[usamac]

But found my self needing a browser, and really wanted remote access as well.

I'll be beaten right now, but why not to install Windows in this case?

Pros:
1. RDP, browses, office, etc.
2. Intel's drivers are of higher quality. The box runs colder. It seems that interlaced VC1 will never be decoded under Linux.

Cons:
1. Boots longer (say, 30 sec instead of 6 sec).
2. Memory and SSD need to be upgraded.
3. Relatively difficult to install.

You are right, the pros are nice.. but for me its about doing all of this for the cheapest price. I actually read extensively into running windows 10 (or 8) but found the predicament of hdmi sound not functioning and having to upgrade the ssd and possibly the ram to be out of the question for now. I chose instead to go with linux for the experience and because I can play/experiment without spending any additional funds. In the future I may explore the more expensive route, but for now it appears I can do all I want with linux, just have to learn how which was why I came back here for additional support apart from what I have already gained from these very informative threads.

I will say, I have yet to of gotten teamviewer to install properly but apparently google finally offered googe remote access.. which I have not explored yet.

Thanks for the input though!