Linux?

[Serenity]

I am getting VERY fed up with Windows Vista and the millions of processes it INSISTS on running in the background. A friend of mine has been trying to sell me on Linux for some time, but as he really doesn't know much about computers, I thought I would go to some folks with genuine knowledge. So, for those of you with the knowledge, what are my options so far as Linux? I don't see many programs, such as iTunes with options to download for Linux, so should I assume I just cannot run them at all on Linux? And is there a way to keep my copy of Vista 64 (Which didn't come with a disc) so I could switch back if I ever wanted to, but run Linux?

[Denholm]

Well, Ubuntu is the free version of Linux. I'm currently using it to type this message. As far as functionality goes in the Plug n, Play field, Ubuntu seems to fare well. A girl at my college needed to charge her iPhone, she plugged it in my available USB port and immediately Ubuntu connects to it. Just for the fun of it I looked at some of her pictures to see if it would allow me to access them. Sure enough, unprecedented access to the files on that iPhone.

If you don't want to remove Windows, you can always repartition your current drive to make room for another Operating System. That's precisely what I did and now I have a choice between Windows Vista, XP, and Ubuntu. You can also use Windows with Ubuntu by installing it into a virtual machine using programs such as Sun VirtualBox. Then when you start Ubuntu you simply launch the virtual machine allowing you to run Linux and Windows on the same computer at the same time. Ubuntu also comes with Pidgin, and Internet messenger which can connect to most popular instant messaging services using your registered account credentials.

Ubuntu will give you some decent functionality when it comes to Linux. However, it still comes at a cost. As you already stated, not all your desired applications will run with Linux. So you will either have to try the virtual machine method or just suck it up and drive on.

[Serenity]

Well, Ubuntu is the free version of Linux. I'm currently using it to type this message. As far as functionality goes in the Plug n, Play field, Ubuntu seems to fare well. A girl at my college needed to charge her iPhone, she plugged it in my available USB port and immediately Ubuntu connects to it. Just for the fun of it I looked at some of her pictures to see if it would allow me to access them. Sure enough, unprecedented access to the files on that iPhone.

If you don't want to remove Windows, you can always repartition your current drive to make room for another Operating System. That's precisely what I did and now I have a choice between Windows Vista, XP, and Ubuntu. You can also use Windows with Ubuntu by installing it into a virtual machine using programs such as Sun VirtualBox. Then when you start Ubuntu you simply launch the virtual machine allowing you to run Linux and Windows on the same computer at the same time. Ubuntu also comes with Pidgin, and Internet messenger which can connect to most popular instant messaging services using your registered account credentials.

Ubuntu will give you some decent functionality when it comes to Linux. However, it still comes at a cost. As you already stated, not all your desired applications will run with Linux. So you will either have to try the virtual machine method or just suck it up and drive on.

ou mentioned the partitioned hard drive option. Does that let me switch over to vista when I need it for a program? And will it run vista in the background? Or can I run ONLY Linux to avoid the vista headaches?

[Denholm]

If you repartition the drive, then install Linux onto the free partition, you will decide during system startup if you want to boot Linux or Windows. Therefore you can only run one of the two installations. However, if you install an operating system (such as Windows) into a virtual machine that you created on let's say Linux. Then once Linux loads you can boot that virtual machine and you will be running both Linux and that second OS at the same time.

Just to clarify, existing operating systems on your computer can not be booted with the virtual machine. You have to create the virtual machine, then install an Operating System into that machine.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Try linux mint instead. It has a wider array of closed source options by default. Meaning you get 3D acceleration etc. by a single click where in Ubuntu you have to download and install drivers..

[Denholm]

Ooooh. That looks nice. This calls for a revival of my thread on Linux (to prevent a hijack).

[Serenity]

Actually, if you dont mind posting info on that option here, I would greatly appreciate that.

I've just gone through a google search on partitioned hard drives and dual boot systems, and I have been trying to experiment on this desktop before I risk it on my brand new laptop. The problem is, I cannot seem to partition this hard-drive. When I try, it says it has 0 space free to partition. Any ideas?

[Denholm]

You're looking for the wrong items. Look for Easus Partition Manager. It will help you resize your partitions (which is what you want to do). You will basically have to, "clip" one of your active partitions thus reducing its total space. In the process a new partition is formed claiming that space.

[Serenity]

You're looking for the wrong items. Look for Easus Partition Manager. It will help you resize your partitions (which is what you want to do). You will basically have to, "clip" one of your active partitions thus reducing its total space. In the process a new partition is formed claiming that space.

Easus is better than using Vista's built-in manager?

[Denholm]

Heck YEAH!

Let me put it this way. I used Easus to repartition my drive. All that was on this drive was Vista (no space remaining for a new partition). Now I have three extra partitions holding Win XP, Ubuntu, and a Swap partition.

[Tigger29]

Window's built-in partitioning programs will not allow you to 'resize' the active windows partition, which is why you're not making progress.  This isn't to say that it isn't possible, just not with what windows has to offer.

This is where third party software, such as Easus comes in.

Keep in mind, when Microsoft claims something isn't 'possible' it simply means that it's not possible using Microsoft products.  That doesn't mean that it isn't possible using someone else' software...

[Ghosth]

There are also linux distro's out there with built in partition managers.
Last one I used was I believe Mepis, and it worked very well.

I always make at least one small spare partition, leave it fat32 for any linux or alternate OS I might choose to experiment with.

Currently just downloading MenuetOS, and ReactOS. Will be experimenting with both this month.

Have to admit Mint also looks interesting.

[gyrene81]

Well, Ubuntu is the free version of Linux.

All Linux distros are "free". Redhat enterprise costs a small amount for a license if you want corporate support.

Take your pick what flavor you want to try, there are more than 50. Ubuntu, Fedora, Slackware, Mint, Cent are some of the more popular versions. Ubuntu and Mint are probably the most user friendly.

Using a dual boot method can be a pain in the butt especially when it comes which boot loader to use (they don't all play nice with the Windows Vista64 boot loader)...vmware (virtual machine) has it's advantages but you have to have some patience when trying to get the setup correct. If you have an older computer laying around that would be a better place to start until you get the hang of things...otherwise you could find yourself doing a full reinstall of everything on your main system.

For every "windows utility" application there are 10 Linux applications that do the same thing to one degree or another...a lot of it depends on what functionality you want and what Linux distro your using.

Again, separate system for now unless you are very well versed on how to get your setup correct.

[Denholm]

All Linux distros are "free". Redhat enterprise costs a small amount for a license if you want corporate support.

That's something I didn't know (guess it showed). Thanks for the news flash.

As for mint, I find it to be alright. The only real disappointing factor I have found so far is that when I close some of my applications which run in the background, they quit. On Ubuntu they would actually move to the background and could be accessed from a separate menu. Either I haven't found that option yet, or Mint doesn't support it. Another potential downer, on my system Mint consumes more resources than Ubuntu. Since I'm new to Linux I'm not very handy with disabling services and startup tasks. So trimming it down consists of the bluetooth applet.

[mrmidi]

There are also "Live Linux Distro's". Which are bootable cd's or dvd's that you can
place in your cd/dvd drive and boot your system to that linux flavor, and try it out
with out actually installing it.
Just find one, download the ISO and burn it to disk.

Slax has a live version thats pretty user friendly.
The live distro's will help you get your feet wet with linux
without making any changes to your system what so ever.

Once you are thru experimenting simply shutdown linux, remove the disk and
restart your system and your back to your windowz or which ever OS you have.

 
midi