Rough changeover?

[Mephisto_Helix]

Ja .... so methinks I am getting brainwashed here because I want to check out this Linux thing all of a sudden As a first timer, how rough is the transition from windows? Is it a steep learning curve? Has Linux really caught up to windows enough for me to have most of the same type of apps and be able to play at least some games?

As usual any info is muchos appreciatos

 

[Kasyx]

Basically, if you are able to solve your own problems in Windows by asking Google and following the results, switching to Linux will be pretty easy (provided it isn't Gentoo ). People who are incapable of figuring out basic solutions to simple problems are gonna have difficulty adjusting. Not to say Linux has a lot of problems, however if you are able to do your own "research" into something you don't understand, Linux will be a whole lot easier to get the hang of.

Two things to remember:

1. If you come up against a problem, ask Google; chances are someone else as had the same problem and has solved it.

2. Linux works exactly as it should, all the time (unlike Windows). If something that is supposed to work doesn't; Linux isn't the likely cause. (hint: you are)

 

[FrancTheTank]

Its not too bad for first timers, many new apps available and desktops and menu structures can make a windows user feels right at home. Dual boot is prob the best option, if serious work (or play) needs to be done, boot to windows.

It would be a bad idea to not have a windows machine or at least a bootable partition to go to, if you're a new comer to linux.

 

[Deenem]

I thought the new install option on latest Ubunut was rather nice, I think it's called Wubi.

Basically, you run an install program from Windows, reboot your PC, then at the windows boot menu you choose to boot into Ubuntu. Iit does a bit more installing, then you're in Ubuntu. Easy enough to test it out for a bit.

To get back to Windows, just reboot and select Windows from the boot menu. No worrying about disk partitioning anymore.

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

Thanks for the info so far ..... it is part of my formulation process

 

[Devill]

There is a thread about using games running in linux somewhere in here

 

[|tera|]

I thought the new install option on latest Ubunut was rather nice, I think it's called Wubi.

Basically, you run an install program from Windows, reboot your PC, then at the windows boot menu you choose to boot into Ubuntu. Iit does a bit more installing, then you're in Ubuntu. Easy enough to test it out for a bit.

To get back to Windows, just reboot and select Windows from the boot menu. No worrying about disk partitioning anymore.

Can I mount the Linux disc from Windows and install Wubi, or do I have to burn it? I'm downloading Ubuntu now

 

[HavocXphere]

I'd recommend having a look at the VMWare route...assuming you have a fairly powerful PC. Ideal for checking out the different linux versions without breaking something.

*nix is pretty useless for gaming imo. On all other fronts its making some *serious* progress.

I recently switched a laptop to Xubuntu for note taking/summary writing for uni. Once I got OpenOffice installed it worked great. OpenOffice is ahead of MS in some areas (notably PDF and formula handling)

 

[|tera|]

I mounted the disc after downloading and it's installing it "on Windows" now, it's just taking a bit long...