Considering Switching from Windows XP

Steve · 10-17-2006, 03:32 PM

I'm considering switching from Windows XP on my personal laptop to a distribution of Linux, which I haven't decided on yet. Before I make any moves on anything, I'd like to know if anyone has any recommendations at all, and whether things like mp3 players and digital cameras will work with it.

I'm very new to all of this, but I'd like to try something different. From what I heard, Windows XP can be very slow, and I'd like something simpler and faster. I would really like to have a nice graphical user interface, if possible. Like I said, (and you may be laughing) I'm very new to something like this.

I got a free CD of Ubuntu Linux, I'm not sure if that will get the job done at all. On my computer, I only really use Firefox, Thunderbird, iTunes, AIM (or GAIM), Winamp, FileZilla, Word, Notepad, and LimeWire.

Any suggestions will greatly be of value to me!

Thanks,
Steve

Brian · 10-17-2006, 04:45 PM

Ubuntu is an excellent choice.. there are plenty of mp3 players out there for linux, so you will have no problems at all.

Itunes however will not run under windows.. so any files you have from itunes you want to be able to play under linux, you will have to burn then rip them from the cd.

Steve · 10-17-2006, 05:17 PM

Brian and Bill,

Thank you both of your pieces of advice! It's helping me with my decision, as did the PM I received from another member (thanks!).

I personally don't like iTunes or the way it messes up my iPod by randomly deleting songs even when syncing is off, but that's another story for another day. And I'm sure I can find a suitable alternative to Winamp.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/the-break-room/248281-considering-switching-from-windows-xp.html

The only thing really holding me back is the graphics programs. I'm used to my trusty old Paint Shop Pro 7, and I've used it for years. I'm not sure if I could pick up The Gimp's learning curve.

I actually use OpenOffice now for Windows, so that's a good thing. The folks there really did an astounding job with that great open source software!

Thanks for the link, Bill; thanks for the reply and instant message, Brian.

Steve

labrocca · 10-17-2006, 06:09 PM

Ubuntu is nice but I am more of a FreeBSD proponent. FreeBSD also has support for linux binaries.

Steve · 10-19-2006, 01:33 PM

Thanks again for your input.

I'm very close to my decision to switch to Ubuntu unless there is a significant reason not to. I'd like to do it after today's NamePros Live Auction, actually (and, of course, after backing up my data).

We shall see what happens!

Steve · 10-19-2006, 03:59 PM

Well, I tried using the Live CD of Ubuntu 5.10 that I have, and my wireless internet will not work! If that is going to be the case then there is no way I can switch.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

10-17-2006, 03:32 PM	THREAD STARTER #1 (permalink)
Steve Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,187	Considering Switching from Windows XP I'm considering switching from Windows XP on my personal laptop to a distribution of Linux, which I haven't decided on yet. Before I make any moves on anything, I'd like to know if anyone has any recommendations at all, and whether things like mp3 players and digital cameras will work with it. I'm very new to all of this, but I'd like to try something different. From what I heard, Windows XP can be very slow, and I'd like something simpler and faster. I would really like to have a nice graphical user interface, if possible. Like I said, (and you may be laughing) I'm very new to something like this. I got a free CD of Ubuntu Linux, I'm not sure if that will get the job done at all. On my computer, I only really use Firefox, Thunderbird, iTunes, AIM (or GAIM), Winamp, FileZilla, Word, Notepad, and LimeWire. Any suggestions will greatly be of value to me! Thanks, Steve __________________ Steve NamePros Staff Emeritus

10-17-2006, 04:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Brian Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Charlottesville Virginia Posts: 2,317 Follow @laughtodeath	Ubuntu is an excellent choice.. there are plenty of mp3 players out there for linux, so you will have no problems at all. Itunes however will not run under windows.. so any files you have from itunes you want to be able to play under linux, you will have to burn then rip them from the cd. __________________ Free Games Funny Jokes and Pictures

10-17-2006, 05:17 PM	THREAD STARTER #3 (permalink)
Steve Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,187	Brian and Bill, Thank you both of your pieces of advice! It's helping me with my decision, as did the PM I received from another member (thanks!). I personally don't like iTunes or the way it messes up my iPod by randomly deleting songs even when syncing is off, but that's another story for another day. And I'm sure I can find a suitable alternative to Winamp. ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/the-break-room/248281-considering-switching-from-windows-xp.html The only thing really holding me back is the graphics programs. I'm used to my trusty old Paint Shop Pro 7, and I've used it for years. I'm not sure if I could pick up The Gimp's learning curve. I actually use OpenOffice now for Windows, so that's a good thing. The folks there really did an astounding job with that great open source software! Thanks for the link, Bill; thanks for the reply and instant message, Brian. Steve __________________ Steve NamePros Staff Emeritus

10-17-2006, 06:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
labrocca NamePros Expert Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 6,268 Follow @supportforums	Ubuntu is nice but I am more of a FreeBSD proponent. FreeBSD also has support for linux binaries. __________________ :$: Support Forum <-- My latest endeavor.:loveyou: Debate Forums Free Online Sudoku My vBum Blog

10-19-2006, 01:33 PM	THREAD STARTER #5 (permalink)
Steve Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,187	Thanks again for your input. I'm very close to my decision to switch to Ubuntu unless there is a significant reason not to. I'd like to do it after today's NamePros Live Auction, actually (and, of course, after backing up my data). We shall see what happens! __________________ Steve NamePros Staff Emeritus

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10-19-2006, 03:59 PM	THREAD STARTER #6 (permalink)
Steve Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,187	Well, I tried using the Live CD of Ubuntu 5.10 that I have, and my wireless internet will not work! If that is going to be the case then there is no way I can switch. Does anyone have any suggestions? __________________ Steve NamePros Staff Emeritus

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