   Which non-windows OS/kernel?
  I plan to buy a computer sometime in the middle of next year, I was thinking of moving forward with 64-bit architecture. Now, if I get a Vista system, complete with a D3D10 capable SM4.0 G80/R600, it's probably going to turn out to be really expensive (right?). That's why I thought of switching to a non-windows 64bit environment, get a--say--GF 6800 or 7800 (which will probably become really cheap then) and upgrade later on when things with SM4.0 settle down.I have experience with nothing but MS Windows, so what OS/kernel would you guys suggest? Linux? Is the Ubuntu distribution good? There is also FreeBSD and RedHat's free Fedora project. What do you guys suggest?   
  You won't have to get a Direct3d 10 graphics card to run Vista.   ;  I would suggest dual booting with your current computer first to make sure you like it.  There's a chance you'll buy that computer, install some random distribution, and discover that you feel it is a piece of crap that you can't stand to work in.  And while you hop around finding one you do like, your brand new computer is going to waste.CM   ;  I highly advocate Ubuntu. It makes the installation of graphics drivers, etc fairly easy and the Ubuntu Guide answers mostly any problem you would have with the OS.   ;  Thanks for the helpful replies everyone! [smile]Quote:Original post by AinokeaYou won't have to get a Direct3d 10 graphics card to run Vista.I didn't know that! But my ultimate aim is not to run Vista, rather to get a d3d10 card is more like it. But as I said, I have a feeling that there's going to be a lot of hodge-podge around sm4.0 with MS pushing the DX deadlines. If NV and ATI aren't really ready and push through something makeshift costing $700-800, I wouldn't want to spend money on that.Quote:Original post by RavuyaI highly advocate Ubuntu. It makes the installation of graphics drivers, etc fairly easy and the Ubuntu Guide answers mostly any problem you would have with the OS.That makes me feel happy and contented, I just put my name into Ubuntu's free Shipit, and I'm waiting for my CDs!   ;Quote:Original post by deavikThanks for the helpful replies everyone! [smile]Quote:Original post by AinokeaYou won't have to get a Direct3d 10 graphics card to run Vista.I didn't know that! But my ultimate aim is not to run Vista, rather to get a d3d10 card is more like it. But as I said, I have a feeling that there's going to be a lot of hodge-podge around sm4.0 with MS pushing the DX deadlines. If NV and ATI aren't really ready and push through something makeshift costing $700-800, I wouldn't want to spend money on that.Quote:Original post by RavuyaI highly advocate Ubuntu. It makes the installation of graphics drivers, etc fairly easy and the Ubuntu Guide answers mostly any problem you would have with the OS.That makes me feel happy and contented, I just put my name into Ubuntu's free Shipit, and I'm waiting for my CDs!Why not get a good computer with a 64-bit processor and PCI-E now/soon, use a current PCI-E video card, and later upgrade to a D3D10 card when there's good, stable, affordable ones out? You can run XP and Ubuntu on it now, and later upgrade to Vista.I'd also suggest Ubuntu as a good Linux distro that's beginner-friendly. I followed the instructions on ubuntuguide.org and got everything working well on my laptop (except wireless). Just a warning, though; I've had problems with ATI's Linux drivers on every distro I've tried. NVidia's drivers work great, though.   ;  Another vote for Ubuntu from me. It's really easy to use. Heck, even my mom likes it (though the fact that Gnome comes with Mahjongg may have something to do with that). Easy to use, works pretty much out-of-the-box on most hardware (a little less on laptops though) and feels great. Just make sure you read http://help.ubuntu.com for installation instructions for codecs, java, flash, nvidia drivers, etcetera. Ubuntu doesn't ship them because they are non-free.   ;  Yet another vote for Ubuntu. I installed it at my parents' to fix their neverending malware problem (no regular anti-malware measures works here, these people are masters of self-infection), and so far everything is running very smoothly.   ;Quote:Original post by nagromoWhy not get a good computer with a 64-bit processor and PCI-E now/soon, use a current PCI-E video card, and later upgrade to a D3D10 card when there's good, stable, affordable ones out? You can run XP and Ubuntu on it now, and later upgrade to Vista.I'd also suggest Ubuntu as a good Linux distro that's beginner-friendly. I followed the instructions on ubuntuguide.org and got everything working well on my laptop (except wireless). Just a warning, though; I've had problems with ATI's Linux drivers on every distro I've tried. NVidia's drivers work great, though.That's exactly my plan! I'm glad I'm on he right track. I guess also that Ubuntu's going to be a good choice. [smile] Thanks for the testimonials and the link, Valderman and Sander.   ;Quote:I didn't know that! But my ultimate aim is not to run Vista, rather to get a d3d10 card is more like it. But as I said, I have a feeling that there's going to be a lot of hodge-podge around sm4.0 with MS pushing the DX deadlines. If NV and ATI aren't really ready and push through something makeshift costing $700-800, I wouldn't want to spend money on that.From what I know, MS is going to be *a lot* stricter with DX10 and forward. Basically, your card either supports a DX or SM version, or it doesn't. There won't be any 9.0+ or 9.0++ or "9.0c with these and these extra capabilities, and without those others" and whatever else ATI and NVidia came up with to look better than the competition.So that part of it should settle faster than it did with DX 8 and 9.But of course, ATI and NVidia might still make something that supports SM4.0 and everything, but just performs lousily at it.   