Considering Ubuntu?

Where to begin..?

Well, recently formatted the pc and installed Windows Xp on it but now, my mother having decided to register has caused the whole "failed validation" thing to pop up..

I've been considering Ubuntu for a while now, but was wondering - Do I have to have windows installed on the pc to be able to use it? and can I set Ubuntu up like windows so i dont always have to run it from a disc?

I know - i should have one of those "Linux for Dummies" books, but tbh, I value the opinions of non-condescending people more lol

I've been using ubuntu for the last three years! No, you dont need windows to run it... Yes, it can be installed to your hard drive... Download it, burn the iso to a cd, pop it into the drive and when it loads choose "Install to hard disk"....It's a lot better than it was, you'll find no end of FREE programs that do everything that Windows programs do... You can even run some Windows programs under WINE on Ubuntu... Sometimes you might have to use a command line but the forums at ubuntu are full of very knowledgable people... and then there's always ubuntuguide with easy to follow instructions...

List of Linux/Windows equivalent software

Ubuntu Guide

Installing Ubuntu

I, initially, had it as a dual-boot with XP but after six months got rid of the XP partition (after saving what data I wanted) and formatted it as ext3 and run ubuntu linix exclusively ever since... never once thought of going back to M$... It may seem daunting at first.. but you'll get there...

Linux is for two types of computer users: Complete beginners and Really Advanced users. Everything in between will not like it because they cannot install every second app they find on the web, and it works a bit different then Windows.

Ubuntu is a Linux variant, and is a complete OS. You WON'T need Windows. If you do want windows, install that first and then install Linux (makes it easier). If you download the Ubuntu setup, just click on the "Install" icon after you boot up from CD. It will resize your Windows partition (consider defragmentation first), make a Linux partition, install Ubuntu, set up the boot loader and you're ready to go.

There are tons of books on Linux, just get a recent one (tend to be outdated the week after you buy them).

I made the transition a while back - I don't miss Windows one iota. You'll find that Ubuntu boots quicker, it will support most of your hardware from install without the need for a lot of drivers. It's more secure. I run Virtual Box with MicroXP within Ubuntu for all the Windows specific stuff that WINE can't handle, for other programs, such as MS Office etc. you can either use OpenOffice or Crossover, which allows you to install the MS software within your Ubuntu environment (the latter isn't free but torrents are readily available ).

To be honest though, you probably won't need any of those programs. Ubuntu will give you everything without any fuss. If you're into a more refined visual experience try Linux Mint it's basically Ubuntu but prettier and with all your codecs installed from the get-go.

You won't regret abandoning Windows.

This post has been edited by m15hun: Jun 22 2009, 01:06 AM

I have been wanting to try Ubuntu for a while now but I watch mainly high res .mkv files on my PC which I have been told that Linux has trouble with, maybe a driver issue, I don't know. Is this true or can I take the plunge?.

If VLC can play them, it won't be a problem I think

I play matroska in Ubuntu without much trouble, as jakster said VLC is the one to use.

Never had a problem with 720p mkvs.

You know, if you want, you can keep your XP and get it validated. Simple program, a couple tiny steps and poof, your illegitimate copy of windows is now legit. I have nothing against the ol' penguin, but ya know...it's not your only option...and thought all options should be offered.