Linux made easy

Hi everybody.

I'm a frequent Windows user and I recently installed Linux (Ubuntu to be precise) in my second primary partition just for testing purposes.

Its installation simplicity and all of the available software in its repository leaves no excuse for not trying this wonderful OS.

If the open source community keeps the good job (as I proved) Windows Se7en will confront a worthy competitor. Even for touchscreen. At least Ubuntu's graphical environment is better than Vista. If you don't believe me just watch this video that shows my Ubuntu desktop.

Ok, I'm a Systems Analyst and some command line console is no big deal for me (I write code all the time), but even if you don't want to mess with the terminal you can do so in Ubuntu. As I said: its simplicity lets you configure the OS and install software only with your mouse (just like Windows).

I've found all of my applications equivalents: Winzip, Alcohol, Nero, Ghost, PowerQuest Drive Image, ConvertXtoDVD, DivX Converter, Windows Movie Maker, Smart Ripper, Windows Live Messenger, Download Accelerator Pro, Paint Shop Pro, Sun Java, JBuilder, MySQL, JUDE, Office, Vuze, eMule, Ares...
Each one has its 'twin' in Ubuntu. Most of them are listed in its repository. You only have to pick the one you want, apply changes and it will install.
If you only have Internet access in some other Windows PC just use 'wget for Windows' to download the required .debs and use them in Synaptic.

Security issues? There are almost no viruses for Linux. Besides we'll use Firefox (bundled in Ubuntu). But just for being cautious there are some free antiviruses like ClamAV (which nobody uses) useful in Wine or for checking some Windows partitions. Firewall service is provided by iptables, a powerful command set that lets us block the least suspicious IP packet.

File system errors? Fragmentation? Ubuntu automatically checks your hard drive every 30 reboots (you can use fsck though). There's no need to defrag because ext3 handles fragmentation "on the fly". You only get some fragmentation when you reach below 5% of free space (even in this situation we could use our PC for a year and not going over 1% of fragmentation).

What about other 'equivalents', like games? It's true that videogames developers are not interested in a free OS like Linux, that's why I recommend you keep your XP or Vista partition (like I do). But if we're not talking about games, you'll always have Wine (and I don't mean the alcohol beverage) for running your favourite application (DVD Shrink in my case). You'll be able to access your Windows files because Linux supports NTFS. You'll 'see' Windows PCs in your network and be able to share files with them thanks to Samba.

You can find these advantages and others if you do some research in Internet. Don't be afraid of experimenting! To me, knowing Linux is necessary just in case:

- Microsoft makes Windows 'uncrackable'. This is unlikely to happen because they'll always want it to be the 'most used OS in the world'. Besides, crackers will always come up with some activation technique. But:

- Some company hires you and you have to deal with a Linux server.

- The Law gets really serious in Argentina and you have to pay a big fine (or go directly into jail) for using cracked Windows and Office (lol, did I said Argentina?).

- You're sick of looking for cracks for Windows Update, antiviruses and other applications you use. Or sick of getting viruses and re-install Windows, Office, the applications and re-configure them.

- You suffer some situation which forces you to quit on Windows (like some ET invasion that impose Linux in all our PCs).

Come on, don't be a fool, try Linux. You won't regret it.

Mario.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Linux
• Intrepid
• Ibex
• Ubuntu
• 8.10
• Compiz

[MyTube715]

muy buen video

[Sole2007]

Gracias! No olvides ver los otros para saber qué + puedes lograr en el apartado gráfico de Ubuntu.

[YourGamerzUpdate]

if you want you can run a virtual machine like I am... It is slower but you can run both at the same time and for me the internet continued to work...

[reesemitchell]

I heard that is a problem with vista not linux

[Sole2007]

Of course, and if you wish to write in english I'll be more than happy. Fantastic language! Smart I'd say: with one word you can denote lots of things (not to mention the smart handling of verb times)

[pablomager]

The wi-fi drivers are NOT the problem ^^ i can't connnect even through ethernet .. but anyways ... thank you very much , may we keep in touch!?

[Sole2007]

Bueno Pablo, creo que has pasado más tiempo en Linux que yo, asi que seguro vas a encontrar la respuesta luego de seguir investigando en Internet: ¿drivers del Wi-Fi? Yo buscaría por ese lugar, ya que en Samba prácticamente no tenés que tocar nada (te lo digo porque ya monté una red de clientes XP y servidor Linux SIN TOCAR LA CONFIGURACIÓN POR DEFECTO).

Espero que sea eso... Lamento no poder ayudarte más (ni siquiera tengo una notebook con Ubuntu para probar el Wi-Fi :P)

[pablomager]

... really . i havee a 1TB usb/firewiree HDD wich is my "media center" ( like 20gigs of audio... and lots more of video and pictures) ... so i wanted top stream it's content to the laptop .. using samba networking , but i simply can't get it to work .... i've been trying to solve this for a over a month now ... can you help me!? I would be really greatfull

from brasil ^^

[pablomager]

I know you're a noob ( in linux) too , i've been messing around with linux for almost a year now , my desktop is quite awsome ( haven't had time nor patience to film it though) ... but there is still one thing i CAN'T do ... connect a Vista (ultimate) (my desktop) to my intrepid ubuntu Laptop (HP Tx1410) through my wi-fi network .

[Sole2007]

Enter ubuntugeek d o t com and search 'how-to-troubleshoot-wireless-­network-connection-in-ubuntu' -- I'm not allowed to post web pages -- That's the best I can do. Remember: I'm a newbie too.