Pro's and Con's of linux after always using windows?

Question

Does linux allow windows live messenger (msn) Itunes? Java?
etc.
are the office programmes compatible with microsoft word?
Will files from my linux laptop be compatible with microsoft files at school?

Is DIVX compatible? I use Firefox, is there any special servers i have to use?

I don't know anything about linux. any help appreciated.

Answer 1

GNU/Linux is a very stable and secure operating system. You won't need an antivirus or anything like that. Unlike Windows, Linux is capable of true multitasking and gives you complete control (You'll see what I mean if you use it). You probably will have to give up some of your favorite Windows software, though. But you can almost always find an open-source alternative:

http://www.linuxalt.com/





Linux has an instant messenger called "Pidgin." Pidgin is compatible with msn messenger, yahoo, aim, myspaceim, etc so you should have no problem with instant messaging.



There is no iTunes for Linux, but there are alternatives (that I happen to like better) like Amarok and Rhythmbox.



Yes, there is Java



There is open-office, which is compatible with MSOffice documents so microsoft word documents won't be a problem. And yes, you will be able to use them at school. Just make sure that when you save a document in OpenOffice, you choose "Save As>Microsoft Word Document"



There is VLC media player for Linux, which plays just about everything including DVD's.



And yes, there is firefox





Most of the software I mentioned above will be preinstalled.



This is version of Linux I recommend for you:

http://www.linuxmint.com



You might want to read the user guide, it's pretty helpful:

http://ftp.heanet.ie/pub/linuxmint.com/stable/5/user-guide/EN-v1.pdf





Linux Mint comes with everything you need to do the things you mentioned right out of the box.



Also, there is a program called "Wine" that allows you to run about 70% of Windows programs/games under Linux. But I strongly suggest you try the open-source alternatives before using Wine. In many cases, they're better.



If you want to know if a Windows program you absolutely can't live without runs in Wine, check the application database:

http://appdb.winehq.org/



Good Luck, and I hope you enjoy Linux as much as I do









Edit:

Update your iPod with it? eh you can, but it's a little tricky:

http://armin.emx.at/ipod/update_howto.html



Microphone/webcam: Um I'm not sure if Pidgin supports that. But there is a clone of msn messenger called amsn that supports webcams/mic:

http://www.amsn-project.net/



It is also possible to run both Linux and Windows on the same computer. It's called a "Dual-Boot." Here's a guide I wrote on dual-booting:

http://www.linuxmint.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=13991

Answer 2

Windows Live Messenger only works on Windows, so no.



iTunes... I'm not sure.



Java, yes. It's one of the best features of Linux is it's Java support.



If you use OpenOffice, it's compatible with MS Word.



Anyway, Linux is a good free OS. It's open source and there are tons of free programs available for it. It's rare to get a linux virus and Linux has a lot of great tools for programmers.



The drawback is that NO windows programs will work on it. None of them. You have to either get Linux versions or find some alternative program. Also since Linux has many different flavors, some are better than others. Often times you'll have to compile a program yourself to get it to work on your version of Linux. The learning curve is steep too for a first-timer as well.

Answer 3

Slacker has covered just about everything.



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.