I know for a fact any website with the right software can recognise not just the IP address and the web browser but also the OS (Windows, Mac or Linux) and can recognise the computer name when uploading information.
If ebay only works on cookies then i would think the OS is unimportant, just use a different browser or clear the cookies. Though using Linux would add to the overall change of identity.
Its a bit of a shock to realise that when you buy a pc with Windows pre-installed you pay $200 extra than if you had a free Linux OS either pre-installed or you download yourself for free. Every time you buy a pc Bill Gates is $200 richer and the buyer is $200 poorer.
You can have a dual boot where you press the on button, then the F8 key(I think) and choose whether to use Linux or Windows. Any drivers you have will have to be loaded on the alternate OS plus the firewall, antivirus etc buts thats pretty simple.
Is anyone using LINUX? I'd be interested in your assessment of the system. I have'nt downloaded it yet but I know Toys R Us have laptops with Linux so I might take a look to see what its like. If all you need a pc for emails and storing pictures and simple documents that shouldnt require anything too fancy.
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