Is it a new computer? - without knowing too much, it's a good bet that it's come pre-loaded with a whole lot of crap you wont use that will slow down proceedings.

and yeah, the specs don't really impress. I hope you aren't planning on using it for gaming.

Why doesn't that surprise me?

Install and run something like 'pc decrapifier' to get rid of all the pre-installed bloatware. I had a laptop with 'Windows 7 Starter' preloaded and the speed was horrendous due to all the crap the manufacturers put on.

A better option would be to just reinstall Win 7. Or XP. Or Ubuntu (my personal favourite system on a laptop where you don't need to do any gaming)

brash_stryker said:

...or Ubuntu (my personal favourite system on a laptop where you don't need to do any gaming)

 ^This! (have I done that right?) at least try it on a partition for a trial to see if you like it.

As I have posted elsewhere WINE will run most Windows programs but if you have a duel boot you know the software you are familiar with will still work.

If Internet Explorer is part of that family disown it immediately.

I have my laptop Hackintoshed at the moment (had ubuntu up until last week) Mainly running OSX on it right now because I need to pull my finger out and learn my way around it. Always finding myself switching to windows for regular use out of familiarity and it has to stop. Lol.

Being the sort of bloke who knows nothing about this sort of shit, would installing this 'ubuntu' mean that I would lose all my music (iTunes) and photos etc?!?!

Depends if you were installing Ubuntu alongside Windows or instead of it. The install disk gives you that option. If you installed alongside, you'd get 2 boot options on startup. Ubuntu or Windows. And the Ubuntu operating system would reside on its own dedicated partition on your hard drive.

Still best to back up all your stuff just in case though.

HotRod said:

Being the sort of bloke who knows nothing about this sort of shit, would installing this 'ubuntu' mean that I would lose all my music (iTunes) and photos etc?!?!

If you follow the instructions you shouldn't lose a thing, making backups is always a good idea but that's a sensible general precaution, it's a fairly risk free activity.

You can even boot it from an install disc (as a taster/test) and if everything works in that manner then go down the duel boot route.

Just download the thing burn it to disc and boot up from it, it will be slower running on a CD but if you choose to install it, it will be lightning fast.

would I have to install itunes on Ubuntu as well as windows?

There's no Linux port of iTunes so you'd have to install it under WINE. If you're a novice though, I wouldn't recommend it. There are a lot of better alternatives to iTunes for Linux. I've always hated iTunes.

There isn't a Ubuntu version of iTunes but something like Rhythmbox (included in the install) will pick up your music straight away and you will still have iTunes on your Windows account.

Brash and myself seem to be echoing each other :-D

Ghostbusters, why don't you just get a Mac?

;-)

Yeah, sounds way to complicated for little old me

It's really no different from installing any Windows program.

And you don't even have to install it to try it just download it and put from your disc drive and give it a go.

That's no different from running a console game (minus the downloading bit obviously).

I may just give it a go

doubleofive said:

Ghostbusters, why don't you just get a Mac?

;-)

lol

 try Ubuntu without installing - it runs straight off the disc without altering your system, sure it's a little slow but it's worth it to check it out. You don't want to spend time installing it only to not like it or not use it.

It's also great as a diagnostic tool since you can boot from the disc and get access to your system should something go wrong. 

Ghostbusters said:

I'm not interested in Ubuntu. You all already know how much I love macs ;-). What do you think of my laptop? Do you think I got a good buy, remember I bought it when it came with a free webcam valued at $150? Where can I find a free version of Windows XP to install?

What hardware in a laptop do you recommend for a good gaming laptop? I already I asked this.

A legitimate "free" version of XP doesn't exist so I don't think it would be wise to advise you of where to find one on this forum.

As for whether it was good value, I have no idea what webcam this is, and whether it was actually worth $150. But it's all subjective as I'd never buy a webcam for that much, and would get one integrated into the laptop lid for convenience. Even the cam I have on my gaming PC is only a £10 one.

Have you considered making this laptop of yours a Hackintosh, considering you like Macs so much?

Why aren't you interested in Ubuntu GB (out of genuine interest)?