Printing with Linux and other concerns
A couple of questions.
First off, I'm a Linux beginner. DO NOT THROW JARGON AT ME! However, I have been around Linux for a long time with the help of computer nerd friends. I have a computer that is double-booted with Windows and Gentoo, and have used both. The Windows partition is strictly for printing (I have Xerox DocuPrint, which insists there is no Linux) and Eudora (which obviously has a KMail equivalent). Oftentimes, I end up using Windows exclusively for convenience (hahahahaha), rather than rebooting several times a day. I'd like to end that cycle.
I am sick to death of Windows and want to rip it out and reinstall Gentoo. However, I am nervous that I might not be able to handle Linux alone. I am a very busy college student without much time to meddle for the two or so years in order to learn Linux. I also wonder if there is any way to make the Xerox machine allow me to print. I'm hoping my new college roommate will have a printer that I can use otherwise, but how many printers out there do not acknowledge Linux?
Is there any reason why I should keep my Windows at all, even for backup? My nerd friends are hesitant to let it go completely. On the one hand, Windows screws me over repeatedly. On the other hand, not understanding Linux could leave me at sea. I will be going to a farway school and I don't know anyone, which could leave me in a bind if I can't get online or something. I mean, I'm sure I can find a way to solve the problems but I'd like to try to save myself as much trouble as possible from the getgo.
First off, I'm a Linux beginner. DO NOT THROW JARGON AT ME! However, I have been around Linux for a long time with the help of computer nerd friends. I have a computer that is double-booted with Windows and Gentoo, and have used both. The Windows partition is strictly for printing (I have Xerox DocuPrint, which insists there is no Linux) and Eudora (which obviously has a KMail equivalent). Oftentimes, I end up using Windows exclusively for convenience (hahahahaha), rather than rebooting several times a day. I'd like to end that cycle.
I am sick to death of Windows and want to rip it out and reinstall Gentoo. However, I am nervous that I might not be able to handle Linux alone. I am a very busy college student without much time to meddle for the two or so years in order to learn Linux. I also wonder if there is any way to make the Xerox machine allow me to print. I'm hoping my new college roommate will have a printer that I can use otherwise, but how many printers out there do not acknowledge Linux?
Is there any reason why I should keep my Windows at all, even for backup? My nerd friends are hesitant to let it go completely. On the one hand, Windows screws me over repeatedly. On the other hand, not understanding Linux could leave me at sea. I will be going to a farway school and I don't know anyone, which could leave me in a bind if I can't get online or something. I mean, I'm sure I can find a way to solve the problems but I'd like to try to save myself as much trouble as possible from the getgo.
