Is ubuntu a good operating system?

Question

I am thinking of ditching XP and installing ubuntu. Is it a good, safe os? What happens to the programs I have on my computer now and is software compatible with ubuntu like xp?

Answer 1

Ubuntu is suffering from too many releases. Currently supported releases consist of Ubuntu's 7.10, 8.04.1 & 8.10 with its what is ridiculous six monthly release cycle.



Of the above releases Ubuntu 7.10 is splendid albeit a year old. Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (now 8.04.1) is good. Ubuntu 8.10 is dreadful and there is Alpha 1 of Ubuntu 9.04 already available. Its just utter madness.



I suggest you Dual Boot Windows and Ubuntu 8.04.1 using Wubi installer.



You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi 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.



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.



I DO NOT recommend Ubuntu 8.10 as it has stability issues at present. Wubi installer for Ubuntu 8.04.1 version Wubi-8.04.1-rev506 or Wubi installer for Ubuntu 7.10 version Wubi-7.10-alpha-rev386



Both Wubi installers are available from http://wubi-installer.org/devel/minefield/



If you are curious about Linux probably the best option would be trying out some LIVE distros. This means you can run Linux from a CD without touching your Hard Drive.



You download the ISO. image of the Linux distro. of your choice then you need to create a Bootable CD from the ISO. This can easily be done using Nero Burning ROM or similar software.



Here are some user friendly Linux distros. worth considering



Linux Mint 4.0 Daryna

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

Linux Mint 5 Elyssa

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

PCLinuxOS 2007

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

SimplyMEPIS 7.0

http://www.mepis.org/

Mandriva 2009

http://www.mandriva.com/



LUg.

Answer 2

Yes Ubuntu is a good os and it is very secure. One of two things will happen with your programs, you can either dual boot and keep the current Windows XP with all of its programs or you can completely erase your Windows XP and the programs. Certain software will be compatible with Ubuntu as it is in XP under Wine, however you will need to search up the individual programs and their compatibility; as for programs that are not compatible, there are usually alternatives to them in the Linux world.



Before making a drastic move, I suggest that you download Ubuntu 8.04 LTS and burn it on to a disc. Boot the Live CD and make sure that the sound, screen, and internet works from the get go. If you have a printer, make sure that Ubuntu supports it. Once you find that everything will workout fine, go ahead and install it.



http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Answer 3

You will not be happy with Ubuntu. Your software will not work and you will lose all your files and programs. There is lots of free software for Ubuntu (linux) but finding what you need is another problem and maintaining the OS is much more involved than anything Windows. Why are you thinking of dumping XP? If its a performance problem you could just download a program like CCleaner (yes, there are two Cs, search for it on download.com) to clean up the registry and garbage files and run a defrag.

Answer 4

Ubuntu is a great and secure OS and here is some information for you.. My recommendation is to make your system a dual boot (easy instructions provided) and learn about Ubuntu before giving up on it..

I would not install with WUBI installer (installing from inside Windows) since it is buggy and Ubuntu runs slower... I recommend booting your computer from the Ubuntu LiveCD and read the instructions below to do this..

I would get Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (please note: The versioning is Year.Month which means 2008 . April release, every 6 months a new version comes out 8.10 is already out but it is too new)

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/ is meant for backing up a PC but it will get you started with downloading, burning a cd and booting up ubuntu without even installing...

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm shows how to make a dual boot system with Ubuntu (Please Note: Click on Page 2... Page 3... etc..)

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/ Screencasts for Ubuntu

http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/ Printers for Linux in general

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows

Wine is a nice tool to run some windows programs but can e tricky to setup. http://www.winehq.org/ It has a database of windows programs that work http://appdb.winehq.org/

Wine-Doors makes it easier to work with Wine:http://www.wine-doors.org/wordpress/



Here is some information on how to install programs on Ubuntu...

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



Another Note: By default on Linux, you can only edit files in /home/{your userid}, to modify other files there is a fake root user that can be implemented with sudo or gksu.

http://www.debianadmin.com/linux-directory-structure-overview.html will give you an idea of how the file structure is on Ubuntu (Linux in general)... There is no A:, C:, D:, etc.. drives. The top level is /



Any questions, feel free to ask.

Answer 5

compared to XP its the best thing since sliced bread safe fast and has a small foot print and easy on memory... uses less resources and more secure can run on a more basic computer and run better then XP



it will take a bit of learning as its not as easy as XP if you are a long xp user (last 7 years) will be a learning curve for you

but everything is free (for the most part) dont forget to install and configure WINE if you plan to try and run any native microsoft type software, OFFIce suite is every bit as good as OFFICE 2007 but it is free and might not be 100% compatible to an office compatibility or needed feature proprietary to MS...

other then that i say GO FOR IT you'll be happy

Answer 6

If your not computer savvy, don't install it. You have to know alot about linux and such to maintain the O/S and install programs. All your programs will be gone also.