Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
Ok, so about 2 months ago I installed a 64-bit Windows Vista Ultimate on my PC which specs are as followed:
Zepto Znote 6625WD
Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.4GHz Dual Core
Nvidia 8600m GT
And the thing is, when I bought it it had 2GB RAM, but about 2 months ago I bought a new pair of better RAMs (which is the reason why I installed the 64-bit Vista). But I have been having problems with the system. For one thing it seems I have caught the b.exe virus thing. My wireless modem at home has stop responding to my laptop (however I think that has to do with the modem myself as other devices at home are also having problems getting internet) and, when I was trying to activate a kind of Kareokee thing on my computer I was advised to try a Regedit hack but that resulted in my computer now always playing sound on my speakers even when I plug headphones in (Not Good, and I don't know how to fix it).
So, I guess I'm looking for a new solution. I don't wanna let the 4GB ram go to waste so I would like a 64-bit system, but Vista just isn't all that good with all the glitches... But Don't get me wrong. I like windows, I've used it for many many maaany years and I have nothing against it. In fact when I used the 32-bit Vista it was actually pretty good (yes it is good if you know how to use it and take care of it).
When I just decided that its time to change I Googled to see which 64-bit system people thought was the best. And one response was that I should either get Ubuntu or Kubuntu. I look them up and while they look swank, it's still not Windows, in fact for some of the applications I use, I absolutely Must have windows coz there are no alternatives (I use IMVU), so my first question is; Is there a virtual Windows on Kubuntu? Like in Mac you can run a virtual Windows XP so it's basically 2 in 1 without having to install both OS's and rebooting when I wanna switch.
Also I use software like Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk 3Ds Max, do these have Kubuntu versions? And what about torrents? I am quite font of uTorrent. What about ISO burning/mounting? What about Nero suit? What about
VLC? video codes in general?
Crimson Editor?
MSN (yes, THE MSN, not other appls that connect to MSN)?
Winamp?
Antivirus programs? I bought a license for BitDefender and I have another 150 days before it runs out.
So yeah I guess I am kind of stuck in the Windows mindset and am worried that I'm gonna be knocked off balance and have to put in a lot of effort every time I want to get a certain application to work on my system (computer games?). A virtual machine would be so fantastic for situations like that and it would be so simple.
Also, what about drivers for my hardware? Can I be sure that there are linux versions drivers for my integrated webcam or is it just gonna sit there and be useless for the rest of my computers lifespan?
As you can probably tell I don't know much about linux so I'm just trying to understand it a bit better. I had a Linux version installed on my Old computer a long time ago on a different partition and I ended up never using it.
Also, is Linux any faster or better than Windows in terms of performance and safety? I mean I guess that not as many viruses and spywares are released for Linux as they are for windows so that makes it a lower risk, but as far as protection in case I do come across it, is Linux safe? And as for speed... well, just is it any faster than windows?
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If you really need that set of software, then Linux is not for you.
In general you would have to use other software to perform that task, and would have to adapt to them.
You can, though, run a virtual machine with Windows inside Linux and run those apps.. But then again you could just stick with Windows.
Now for drivers, you can probably put it to work. In case you run into problems, you will have to look for it yourself (that is, google for guides, run them, learn!).
As for webcam, I never actually used mine, but I suppose apart from amsn (kopete?) there aren't others that run webcam chats.
Faster you mean what? Do you have any software that won't run at satisfatory speed?
As of games, I myself maintain a separate Windows partition for them. Companies simply don't release games for Linux (except from a few exceptions). There are free games but you can't run Windows games here unless you use something like Cedega to 'emulate' it.
If you ever choose to make the change to Linux and use the other equivalent (or not) software: Linux is not Windows, and it is not either its objective to be
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Dual boot... NOT. Yes you will learn a thing or two but it won't really be useful. I've played with Linux many times, and each and every time i ended up switching back to Windows after a month. If you want to run a server Linux is perfect, i have a router box running FREESCO and it needs next to zero maintenance. But for desktop use it is still far from optimal.
Movies are going to work fine. VLC is available on Linux, and there's also MPlayer which blows everything else away in speed. Unfortunately MPlayer is extremely buggy and likes crashing your system very often. Funny thing, the Windows port of MPlayer doesn't crash, but under Win it's not faster than MPC or VLC.
MSN? No. If you hate alternative clients as much as i do (i use yahoo, and although yahoo's client sucks all alternatives suck even more) you won't like Linux. Fact: Linux devs implement only the functions they need. While this is perfectly fine for specialized software, it is not good for software that is supposed to be made for "the rest of us".
Winamp? Yes, under Wine, but with lackluster performance and skips all over the place. There are more than enough Winamp clones for Linux though, Audacious being even better than "the real thing".
AV? Not needed.
uTorrent runs well under Wine.
Photoshop and 3DS Max? Virtual machine only. But trust me, you don't want to run such demanding applications in a virtual machine. That unless you have at least a quad core CPU and a minimum of 8GB RAM. Being a laptop, i don't see that happening.
Drivers are a non-issue on Linux now, in that it will boot to a usable desktop and all your hardware will work. If you want any 3D apps they will suddenly become an issue.
Linux is faster than Windows? Yes, but the speed comes at the price of software compatibility. Is it safer than Windows? Depends on who is using it. I don't run a real-time AV on Windows yet i've been virus-free for over 3 years. -
RESPONSE
A. Linux's GIMP: Adobe Photoshop's Credible Counterpart
The GNU Image Manipulation Program (aka GIMP) is a free software raster graphics editor. To elaborate, GIMP is used as a tool for photo manipulations, such as resizing, editing, and cropping photos, combining multiple images, and converting between different image formats. GIMP can also be used to create basic animated images in the GIF format.
Conversely compared to Adobe Photoshop, GIMP's product vision is to become a high-end graphics application for the editing and creation of original images, icons, graphical elements of web pages and art for user interface elements. Furthermore, GIMP can also be used as a platform for the development of image-processing algorithms which is definitely an edge over Adobe. And the best thing is, IT IS FREE v.s. Adobe which still needs to be purchased.
B. Compatibility of Windows Softwares and Applications
If your concern is the compatibility of some Windows softwares and applications, there is a Linux software called "Wine" that can run your Windows programmes in Ubuntu or any Linux distro. I tried it myself and it was very helpful. I was able to play NBA LIVE, DOTA, and other Windows games and softwares. You can download wine at http://www.winehq.org/download/deb.
C. Evolution Mail: Substitute for MS Outlook
Moreover, Ubuntu/Kubuntu or any other similar Linux distros have also its version of MS Outlook called "Evolution Mail" which comes pre-installed upon running Ubuntu/Kubuntu in your notebook. You may be accustomed to using MS Outlook that you tend to be obstinate in using other similar MS Outlook counterparts in other OS, but Ubuntu's "Evolution Mail", if not totally the same, resembles 96% of MS Outlook's user-interface and other similar commands; the 4% difference is from "Evolution Mail's" added features which MS Outlook doesn't seem to have. These include the command icons which appear in a colourful and easy to remember motif (i.e. mail icon, contacts icon, calendar icon, task icon, & memo icon), and the improved windows-mac graphics compared to the simplified MS Outlook interface.
D. Basic Comparisons of Open-Office vs MS Office
As for general office usage concern, Ubuntu and other Linux distros will not pose a problem will be a plus rather than a disadvantage or usage unfamiliarity and discomfort. In fact, you will find Ubuntu's open office, as compared to Windows XP, to suit your needs more. (However, MS Office 2007 is still the best. I still use MS Office 2007 to do my presentations and papers.)
E. Cut Cost in High GPU Needs, Licensed OS, Anti-virus Softwares, and Other Requirements with Linux
Ubuntu's seemingly Vista-Mac user-interface without the burden of a required higher GPU, is really a plus factor if relatively compared to the simplified interface of XP. Most importantly, Linux is FREE (i.e. licensed, etc.)! Using Ubuntu, Kubuntu and other Linux distros will free your load in buying expensive software licenses (i.e. OS, MS Office, and other applications); and also will save you in purchasing expensive, original, and licensed anti-virus just to remedy your anxiety in securing your pc against file transfers or download as compared to Windows XP.
To add, with the minimum system and memory requirements Linux require, Linux distros definitely operates fast. Plus, plus, plus, Linux is definitely safe and free!
Another plus factor is that Linux OS doesn't get infected by virus. A computer virus is computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. Since anyone can copy files in Windows and MAC OS without the need of permission, Windows and MAC OS are prone to virus. In Linux case, only few people, those that are in Linux team, have the permission and license to touch, manipulate, or configure Linux OS (i.e. Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and other Linux distros) file systems. Due to this, all Linux OS are invulnerable to virus. Hence, using Ubuntu/Kubuntu or any Linux distros will free up your load in buying expensive anti-virus or purchasing licenses from the net just to cure your anxiety in securing your OS from virus and other online threats.
A plus advantage of Linux, Ubuntu, and OpenOffice is the low requirements it uses to run its OS compared to Windows and MAC. Ubuntu only barely requires a low system requirements, namely: # 300 MHz x86 processor
# 64 MB of system memory (RAM)
# At least 4 GB of disk space (for full installation and swap space)
# VGA graphics card capable of 640x480 resolution
# CD-ROM drive or network card.
And for the recommended minimum requirements:
# 700 MHz x86 processor
# 384 MB of system memory (RAM)
# 8 GB of disk space
# Graphics card capable of 1024x768 resolution
#Sound card
#A network or Internet connection
(All 64-bit (x86-64) PCs should be able to run Ubuntu. Use the 64-bit installation CD for a 64-bit-optimised installation.)
And the recommended specs for visual effects barely require the following:
# 1.2 GHz x86 processor
# 384 MB of system memory (RAM)
#Supported graphics card (see DesktopEffects)
Moreover, Ubuntu has many flavours depending on the budget capacity of the user, it has Xubuntu which only runs on a barely minimum requirement of
# 333 MHz processor
# 192 MB of system memory (RAM)
# At least 1.5 GB of disk space
# VGA graphics card
and a recommended for above-average visual effects:
# 800 MHz processor
# 256 MB of system memory (RAM)
# 6 GB of disk space
# Graphics card capable of 800x600 resolution
Nevertheless, Ubuntu has also the Netbook alternative (Ubuntu Netbook Remix) for netbook-afficionados with a twist of a lucrative interface. On the extreme side of the spectrum, a Ubuntu OS called LTSP thin-client computers that operates on an absolute minimum installation; thereby, catering those who're below the tight budget line but still can operate basic computer usages. The below requirements for LTSP thin-client is as follows:
Absolute minimum requirements
* Intel 486 processor
* 32 MB of system memory (RAM)
* 300 MB of disk space
Absolute minimum graphical installation
* Intel Pentium 66 MHz processor
* 48 MB of system memory (RAM)
* 468 MB of disk space
* VGA graphics card
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For the flexible user or client (i.e. from i386 processor to x86; from lower class, middle class to upper class; from non-high graphics gamer, general office use, tight budget to luxurious use), Ubuntu and other Linux distros actually have a CLEAR-CUT adaptable competitive advantage compared to MAC and Windows; thereby, also having a distinct and unique segment in the computer OS market.
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F. Gaming Concerns
Lastly, if you only indulge yourself in light gaming (considering the age of your notebook), then you won't definitely have a problem with Linux's pre-installed games and other downloadable games. But again if you still want to keep your light games that are only playable in Windows, Ubuntu's Wine software is the solution. However, if you play games like Battlefield, WoW, or any high graphics game, I wouldn't recommend Linux to be your OS since Wine cannot accomodate such Windows OS-recommended games. Team Linux is still in the process of improving Ubuntu's compatibility with Windows games, and is still finding means to improve Wine.
G. In Case Wine Fails to Run Your Desired Windows Apps...
Another concern if your happen to encounter problems and incompatibility with Wine, you can download a free but limited Crossover for your Linux distro (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.) to improve running some Windows programmes here.
However, if you feel that your free Crossover Linux is limiting you in operating the Microsoft programmes; and if you experience some technical problems with your MS Office, you can also try PlayOnLinux. It's free and licensed compared to Crossover Linux which requires you to pay for the full version to avail its complete functions, support, and features. You can check its details and download for your suitable Linux distro here.
H. Azureus (AKA Vuze): A bitTorrent Client Pre-installed yet Needs to be Activated in Linux in Command Mode
I use Vuze both in my Windows and Ubuntu 9.04. Having a partnership with mini-nova, Azureus looks and works exactly like uTorrent since it is a subsidiary client under one of Torrent's clientèle so it does not really pose a problem.
I. VLC Media Player: Available in Ubuntu and Kubuntu
VLC is pre-installed in Ubuntu and Kubuntu upon OS-installation. It just needs to be activated in the command mode. Check this link for the full and easy instructions.
J. Pidgin: Pre-installed Messenger for Ubuntu and Kubuntu
Pidgin exactly works like MSN and YM.
PROS: it comes pre-installed, ready-to-use, can access both your MSN and Ym accounts. Does file-transfers, displays pics, etc.
CON: doesn't support voice calls
However, on October there will be a new version of Pidgin that already has a voice call feature. So check that out
K. Automatic Installation of Hardware and Drivers Upon Linux OS Installation
Ease your worries of driver installation because by just installing your Linux distro, your needed hardwares and drivers are installed with it. Like my wireless adapter, right after installing Ubuntu 9.04, my Intel Wireless adapter was installed and detected. I didn't have to install its cd drivers. I was able to access the net, NBR, etc. with ease.
(By the way, the flash player and youtube application still need to be activated in the command mode [hotkey: ctrl + alt + x])
L. Nero/ISO/CD/DVD Burning Software Counterparts in Linux
There "burning softwares" that already come pre-installed right after installing Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and some other Linux distro. These pre-installed softwares are really great and worked well. I forgot the their names, but if want Nero on your Linux, Nero has just released a Beta of version 3 for GNU/Linux here in this link.
M. Conclusion
In synthesis, try the Ubuntu/Kubuntu live cd without changing your Windows OS first and feel the ambiance and user-friendliness of Linux then deliberate your decision
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Hope this helped (^_^)
I just have some general questions
Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by G0gge, Aug 29, 2009.
