Linux Ubuntu over Windows?

Question

I used windows XP for quite some time. Now want to give Ubuntu Linux a try. Am I taking the right decision? I am not not very technically sound and I use my lappy for surfing, movie viewing, sometimes gaming and MS office work.

Please give me good answers with reference to the limitations that I'm likely to face with Linux Ubuntu. Also, how to download Linux? Do I need to plug in with internet first and then copy the files to USB drive and then run it? Help anyone...

Answer 1

Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a proprietary platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming. For example I retain a dedicated Windows partition to run specific applications such as Office 2010 etc.



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 LTS which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 LTS its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 9 LTS Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



How to dual boot Windows XP and Linux (XP installed first)

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



Linux Mint 9 LTS User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 LTS then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 9 LTS can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive



Once installed I recommend updating to Firefox 5 as Firefox 3.6 comes as default with Linux Mint 9 LTS



How To install Firefox 5 on Linux Mint 9 LTS using the Firefox Stable PPA

http://www.webupd8.org/2011/06/firefox-5-lands-in-firefox-stable-ppa.html





LUg.

Answer 2

You're absolutely making a right decision. You should keep your xp install as it will always have some use, but so long as you have enough disc space you can have both os'.

One great feature of linux is compatibility; it has no trouble reading and writing to windows file systems, and networking with windows machines is easy. It can play all your media files with ease, and often offers ways of doing things that in a windows environment would involve forking out dollars. In other words one of linux's strengths is the huge amount of free software available.

If you are annoyed by windows' condescending tone, and having to click through a bazillion nested dialogue boxes to configure anything, then you will find ubuntu a pleasure.

Also pleasing is not being routinely taken down by viruses/malware, and I like the scrolling for the touchpad that isn't there in xp (if you're using a laptop).

Limitations are a lack of windows-style gaming, and no videochat in your messenger client. Google videochat works just as well though, if not better. Skype is dodgy, but since it is soon to swallowed up by ms it probably doesn't matter anyway. I can't see ms putting money into making a decent linux client.

Download the install iso and put it onto a cd or usb stick and away you go.

May the force be with you...

Answer 3

... making the right decision?



It depends on your viewpoint. If you're wanting to upgrade from Windows XP but your computer is not quite up to grade for Windows 7 then you're making an excellent decision to try out Ubuntu as a possible replacement.



limitations



Some hardware is not supported in Ubuntu, but these issues are becoming less frequent. Chances are your hardware will work within Ubuntu, but if you are unsure it's best to try Ubuntu alongside Windows before you attempt to completely replace Windows with it. You also will not be able to run the latest games and while you can run MS Office in Ubuntu using WINE it is very hard for a newbie to attempt to do. That being said there are tons of Linux games and LibreOffice, which comes with Ubuntu, is capable of working with doc and docx files from MS Office. Everything you need to web surf and view movies will be included in the installation as well.



... how to download



In your case I would recommend trying out Ubuntu first by installing Wubi, which is a Ubuntu installer that runs from Windows. This is the easiest way to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows, and if you don't like Ubuntu you can remove it via Windows Add/Remove Programs without a hitch. Wubi can be found here: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/windows-installer



That being said, there's two more ways you can install Ubuntu. You can use a Live CD or USB thumb drive to install it. The files for either kind of installation can be found on the Ubuntu website.

Answer 4

Ubuntu is no doubt free.But has certain limitations like certain hardware don't have support for Linux Ubuntu.Also there aren't plenty of supported applications on the Linux Ubuntu platform.If you want to test Ubuntu for sometime,then try Ubuntu Live i.e. it will not be installed on your system.Just insert the disc and you can enjoy all the features of the operating system.It is simple,fast and hassle free.To get the latest version of Ubuntu,here is the direct link:



http://releases.ubuntu.com/11.04/ubuntu-11.04-desktop-i386.iso



685 MB



Download the image and burn it to a disc using Nero if you have else try this free software ImgBurn(www.imgburn.com) and restart your computer and insert the disc and boot it will automatically boot from the disc.If you want to install/try Ubuntu from a USB drive,then check this:http://www.linuxliveusb.com/

Answer 5

One question for you - if you don't like Ubuntu, can you reload Windows XP? In other words, do you have the XP CD-ROM? If you don't, and you end up deciding to go back to it, you may be in trouble. If you have the CD, then if you feel you need to explore other operating systems, this is the best one to try. It will work with MS Office and is absolutely free with good support. You need to have a big hard drive to be able to have both OS present, and plenty of memory. Check it out here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Answer 6

my suggestion is to use VMWARE software for it that will never harm ur windows and u can build so many os inside it its virtual creation only and u can log in into windows andthen u an swith on this ubuntu os inside it and u can work both simultaneously



if u not interested in it then u can install aside with windows create one extended partition in ur hard disk and then use ubuntu os cd and install it



u can have ms office there too with free version there its called as open office



and u can connect to internet and use to browse



and also u can be free from virus



but ubutu has no root access like redhat u hav to switch to root whenever required to perform actions

Answer 7

hey you are doing right decision...you know now a days all version of linux comes with all graphical utility. Ubuntu has nice Graphical user interface & all the general application are already installed with it...& one more advantage is no headache of virus..!! so download Ubuntu & rock....

Answer 8

have trouble forwarding email to many addresses..the information is there but no addresses