ITinfo: Dual-Boot PC Under $500

Site Directory
Membership
Train-the-Trainer
Trainer Certification
Certified Training Materials
ITinfo E-zine
Responsible Training
White Papers
Trainer Resources
What's New
Speaking Engagements
Onsite Training
ITrain Gear

Cheap Linux, Cheap Windows

Dual-boot pc for new Linux users

ITinfo Sponsor

ERROR: Random File Unopenable

The random file, as specified in the $random_file perl variable was unopenable.

The file was not found on your file system. This means that it has either not been created or the path you have specified in $trrandom_file is incorrect.

Dual-Boot PC Under $500

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

While slumming the cheap end of the net tonight I saw a $499 PC that comes with both Win98 and Red Hat Linux preinstalled.

I've been waiting for someone to come out with a dual-boot PC for the low-end market. The PC Shopping Planet model is the first I've seen.

It's possible to find business-class machines that come with dual-boot installations, but for 500 bucks, just about anyone can afford to get a second PC to learn Linux. And with Win98 installed too, you can at least make a half-hearted attempt at rationalizing the purchase. (OK, gearheads, no Winblows cracks... typical users still prefer Windows.)

The components are probably scraped from the bottom of the chip barrel, but you'll only pay the what you would have for a new set of tires for the family sedan. And, you won't have to go through the Linux installation process; the PC will arrive ready for use.

One final caveat. I don't ever recommend low-end PCs for business use, and I'm not recommending this model in any way. I mention it only because $500 is a cheap way to start to learn Linux without messing with your primary box.

Call for Comments

If anyone gets one of these machines, let me know what you think of it. Leave your comments on the message center.

References

PC Shopping Planet
Message Center

Previous issues are on our website at http://itrain.org/itinfo/.

International Association of Information Technology Trainers
PMB 616
6030-M Marshalee Dr
Elkridge, MD 21075-5987

410.567.5366
1.888.290.6200
fax: 801.650.0423
Membership Director: member@itrain.org

Return to ITrain Homepage

http://itrain.org/itinfo/2000/it000201.html
updated February 1, 2000