should i switch from windows to linux?

Question

the only problem is i use hp printer f200 series and on the installation CD its written for windows and mac will i will be able to use printer and Microsoft active sync for my mobile on Linux

Answer 1

Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

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



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.



Boot in to windows insert the Ubuntu 10.04 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the Wubi installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Ubuntu (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Ubuntu is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Ubuntu



Ubuntu 10.04 Download

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download



Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Lucid



If you do have a CD Drive Linux Mint 9 which is built upon Ubuntu 10.04 has a similar feature called mint4win and the directions given above for Wubi can be followed

http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-a-wubi-based-installer-of-linux-mint/



Linux Mint 9 Download

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



Linux Mint 9 User Guide Download pdf.

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



Ubuntu 10.04 and Linux Mint 9 can also be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive





LUg.

Answer 2

New to Linux go for the Free Edition of Mandriva. I would personally install it dual boot with Windows, so you have the best of both operating systems. It does take a little time to get use to it and yes it is different than Windows. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Mandriva, Suse and other names are just that, the name of the distribution. There is not that much difference between any of them, they share the same common base files and just about the same software in the Open Source Distributions which are Free to down load and use. They also come with different Desktop Environments, which is basically the way they look and what is installed in theses Desktop Environments, however it really doesn't matter since what can be installed can be installed in another. Linux is an operating system you choose to customize or set it up to your needs and requirements. Open Source Linux is not a canned version where every one has exactly the same operating system files installed. I wouldn't switch operating systems, but run them dual boot. Meaning when you boot up a menu is displayed and you choose to either run Windows or Linux. I kind of enjoy reading Half Baked answers about Linux. It seems that the ones who knock it have not used it long enough to understand it or what it can do. You have Open Office which is an Alternative to Microsoft Office and even works with MS Office Files. For iPods and iTunes you have to know what files to install.

Answer 3

There are several ways of approaching this. You can:



A: Make an image of your computer using Acronis, Ghost, or something to back everything up. Then install a Linux distro like Ubuntu and see if you like it. If you do then use: http://www.winehq.org/ and see if it's compatible with your printer and other software. Then if everything's in check copy all your files, music etc, back over.



B: Download Ubuntu and test it out. There's an option for installing it without having to go through editing partitions or whatever. Then try Wine( http://www.winehq.org/) and see if it works. If it does and you like it then just install the full thing.



C: You can install it on another computer you're not using and see if it works.



D: Contact HP and ask if there's a driver for it.



Now you should always back up your information before doing any changes but that's your choice. An image is better than just copying files over to a hard drive in the sense that it restores your computer back EXACTLY the way you had it when you imaged it. Documents and all.



Now SHOULD you switch over to Linux? That's really depends on the user. I've thought about it but haven't really had the time. I'd try it and see if you like it or if you like both then just keep both. I would think that if your an average user it would probably be good to switch over. There is tons of support for Windows and Linux distros(distributions) and I'd think that Linux distros would be made with better quality since they're free. Microsoft MIGHT be more interested in profit whereas the Linux community is probably more concerned with quality products. I'd just search around and see what you like. If you don't like it and it doesn't work then get rid of it haha.



Good luck!

Answer 4

Your printer will probably work. Linux has a lot of built-in and generic printer drivers.



As for ActiveSync, I've never used it personally but here's a website that lists three Linux alternatives:

http://linuxappfinder.com/alternatives?search_text=Microsoft%20ActiveSync



Other than that... you may find a lot of things won't work for you. Some things you take for granted in Windows and don't even think about. Like MSN Messenger. There are plenty of Linux alternatives (Pidgin for example) but last time I checked no one of them support video calls. Also, if you use Adobe apps like Photoshop and Flash, you're screwed. You can use GIMP instead of Photoshop, it does about the same things but it takes a lot of getting used to.



Unless you have a good reason to make a change, I suggest you stay where you are. I like to install it once in a while to play around with different distros once in a while, but I eventually go back to Windows. Back in my teen days I thought having Linux on my computer was going to get me laid... I was far from correct, but I learned many things related to scripting and how computers work in general.

Answer 5

If you stick with a large distribution you should have no problem. I have been using Linux since 2004 and I have had few hardware problems.



The cd you have is for windows drivers, Linux will use its own drivers to set up your printer.



Google PCLinuxOS or Ubuntu for Linux. Download a live cd. A live Linux cd if you do not know is a cd that will run a Linux distribution for you right from the cd making no changes to your computer.



They are very good ways of finding a distribution that suits you without loading Linux on your computer a number of times.



There are a number of desktops for Linux. Starting with KDE which needs a new computer, there is Gnome, XFCE, and LXDE desktops to name a few. LXDE is a good choice for an older computer if you want a windows like desktop.



There is a short learning curve of course, as there was when you learned Windows. For the most part, Linux is easy to install and use, of course of you want to make it difficult there are distributions that need a lot of tinkering to make them work.



Check out Distrowatch for a good resource page. Distrowatch has short overview and reviews of the most popular distributions. gl.

Answer 6

the choice is yours,



i guess you mean a canon bubble jet F200, this has partial support in linux, all that means is some things may not work the way they should,

support means the driver is built into the kernel, no need to hunt around,



so yes, your printer should work, but not fully,



you can check which printers are supported here, all drivers are built into the kernel



http://www.linux.org/docs/ldp/howto/Printing-HOWTO/printers.html



and as for activesync, there is a linux equivalent - its called by the majestic name, synce

its for syncronisation of a linux desktop with a pocketpc and windows mobile devices, amongst other things,



available in the software manager of whichever linux distribution you choose,



you may find this useful



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux

Answer 7

Active Sync I doubt it - Microsoft and Linux don't get along.



As for your printer though: most HP printers work just fine with most linux distributions. To make sure though you can go to the support section of HP's website and see if they have a linux driver available to download.

Answer 8

I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to use the printer, you'd just have to find drivers that would work. I don't know much about the Active Sync, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's someway of getting it to work. Try a Live CD and see how it works for you

Answer 9

No, you should run a dual boot system. You never know when you will need Windows for things Linux will not do.