Need Os recommendation

Hey all, I'm back with another problem I'm having.

It has become apparent throughout the course of my studies that the startup times of the different versions of windows are incredibly slow. This is especially true when you have to run halfway across campus to make it to a class 10 minutes late, and have to wait 2-3 minutes for windows (+office) to load up before you can start taking notes.

I am in need of a new OS that I can use to dual-boot with my current config, and than allows me to start up and shut down my computer as quickly as possible. Nothing fancy, just something with the basic productivity suite (notepad-esque would do it) and a browser and maybe a music player.

I'm thinking linux, what are you thinking?


P.S I really didn't know where to post this so you can move it to wherever you like. I just thought I woulf get more hits if I left it in the Windows forum.

P.P.S BTW if you have a fix for windows that allows quicker boot times by all means please mention it if its a substantial improvement (20% and up)

 

Have you tried just hibernating your computer when you bring it from one place to another?
The startup time from hibernation would be a lot faster than if you had it completely shut down. So that could solve your problem.
You can also look at the Vista guide (I'm assuming you use Vista) to improve the overall performance of your notebook, if you haven't done so already -- see link below.

If you really want to go ahead with a new OS, I'm guessing Linus is probably you're only real option. I don't really know much about it though so you'll have to take your questions to that section of the forums. Not sure what kinds of improvement you would get, but I hear it will be faster if it's all set up properly.

Edit: Have a look at the NBR Vista Tips and Tweaks Guide by Les. Follow the guide and it should increase the performance of your notebook (for start up, during use and shut down).

 

I would also recommend that you just hibernate the laptop, rather than completely shutting it down.

 

Hibernating will be a good thing, if you only have a few apps opened and readied to go between classes.

cheers ...