I think that I'm going to bite the bullet and give linux a try on a spare computer. Any advice as to which distribution is best for a first time user and maybe any heads up on potential pitfalls?
Thanks in advance;
RRain
Ubuntu is by far the easiest for a person new to linux.
Indeed, Ubuntu is the way to get started.
for what it is worth...
i have updated all my desktops to windows 7 and had absolutely ZERO problems. no crashes, easy install, easy upgrades, runs fast, works great with all of my stuff.
Snoop no disrespect intended but if Windows 7 is running flawlessly for you then that thing must be iron clad and bullet proof. 😛
RRain
P.S. Can't seem to access the ubuntu site
> i have updated all my desktops to windows 7 and had absolutely ZERO problems. no crashes, easy install, easy upgrades, runs fast, works great with all of my stuff.
Same here.
Ubuntu.
You can select to dual boot and make the selection of which OS you go into after the POST. However, you should be aware that there are programs you may want to use under the new OS that will not run. Some will run under Linux using WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator, get it?) but many will not, particularly those with hardware locks or serial or usb IO.
Terramodel runs very nicely - except it doesn't find the usb hardware lock and so I have access only to the basic functions. I could not get an earlier version of AutoCad LT to install.
Start with dual boot Ubuntu 10.04 LTS and your favorite Windows OS.
For a dual boot Windows must be installed first. Then use the Ubuntu live CD... if it runs OK on your hardware (it probably will) just use the included install option on your Ubuntu desktop. Choose the automatic side by side install to start.
The install package comes with the partitioning tools if you want to try it out...
I recommend:
swap = 3 gigs
root (/) = 10 gigs
home = 30+ gigs
in Ubuntu you will be able to see and access the Windows partition.
in Windows you will Not be able to see or access any Ubuntu partitions, they will appear as unused space.
files you create in Ubuntu can be saved in a Windows format and saved to the Windows partition.
I find my #1 issue is the typical boot time for Windows (and updates). It feels like an eternity to start when I do need it.
It will be worth your effort to give it a shot. Enjoy!
Well I managed to completely destroy my windows install when I re-partitioned my hard drive. I didn't go with ubuntu because their site was down. I went with PClinuxOS Gnome ZenLite. I'm not worried about trashing the windows install it was getting pretty wonky any way, and I backed off all of my data files (pictures, music and genealogy stuff), and have now replaced them on the PClinuxOS system. I went ahead and used the whole hard drive for the linux install since this is not my Cad machine. Many of the tools that I was already using under windows are available such as picassa for pictures and Chromium for browsing. Oh well thanks for all of the advise, I'm off to explore the parallel universe of linux.
RRain
Randy:
Sorry for your funky experience...
If I were you I would format, reinstall Windows and then install Linux as a dual boot system... the use of both will get you the best of both worlds.
BTW: Ubuntu 10.10 RC is really super, and the install is quite simple to do as a dual boot.
(Ubuntu 10.10 RC is a "release candidate" [past beta testing] but is available now, officially to be released on Oct. 10)
> > i have updated all my desktops to windows 7 and had absolutely ZERO problems. no crashes, easy install, easy upgrades, runs fast, works great with all of my stuff.
>
> Same here.
Me, also. Windows 7 is okay.
me also, I was a firm proponent of W7.... but Ubuntu is way faster, faster updates, etc.
and it is totally free! I see no need to use Windows any more (the one exception being Acad)
The wave if the future IMHO
