I was introduced to this forum by someone who said I could find some help here. I know nothing about computer, but can only use the basic functions of Windows/Office XP. So far I have only used the computer in my place of work, but now I consider buying one for home. I would like to use all free software and this is where I need some help.

I would like to have the same features as Windows XP, but in GNU/Linux free software. I mean functions like excel, word, picture manager, movie maker, media player, etc. Is this possible? Is there this kind of software package available in GNU/Linux? Is it available a no cost? And finally, what would be the specifications and requirements for the hardware?

I am in Taiwan.

execel, word : OpenOffice. It's ok to read .doc files,  but the format in OO is usually not the same as Microsoft word.

media player : totem, mplayer   you have to install the win32 codecs to play .wmv ...

video editing :　kino, Cinelerra

Dear Eliu,

 Thanks so much for your reply. Is it possible to get all these programmes in one package like when we buy Windows XP? How can I get them? sorry, but I am computer iliterate. 

I've only tried Mandriva. I don't the status of other distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora.

Mandriva and other distributions should have OpenOffice and totem/mplayer and many softwares in a single DVD. Mandriva & Ubuntu has repositories and mirrors where you can download most of software and update.

I haven't tried kino, Cinelerra.  Cinelerra is not in the Mandriva repository.Other video editing softwares:

• AviDemux
• KDEnlive
• LiVES
• Open Movie Editor

Mercedes,

Maybe you can try to install VirtualBox on your Windows box, and try some Linux distribution on VirtualBox. Like this,

 http://hyperrate.com/thread.php?tid=8288