check that your ISP's USB dongle actually works with Linux. If you want a netbook that takes an embedded Sim card instead, the options include the Advent 4213 and Dell Inspiron Mini 9, but both of those run Windows XP. I haven't actually noticed a Linux netbook with a built-in Sim, but I'd expect them to appear.
