[doc1019]

Both Mac and Widows have the ability to recognize new software and automatically configure … is there a version of Linux that will do the same?

The last time I tried to install Linux, I had to spend hours configuring all my drivers to work … gave up and installed Windows.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

"The last time I tried to install Linux, I had to spend hours configuring all my drivers to work … gave up and installed Windows."

There's been much progress, but even today that can be a problem with some Linux distros, including some of the majors. It had me bollixed, in fact, until a Freeper turned me onto PCLinuxOS. Very nice, and loaded without issue onto two laptops that Ubuntu couldn't handle.

[Halfmanhalfamazing]

Yes, auto configure linuxes are common now. Knoppix is a live CD(bootable CD) that you can download, burn to a single blank CD and use without installing and all of your software on your harddrive will be un touched.

Take a look for yourself, you’ll see what I mean.

http://www.knoppix.net/

Fedora, Suse, *buntu, xandros, are all linux distros which are built with ease of use in mind. There are many others.

Most of these distros use web based servers to do software installs, you don’t have to even click ‘next’ 6 or so times. The linux is way is easier. enter in the name of the software and hit enter. The server and your computer do the rest.

[Clara Lou]

Kubuntu does it for me.