Linux - Worth the effort?

[DJ-Daz]

I'm wondering if making the shift from window to linux is worth the time and effort.
Virtually everything I do in windows is doable in linux, but I dont know about several things, PS3 media server for one, HD movie playback with dual core support for another.
Is it possible to partition without deleting my current windows install and dualboot linux?
Also whats a good distro for noobs?

Then of course there's iTunes, and I really do need it to work in linux.

[theENIGMATRON]

Distro: Ubuntu 10.10

Its by far the best, most stable, bets supported Distro i have come accross to this day,
Its used on Desktops, Mini version for Netbooks, and Server versions.

I would say not to replace windows untill your an advanced user. You will get wound up quick and end up installing windows again.

you need to break yourself in slowly, learn the fundamentals and getting around.
some of the basic shell commands (like cmd) but 10000 more options and flexibility

The question to ask, is what is your current OS.

If its windows XP, you will need to format and reinstall an OS
If its Vista or WIndows 7 you have a option to shrink the disk partition, leaving free space for a OS like linux.
This does not always work, it depends how clean you keep your pc, and if that section has been used in the past,
I have used the feature 4 times and its only worked twice.

If you install from scratch you are best installing windows then Linux
With linux you can install a Grub loader.
(a nice fancy animated screen that asks you for your operating system, or times out and starts up your default OS, "that you select of course"

You can install Linux then windows. But if i recall windows picks up on the fact another OS is installed. and you get an option like you do when your asked if you want to boot into Safe mode etc.
*But it asks for your OS like WIndows XP
And when you select Linux, you then go though the same processes.

Blaaaaaa it can become a little confusing, but once your setup, your pretty much done.

My best adivse would be to pick the OS you really want.

i.e. WIndows XP and Linux "Ubuntu"

Backup EVERYTHING (As its easy to toast both partitions or OS's and for a newbie its a painfull learning processes trying to fix it)

Once you have Backed up everything, find a nice Tut on the Net about Dual Booting XP and Ubuntu (Or Vista or Windows 7 and Ubuntu)

And follow it from Start to end.

They will cover everything from Formatting 2 partitions, to what OS to install first.
To finishing everything off with a Nice Grub loader


Again if your not sure your ready to Jump in like that. use VMWare,
Its the Best Virtual Operating system i have come across.

I run Windows and Linux together, but whats amazing with VMWare, is you dont have to have the Full Desktop Screen. it has a Developed View feature for it, Where you can have Just the Terminal screen on your XP Desktop.
This is a mode i use Alot as i can run windows XP, not have a Screen open all the time to access windows features,
And i have another start button on the top of my Original XP start button for my Ubuntu Programs.

[youtube][/youtube]

This vid seems a little Buggy and noticed it was in one of the BETA stages, if far from developed now, and its almost spot on

It works better XP to linux (That is what i use in work)
Its called Unity on Vmware or coherence in parallels

I would really start there to get you used to it, And decide whats best for you, and what Apps you will use to replace your main ones.

If you have any problems, unsure, fall into any Kernal Panics, Issues let me know, am pretty nifty on the old linux now

[DJ-Daz]

Some good advice Dave thanks.
Another install question then, I have several spare USB drives, can I install Ubunto on one of them and dual boot?
Will GRUB see the USB drives?

I used to have a programme on floppy many years ago that would let you dualboot anything even if they were already installed. Is there anything like that still around?

[DJ-Daz]

Taking the plunge.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/How_t ... on_two_HDs

Case 1: You haven't installed Ubuntu yet

Do a fresh install of Ubuntu with the windows hard drive still plugged in. Ubuntu will automatically detect the other hard drive, and Grub will automatically list it as a choice at startup. You can then also see the other hard drive and access it while in Ubuntu by mounting it.

[InfiniteStates]

I would've recommended a virtual machine, but it sounds like it may be too late LOL

Goodluck mate - don't give it the BF disk treatment :wow:

[theENIGMATRON]

Yes i advise not using a USB drive or other external Media.

Compiling scripts, and Kernel Changes can be very complicated as sometimes you dont have the same path or permissions.

I used to use Ubuntu on a 32 GB Stick, as a OS, and it was perfect, but i was using it compiling and messing around custom kernal editing and drivers and caused major issues. And i used to get alot of Kernel Panics, i dont know if it was read write speed that caused the issues.

Yes Ubuntu will detect your XP Install. And when you boot back up it will ask you Linux or Windows, When you select windows it will say Disk Boot failer / WIndows File currupted.

You use the System disk repair windows again and your sorted.

I dont know the Default grub loader. Some are text interface,
but you can get very nice graphical ones out there.

A couple of thing for you where you get up and running:

BURG - This is the Graphical Grub loader you want to make it all fancy "If memory serves me right"

When your all setup and up and running:
Install your Graphic Drivers.

Once you installed them, you want something called Compiz.
this will make your Linux Experience much more fun and sexy,

To install this open Terminal and run:
sudo apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager

Enter in your password and then press Y and enter when prompted.
Wait and your done,
You can access the setting via System / Preferences And then CompizConfig Setting Manager.

Set up everything as you please, Trail and error and have some Fun its wicked, its one thing i LOVE about linux.

Anyway Some Essential information that you may struggle to find in your travels, Its the Noob Reference:

You never Login as ROOT, you never use your system as Root, (Root account is your fail safe to getting your account backup and running)
You dont need access to it, Its not like WIndows. So Never go in unless someone advises to do so in fail safe to sort out a problem.

To execute most Command you need to use "sudo" Without the quotes.
Sudo pretty much means login as Root for this command / grant administrator rights for this command.

When you execute that it will ask you for Your password, type it in and away it goes.

i.e.
apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager

Will not run, and you will get errors left right and centre even if gets that far

Run using
sudo apt-get install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager
and away you go.

Thats it to get you started. Every command you run will pretty much start with sudo.
if you run something and it fails use sudo.

Last but not least:
Installing Programs is 10000000 times easier than XP or any other windows os.
Use something called: Ubuntu Software Centre and Synaptic Package Manager

Search for what you want in them. and install. Wicked!!!!

If it fails, Dont panic!!!! Again it just permissions. better to be safe than sorry.
You will get an error message with a File name / Package name.

So if thats the case, Copy and Past the package name and go to terminal:
sudo apt-get install PACKAGENAME

Bobs your uncle, Might sound all bla bla now but trial and error you will get there and understand what i am talking about

[DJ-Daz]

i've spent the better part of 10 hours trying to install ububtu. it failed every time.
the only way to get it working is to remove the internal harddrive, I'm running scandisk on it now, and it appears tohave lots of bad sectors.
I have a spare but I'm not sure if it's IDE or Sata.

I'll se what my options are tomorrow

[theENIGMATRON]

I take it ur runnin xp on it then.

Vista n 7 do pre check on ur hd first, xp just installs on it in any state.

Ouch 10 hours

Sent From My HTC Desire Using The Mess Hall App

[Symonator]

worth the effort if your willing to learn by reading tuts and trial and error, if not, then don't bother.

[DJ-Daz]

I've only just re-installed windows this week and went for windows 7.
Then last night I got a virus, it even got through my virus scanner even after scanning the file before I opened it.

So now I'm thinking "Fuck it" get linux on and do away with Windows altogether.

But which version of Ubuntu x86 or 64bit?
Yes I have a 64bit CPU, but does linux have the same problem with 64bit that XP, Vista and W7 had?

[theENIGMATRON]

Nar it dont,
I use the 64bit on my Mac.

When you install it and finally get the drivers, don't forget compiz

[DJ-Daz]

It's up and running, and I don't have a windows install anymore.
So now I HAVE to learn to stick with it.

[theENIGMATRON]

Congrats
Really give it time and dont give up, you stick at it you will love it,
it can be frustrating to start with

Did you install your graphic drivers OK?

I know it may seem to look fine. but really you need them,
alot of stuff uses 3D acceleration, and requires your graphic drivers.

Get them install if you aint already and install Compiz follow my simple instructions lol
see what you think.

Or even so find it on youtube.

Really i would love it on Mac or Windows.

[DJ-Daz]

Compiz installed and working, emerald theme installed and working... but what does compiz do?

[theENIGMATRON]

Google or look on Youtube,

Desktop effects, Amazing,
Wobbly windows. 3D cube, Check it out on Youtube,

I think it adds so much more to linux lol, a nice little animation while working
And i find it dont slow down your machine atall