How to/Should I install ubuntu as my main OS?

Question

Ok, I am building a desktop. I have XP on a different computer and still like it (I use it the most), and I also have a temporary Macbook for the next 8 months or so... I was wondering whether to use ubuntu as my only OS on the computer I am building. I've seen ubuntu in action and i did like it. But a lot of the programs I use are not compatible with linux, such as itunes. Should I use a mainstream OS like Mac or Windows and dual boot? Or should I only use ubuntu?
Now, If I were to install ubuntu only, is the installation process easy? Is there any audio/video driver installs necessary?

Answer 1

A lot of the programs used in Windows have a linux alternative that is just as good. Or, if you're really attached to them, you can run them in WINE, a virtual windows environment. The installation process for ubuntu is easy and it's usable out of the box, so there's no need to have a dual boot system set up. It will detect your hardware and install drivers for it where possible, as with windows. For certain hardware (like if you have an nvidia gpu) you can even get original drivers from the manufacturer website or in synaptic package manager.



I say go ahead and install ubuntu on your new machine. You already have a windows machine and a (temporary) mac so let linux show you what it can do.

Answer 2

Last question first: most of the current Linux distributions are easy to install (Ubuntu isn't the only one). There's a great site that describes all Linux distros:



http://www.distrowatch.com



This points to all their home pages. For nearly all of the current systems, you can download the install ISO file, burn the image to a CD or DVD and test the version out bu running it from the CD directly. This gives you a chance to see what they look like and how they are at detecting your hardware. You also don't have to install anything that way, but if you like a certain distro, you can install with a few clicks.



By the way, if the hard disk on the new PC is large enough, you can install multiple distros and boot between them to see which one you like. This is done with GRUB, the boot loader used by all versions of Linux.



The compatibility issue is the big hurdle for a lot of people. No, you cannot run Mac and Windows software on Linux directly (although you can run something like WINE or a virtual machine and run that software that way).



As someone who uses only Linux, I can always find an application to perform any function I have. The Ubuntu distros and many of the others have free network access to giant repositories of applications that you can access with a few clicks.



The major difference is the fact that Linux systems are fully functioning systems that are completely free, not only in cost, but it what you can do with any of the software or the system itself. By using only something like iTunes, you're locked into Apples proprietary software, and into two operating systems (Windows and Mac) that give you very little freedom to do what you like.



Here's something you might consider. Why not store all your music on your Linux box, and network it with your other systems? This way, you can use iTunes on them and one of the great Linux music apps on that box.



Come to the "dark" side.

Answer 3

I'm using Ubuntu 9.10 (the latest) and it's just a matter of booting from the CD - and following the instructions. Even if not everything works, the Ubuntu repositiory will probably have a suitiable driver for you system if you have problems. Also, before building your system, check for Linux Debian drivers for the parts you're using - especially the mobo. Basically, Ubuntu has all the generic drivers for 99% of the hardware available.

Answer 4

If most of your software is not compatible with Linux and you require that software, then you should install whatever OS supports it. There are Linux equivalents for most common software, though it depends on your particular needs.



Ubuntu is easy to install - much easier than Windows, as long as your hardware is supported. Check the hardware compatibility list for details.

Answer 5

except you recognize something approximately command strains, coding and chnaging default partitions etc. Their isn't an quite solid probability which you are going to have the capacity to get right of entry to ubuntu. in case you furnish some counsel approximately your hardware and variations of the two OS's that could help lots. GameSquared

Answer 6

I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 7 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 9.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 7 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38



Linux Mint 7 User Guide

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15884753/Linux-Mint-7-Gloria-User-Guide



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 7 (Gloria)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-7-gloria



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 7 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation



Linux Mint 7 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive



INSTALL LINUX WITHIN WINDOWS



Linux Mint has a feature called mint4win based on the Wubi installer (Ubuntu) http://wubi-installer.org/ which enables you to install Linux Mint within windows (Windows 7 run mint4win in vista compatability mode)



You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



mint4win like Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the LiveCD you have just created and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where mint4win comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Linux Mint is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint



Installing a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



CURRENT SESSION



Linux Mint 6 ext3 with switchable Compiz 0.7.8 and Beryl 0.2.1*

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31

http://www.scribd.com/doc/21224431/Linux-Mint-6-Felicia-Official-Users-Guide

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiz

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_%28window_manager%29

*Beryl 0.2.1 sourced from Ubuntu 7.04 repositories





LUg.