Linux Migration

[Seat Sniffer]

I'm seriously considering switching my PC over to Linux only. I really only use my PC for web browsing, Email, and MS Office Applications, and maybe some media editing here and there too. Does anyone have experience leaving MS OSs for good and still retaining full functionality through a Linux platform?

[katonk]

Have you been dual booting?

[Seat Sniffer]

Originally Posted by katonk

Have you been dual booting?

I was a WHILE back, but I'm xp only now. It's been some time so I'm not sure how much further the luniux OSs have come. I've used "Open Office" before with success, so that should fix my office suite compatibility issue, other than that, I have no clue about whats out there.

[kanga]

You can always virtualize windoze through Vmware if you have software that requires it.

I run a dual-boot Ubuntu/XP on one of my boxes, and Vista on another and rarely run into problems. The only software that I haven't found for Ubuntu is an equivalent to sporttracks or garmin training center.

Open office works pretty well for basic stuff, so if your needs are not too extensive it should be easy.

Also check out google docs... the apps on there are coming along nicely, and don't care what OS you run.

[katonk]

I'd try dual-booting first. It takes the edge off the learning curve. The bummer is that you may have to reinstall Windows or use a 2nd hard drive to do it right.

[Seat Sniffer]

Originally Posted by katonk

I'd try dual-booting first. It takes the edge off the learning curve. The bummer is that you may have to reinstall Windows or use a 2nd hard drive to do it right.

i do have other physical drives that i can install on. any reccomendations on a specific Linux OS? I guess functionality would be the #1 priority. I normally look at Redhat before anything else...

[el_d00der1n0]

Give a live CD a shot. Ubuntu is prolly a good starting place.

Several times I've completely made the switch with a hitch coming up now and then. The latest was the new HP laptop (almost 3 years ago). I couldn't get wireless going and got frustrated. Last year, I put openSUSE on there, fought more with the wireless, put Fedora 8 on there, and fought with the wireless, but it's solid now.

Making a non-laptop PC a Linux box is a no-brainer though. There's so much hardware support. The only thing you will likely face is getting a good 3D driver and codecs. I could spend a couple of hours talking about the issues involved with those two, but I will let you google it...

these guys sell a codec package: http://www.fluendo.com/

[katonk]

Personally, I can't go 100% Linux because of some VPN clients and crappy .NET frontends I have to use for work. VMWare works OK, but the speed can be frustrating and there are some situations where their network drivers break VPNs.

The other reason to keep Windows around is for Word. It's pretty tough to shop for a new job if your resume isn't in pure Word format. HR people and recruiters seem to break things made/modified in Open Office. I don't know why; they just do.

[Seat Sniffer]

Originally Posted by kanga

You can always virtualize windoze through Vmware if you have software that requires it.

I run a dual-boot Ubuntu/XP on one of my boxes, and Vista on another and rarely run into problems. The only software that I haven't found for Ubuntu is an equivalent to sporttracks or garmin training center.

Open office works pretty well for basic stuff, so if your needs are not too extensive it should be easy.

Also check out google docs... the apps on there are coming along nicely, and don't care what OS you run.

is there something more functional than open office? i haven't found anything as of yet. Also, why did you choose ubuntu over a different brand?

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by katonk

Personally, I can't go 100% Linux because of some VPN clients and crappy .NET frontends I have to use for work. VMWare works OK, but the speed can be frustrating and there are some situations where their network drivers break VPNs.

The other reason to keep Windows around is for Word. It's pretty tough to shop for a new job if your resume isn't in pure Word format. HR people and recruiters seem to break things made/modified in Open Office. I don't know why; they just do.

check out the mono project if you haven't already.

[katonk]

Ubuntu is my pick for a desktop OS. It "just works" and is fun to say.

http://www.ubuntu.com/

[Seat Sniffer]

Originally Posted by katonk

Personally, I can't go 100% Linux because of some VPN clients and crappy .NET frontends I have to use for work. VMWare works OK, but the speed can be frustrating and there are some situations where their network drivers break VPNs.

The other reason to keep Windows around is for Word. It's pretty tough to shop for a new job if your resume isn't in pure Word format. HR people and recruiters seem to break things made/modified in Open Office. I don't know why; they just do.

good point. are all linux OSs about equal in the driver/hardware compatibility area?

[katonk]

Yeah, they're all pretty good with the drivers now, but some will offer "non-free" drivers that work better.

The dude's suggestion to try a Live CD is a good one. It will let you try it out to see what flavor you like better before you commit. Most all the distros have good live CDs now.

[northshore]

Yup! Been running Fedora ever since!

[el_d00der1n0]

if you do ubuntu go for gutsy gibbon. heron isn't ready for prime time yet from what i've heard.

[grant]

As a first easy step, switch over to OpenOffice now, and use it on XP.

Also use firefox and thunderbird under xp.

Once you are comfortable with those, switching the rest to linux should be easy.

[brett]

For the basic apps you listed, Linux should more than handle your needs.

What's the reason you are considering a switch? If you just want to run linux and not worry about much else, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc. are good choices. If you really have a lot of time on your hands and are interested in a steep learning curve, try Gentoo.

[OffRoadie]

OpenOffice Sucks. Really. I only use it because nothing good is available.

Anyways, get a Mac.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by brett

For the basic apps you listed, Linux should more than handle your needs.

What's the reason you are considering a switch? If you just want to run linux and not worry about much else, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc. are good choices. If you really have a lot of time on your hands and are interested in a steep learning curve, try Gentoo.

or slackware

[mtbmichael]

ubuntu + virutalbox or wine.