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- In recent months, there has been an increased interest in purchasing computers with no Operating Systems. The cost savings are tremendous. The advantages are readily apparent. This trend is continuing as Linux based and other OS systems become more user friendly and popular to those who don't want to use Windows or Microsoft Licensed software. Distinctively "free" or open source operating systems give the computer user a no cost, no license required operating system that you can install on as many computers as you like, offers the same features and functions, and in some cases come with no strings attached. (By strings we mean you must become a registered user of the system you choose.)
- You can pick up a refurbished computer for less than half the cost of a new one. A bare bones computer is perfect for people who would like to run Linux or another operating system on their PC. It's also great for IT managers who already have a limited number of licenses and don't want to buy another copy of licensed software. You can download or order a free OS from a reputable download site. At the bottom of this article are some helpful links to get you started.
- The most popular OS by far is Linux and there is a ton of stuff for this system and a huge support community ready and willing to share. "Lindows" is a program for those who need an easy transition from Microsoft but have a hard time letting go of the traditional desktop. Lindows is not free, but it is inexpensive and works great.
- The many uses of the many faces of Linux are appealing. Linux makes it relatively easy to set up web servers, stand alone audio/video file servers, and dedicated application servers to name a few- all the while increasing your efficiency while expanding your functionality. PCs with no operating systems are perfect for this and the price is right. There are a few system requirements for some of the Operating Systems, though usually the type of processor is the only consideration.
- Other operating systems exist and most are in some development stage or another. Others are functional and constantly being improved upon. Most of them are free to download. Some of the OS creators will send you a CD with the whole system on it, for a small fee. (Usually shipping charges). The advantage of ordering an OS on a CD is that you can perform multiple installs on several computers, without downloading each time.
- For you DOS users, FreeDos is available and it is free. It can run anything that is DOS based, it's open source software, you can download it or get it on CD, and the creators don't mind if you edit their code, so long as you share what you have done with them. It's great to run old DOS based games like DOOM and Wolfenstein, and can be used to run old business software.
- Visit our site for more informationabout where to find them and how to download Operating Systems.
- We encourage you to research alternate operating systems for computers that you buy from us. We do sell computers with operating systems installed.
Guide created: 12/13/06 (updated 08/21/08)
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