Please clarify my doubts about Ubuntu.?

Question

First, it is said that ordinary versions of ubuntu are supported for 18 months. What does that actually mean? Is it compulsory to upgrade to the next released version after 18 months? What if I do not upgrade and continue to use the unsupported version?

Second, can one play audio/video files without installing any new software in ubuntu? (my actual aim is of course not to play music or games but do serious computational jobs. I am just planning to switch over to Linux from windows.)

Third: Since I want to have a secure version, I am thinking of installing the SeLinux in ubuntu. But many people say this may complicate functioning of ubuntu severely. To what extent is this true? Does it make sense to install SeLinux at all (without compromising smooth working of the operating system)?

Answer 1

1. There is no reason to update or upgrade if the Operating system works for you and does every thing you want and need it to do.



2. Ordinary or standard versions are normally release every six months, not 18 months'



3. The LTS versions are normally supported for up to three years, before you would need to move to the newer versions. I'm not sure what your source is for 18 months.



4. There is not that much difference between Linux Distributions, when it comes to the base operating system and the files it uses. However the open source distributions that are remasters are different, because the full potential of using all the files in the Linux repositories are restricted to the desktop environment used and installed in that distribution.



5. If I was running a server or using Linux for business, I would definitely be concerned about hardening the operating system, but for the average computer user, this is not really necessary unless you want to. I don't know SeLinux, so that I have no answer for.



6. I would run Windows dual boot until being absolutely sure Linux is really what I want to use and it meets my needs and requirements. I run all my computers dual boot and find I use Linux 90% of the time. The one I am using right now is strictly Linux itself. And yes I have a MAC also to play around with when ever I want to make a change for awhile.

Answer 2

Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a proprietary platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming. For example I retain a dedicated Windows partition to run specific applications such as Office 2010 etc.

http://www.linuxbsdos.com/2011/01/28/dual-booting-windows-7-and-ubuntu-10-10/



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 LTS which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 LTS its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wubi



Linux Mint has a similar installer called mint4win (mint4win works the same as the Ubuntu Windows installer so the instructions outlined above are almost identical)



Linux Mint 9 LTS Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



Linux Mint 9 LTS Release Notes/User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 9 LTS then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Linux Mint 9 LTS can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive





LUg.

Answer 3

i can answer your second question....................nopps u cant play widout ny software, u need to just download from ubuntu sites and all required softwares are also present in ubuntu ,u just need a fast internet connection....rest u can also install windows applications using a software named as wine