Ubuntu

Discussion in 'Software' started by Juberto, Dec 4, 2010.

  1. Juberto

    Juberto Private E-2

    Hello.
    I was thinking about replacing XP with Ubuntu on my personal computer, I did it years ago but it didn't have support for anything, msn for instance wouldn't install because they were all for Windows.

    Is it more supported now or? I would like to be able to have Itunes and other stuff like that on it.
     
    Juberto, Dec 4, 2010
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    Sadly apps like MSN and iTunes are not supported still on Linux as they are Windows based apps. Ubuntu is a great version and supports more hardware than it used to out of box.

    Ypu can use WINE in Linux to then allow you to install Windows based apps.

    Banshee supports iPods (or did last time I tried it) and looks a bit like iTunes, but you cannot use the iTunes store from Apple with this app, you need iTunes. Floola is another.

    Kmess is a Linux varient to allow you to use your Live Messenger contacts.,

    But sadly you are never going to get the exact same apps you want from Windows based PC to Linux, there are some crossover apps but not many.


    Could run Ubuntu in a Virtual PC, Sun Virtual Box or Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 and have the best of both worlds. (I run Kubuntu and Linux Mint in Virtual PC2007 so that I can keep up with the Linux world)


    Edit: I see DLS got to some of it before me... :)
     
    DavidGP, Dec 4, 2010
    #2
  3. Juberto

    Juberto Private E-2

    Do you reckon it's worth running instead of XP then? I mean the graphics for instance are clearly better.
    Another thing is do I need to run a anti virus in Ubuntu because I imagine even most viruses struggle to infect Linux?
     
    Juberto, Dec 4, 2010
    #3
  4. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi Juberto

    I like Ubuntu and more so Kubuntu (just like the GUI) but thats a personal preference type thing, over substance, yes its well worth running over XP, but one question to ask yourself first before jumping to Linux are the below.

    What do you need your PC for? is it Office type tasks (MS Office etc), Internet, Email, Graphics type tasks eg. Photoshop, Gaming?

    Some items above have Linux varients, as you have Open Office (built in) for Linux which is a free version of an office suite like MS Office is for Windows, Email client and a Browser come with Ubuntu, Thunderbird which is the email client is great.


    Just noticed the latest version of ubuntu has Empathy, which is its IM app and compatible with MSN Live etc

    as for Antivirus, while Linux is very secure in that respect, its not 100% safe, so a Linux AV is well worht it IMHO and Avast have a free linux version HERE

    Graphics apps you can use The GIMP for Lniux which is a great Photoshop clone.

    As for gaming, thats different as you could try WINE but may not be compatible with all games.
     
    DavidGP, Dec 4, 2010
    #4
  5. augiedoggie

    augiedoggie The Canadian Loon - LocoAugie (R.I.P. 2012)

    augiedoggie, Dec 4, 2010
    #5
  6. Juberto

    Juberto Private E-2

    Ah thanks guys, that's brilliant advice. I work in a computer shop but this is just for my personal computer at home... I only really use it for facebook etc
    I will try them links though, it's actually installing now why I'm on the disk... it's taking a long time to go on though :(
     
    Juberto, Dec 4, 2010
    #6
  7. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi Juberto

    Well if just for internet usage then Linux is perfect, the Avast AV will work fine, I have it working in Kubuntu ok, Open Office covers you for any Word Processing etc, and Thunderbird is a great email client, then also try the other apps suggested for and iTunes and MSN clone.

    Do let us know how you get on?
     
    DavidGP, Dec 4, 2010
    #7
  8. hawklord

    hawklord Master Sergeant

    hawklord, Dec 4, 2010
    #8
  9. BoredOutOfMyMind

    BoredOutOfMyMind Picabo, ICU

    Since you work where there is older equipment, here is an idea for your consideration- I have a 12.5 MB IDE drive that i test a new install on. Ubuntu is hot swapable so after you have tried it and it that works, you could easily installon your drive, or take the old drive out of your machine to go back to what you are familiar with.
     
    BoredOutOfMyMind, Dec 4, 2010
    #9
  10. hawklord

    hawklord Master Sergeant

    ???????? surely you mean 12.5 GB
     
    hawklord, Dec 4, 2010
    #10
  11. BoredOutOfMyMind

    BoredOutOfMyMind Picabo, ICU

    "Don't call me Shirley..."

    Yes, I have 4 drives here that are out of old boxes...
     
    BoredOutOfMyMind, Dec 5, 2010
    #11
  12. Juberto

    Juberto Private E-2

    Hey guys, yeah I am up and running now with Ubuntu... so far it's okay I guess. The graphics are better but I am just getting to grips with all the plug ins etc etc.

    I'm using Google Chrome with it at the minute, I don't know if I like this browser... I can't make my mind up.
     
    Juberto, Dec 5, 2010
    #12
  13. BoredOutOfMyMind

    BoredOutOfMyMind Picabo, ICU

    I have mixed emotions on Chrome and since I know how to use Firefox Sync across platforms, I keep FF as my browser of choice.

    What plugins are you needing help with?
     
    BoredOutOfMyMind, Dec 5, 2010
    #13

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