Computer Help Needed...

Before we get too far afield and give Rob some "ideas," probly should put Linux in perspective.

I only suggested this specifically in order to boot up the problem machine and see if Linux display looked better than Windoz, using it as a troubleshooting aid.

But before we get Rob all would up about Linux (er not) some comments

1--If you want to play with Linux, it's good to do so on your old, "unwanted" machine, from which you've removed all data you 'need' to save, so that if you screw something up..............

2--On any machine you are thinking of setting up dual boot, you MUST be sure you have the reinstallation media for your currently installed version of windows and all software --something that many don't have in this day and age

To further explain, my own current machine, this Azus which I bought new. Very first thing I did upon attaining the machine was to open it up and write down the model of the hard drive, then I ordered two more exactly like it. I also ordered the factory "recovery" disks which is all I could get --which are supposed to automatically install all factory software as if the thing just came out of the box.

So I took one new hard drive, used the factory disks and "made" a replica of the original drive --tucked away for safety.

Then I used partitioning software to shrink the Winhozed partition, creating a nice big unused area of the drive.

Then last, installed Mint, which pretty much automatically sets itself up, and configures the dual--boot menu for Linux and Windows.

Linux ain't for everyone. NONE of your Winhozed software will work, and I still use it sometimes. I have one high res photo scanner that just won't work in Linux. Linux does not like Canon scanners, either. As I said earlier, I have one old laptop which I use for my Holley EFI program. This must run in Windows, not Linux.

The GOOD part of Linux, is that for most everyday stuff, it's pretty painless. There's LOTS of free software you can download. I use GIMP for my photos, which can also run in Windows, and Acrobat reader has a version for Linux. Linux comes with one or the other popular free office programs, so I don't freekin need to spend a huge amount on Windows Office. I use the Mozilla / Firefox browser, which many already use in Windows.

And you can just about forget about viruses. I've been to some pretty dark corners of the www, LOL, and have yet to get seriously stung.