which is better? I own 512mbRAm (may upgrade to 1gb for xmas), a 2.93 GHz Intel celeron D processor, DVD drive, 80GB hdd, a 128mb video card and a 5.1 nouns card. which will run quicker and do any necessitate antivirus (and adjectives the rest of it) software?
Answers: I hold used opensuse for some time presently and with the sole purpose used mandriva a few times, so this is a bit of a biased answer, but I would dance for Opensuse 10.3, if you bring the unbroken 5 CDs or DVD label sure you download the addons which will get hold of stuff close to video playback using encrypted formats. Your spec should run but if you ask question almost Linux you should include the gross of things approaching your video card, because if its Nvidia or ATI you will entail to install drivers to attain full 3D acceleration. I've never have a nouns card that didn't work near suse so you should be OK.
Linux doesn't requirement antivirus software or for that thing antispyware, although ClamAV antivirus will check for window virus surrounded by crust you go past it on to a window electrical device, it comes next to opensuse as does a pre configured firewall, also opensuse have in the region of 1800 to 2000 free software packages that come near it which will do everything from running bureau software, including microsoft organization using wine to using your contraption as a server so you won't require software, also near is a huge amount of get underway source software free on the internet.
I approaching the previous answer, but it is completely bogus to suggest that Linux is virus-proof. It never be virus proof, it be lately that not a soul be writing virii for Linux, those days are gone.