Hi, Jo-Jo.
Ubuntu and any other Linux versions are more powerful, 100% safe, fast and very flexible. The best operating system ever. Much better than Windows.
If you know or learn how to use Linux you won't ever wanna go back to Windows.
You should be able to do all your school work in Linux, just have to know what programs to install and use.
Also I recommend using Linux Mint 11 Katya, much better and easier to operate especially when migrating from Windows. Download here:
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=81
You can burn that ISO to a DVD or make a bootable Live and install USB on a Flash (thumb) drive.
PM (email) me for help with any Linux install or software programs that will replace similar Windows software.
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By definition, Netbooks are very basic, stripped down version of laptops. Good for basic tasks, like web browsing, youtube videos and some light word processing documents.
Most Netbooks only have a single core, low end type processor. The expensive Netbooks have dual core processors and dedicated nVidia ION graphics. They usually cost the same or even more than a laptop with comparable performance.
Windows 7 starter is a very basic version of Windows 7 operating system. Almost all Netbooks are unable to run any other versions of Windows 7, that is why they come with Windows 7 starter or Windows XP factory installed.
Your Netbook being slow and crashing all the time is most likely your doing. You most likely have a virus or other malware infection, or have in other ways tampered with and crippled your operating system.
Do you even use any kind of system security measures?
And do you perform all necessary periodic maintenance tasks? (disk clean up, check for errors, defragmenting and registry clean up).
BEST SECURITY MEASURES AND COMMON PROGRAMS FOR A WINDOWS operating system desktop computer, laptop (notebook) or netbook:
Never use an Internet Security Suite, just install separate, different programs for protection, from the ones listed bellow:
Do not use any versions of McAfee or Norton antivirus or Internet Security Suites, they all suck.
Best pay antivirus programs are BitDefender or ESET Nod32.
The best free antivirus programs are Avast Free and Avira AntiVir Free.
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button
Install 2 antivirus programs, one to run at all times as live, active protection scanner, and another just for on demand scans when you have doubts about any file.
You will need to disable the secondary antivirus from start up menu via 'msconfig' command, as only one live protection antivirus at a time can run in a Windows system. The secondary antivirus is only to be used for on demand scan of files, as a back up and confirm solution for any dubious files.
Also install MalwareBytes, at least the free version (offers added protection against malware, spyware, adware and rootkits, also against some viruses and Trojans).
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button
As stated above, Microsoft Windows Firewall sucks.
You will also need a good Firewall to protect your system from attacks.
First test your Windows Firewall with this little leak test utility:
http://www.grc.com/lt/leaktest.htm
You will see that it will penetrate your Microsoft Windows Firewall.
Install Zone Alarm or Comodo Firewall (both are free). Zone Alarm is by far the best firewall.
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/trialpay-za-signup.htm
Rerun the Firewall leak test and you will see that it cannot not penetrate Zone Alarm or Comodo, you will get a prompt asking if you allow communication or not, just choose NOT. Your system is not protected by a solid Firewall.
Install CCleaner to clean your registry keys and other unwanted stuff.
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/standard
For your web browser, use either Firefox Mozilla, Google Chrome or Opera.
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
http://www.google.com/chrome
http://www.opera.com/browser/download/
DO NOT USE INTERNET EXPLORER (IE), as it is the worst browser, and it can be easily attacked, infected and corrupted.
Also install the WOT (Web of Trust) addon tool to all your browsers. It rates all websites, blocks access and also alerts you when you open an unsafe website, thus preventing any internet attack or virus infection.
http://www.mywot.com/
For media players:
Use either WinAmp, Songbird or Media Jukebox for audio files. DO NOT use iTunes, that Apple (Mac) crap sucks even more than any Microsoft crap.
Use either VLC Media Player or GOM Player. Both of them would play anything without the need of any codecs, even damaged and incomplete video files.
Other options would be (in this order) Daum PotPlayer, KMPlayer, Kantaris Media Player, SPlayer, SMPlayer, and MPlayer. All are free to download and use.
Good luck.