I need an honest opinion (Ubuntu vs WinXP)

I need an honest opinion, hopefully not to biased and knowledgeable. Is Ubuntu or Linux, as good as Win XP? Go ahead, you can be sincere. Sure it is free and likely more stable. But is it as friendly? or as compatible? Will all my software work on it? Will it take me too long to adapt? I'd like to know all the downsides before switching.
Thanks.

 

if you aren't used to linux, you will probably have an easier time on windows. especially when you consider software and compatibility. drivers and such.

i mean, if you are willing to learn it, it will work just fine.

 

As good, as stable, not as friendly, or compatible.

You have to go into it with the assumption that none of your programs will work, basically.

If you're new to Ubuntu, download it through wubi. It's a program that allows you to install a fully-functional Ubuntu that can double-boot with XP or Vista, without needing to repartition your hard drive.

 

It really depends on what you are looking to do.

For a lot of things Ubuntu works flawlessly (if your hardware is supported) but it can be a real pain if it doesn't. Wubi sounds like a good idea (I've not seen it myself, but wish I had before I installed Ubuntu just because it sounds a bit easier)

 

I would not advise to completely switch. I would advise to learn about Dual-Booting ,so you can have the option of booting up either one on your PC.

But I would advise you to stick with XP for now(if your not dual booting), and maybe play around with Ubuntu Live CD and read more up on it.

XP= Play now config as you move along
Ubuntu=config now and then play without much worries.

 

Since all your software probably won't work...dual boot like LIVEFRMNYC said. I use linux for play time and XP for everything else.

 

I also agree with LIVEFRMNYC, and tennismaster. In my own case, I just wanted to see what Linux was like. At first, I only used it when online - no need for AV, antispyware, etc. Have just gradually gotten used to it, getting to know the system, what things are, what they do, and where to find them.

If you do Dual boot, just take your time and enjoy the learning experience. Don't rush things and you won't become frustrated.

 

Seriously, just get Wubi. It does not get any simpler. Not even with a live CD.

http://wubi-installer.org/

 

Windows > freeware

 

I would say Ubuntu, but then again I'm biased because it's faster, more stable, easier to use, more secure, and more fun than Windows.

 

That's nice, have you tried it before?

 

Yup. Once you're past the setup screen, you leave it alone until it's downloaded Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Xubuntu, and reboot whenever you're ready. Upon reboot, *buntu sets up, and 10 minutes later, you're in the OS. From there, you can try out a fully-working system, and each time you reboot, the double boot option will be there. To uninstall it, you simply boot into XP, go to Add/remove programs, and uninstall it. Takes about 5 seconds.

 

If you're used to Windows and learned how to use computers with it, keep XP accessible. You will be able to use it much more easily. I'd still recommend installing Linux, and booting into it as often as possible, trying to do everything you need to do in it.

 

Thanks, I'm going to give it a try.

One question tho, when you uninstall does from windows does it go back to the bootloader you had before that? How does that work?

 

No problem. Yup, it removes every last trace. The OS within the virtual file created is deleted, the bootloader is reverted. The only thing left is the installation program you downloaded to begin with. That's why I like it so much - people can totally try any of the three distros without partitioning or tweaking with their bootloaders; it does everything for you!

 

Wow what an open ended question without really any details to start.

1) What do you use your computer to do.
2) What software do you need to run.

Ubuntu and Linux in general is not windows. It is not a replacement for Windows, it is simply another Operating System for your computer. It can do something better than Windows and Windows can do somethings better than Linux, so you really need to put more detail here to get some good advice.

 

Yeah DONT switch over completely if you're a linux n00b .

I use XP for play time and Linux for everything else ! ... because of zilch HW acceleration in my laptop

 

the dual OS route is the best option as pretty much everyone here has said. I had XP and openSuse on the same machine.. I wish I'd heard of wubi & ubuntu tho that sounds like it takes the headache out of setting up a dual boot. If you have both you can learn Linux without any pressure or fear of loosing anything critical if it all goes pear shaped!

From a stability point of view, a fully patched and up to date WinXP installation with a decent firewall, AV and perhaps anti spyware installed is very solid in my opinion. I didn't have a single problem with XP Pro for the last 4 years at least (Past tense as I now use Vista HP x64).

 

Thanks again, Tried it and it works great. Even imported my IE Bookmarks to FireFox. I installed it on my "Storage" Partition (I: drive). I didn't want to take any chances with my XP partiton. Also I like the fact the it just adds Ubuntu to the Windows Bootloader instead of Grub. It also mounted my NTFS Storage drive, which I think if I have installed it on my XP partition it would have mounted that instead. Good stuff.

I highy reccomend this to the OP.

 

if u need windows apps i hear wine (free) at winehq.com is great as is its simpler commercialized version of of wine, crossover linux.

 

dual boot or run a VM(my preference), Wine is really for those who have license concern(say run without a windows license). Today's machine are powerful enough to run both linux and windows at the same time. Just need to make the choice for the display as whether its windows under linux or linux under windows would have a very basic GPU emulation. Need gaming, then linux under windows. What to play with compiz, windows under linux.