what will I lose if I switch from win 7 to ubuntu 10.10?

Question

I want to switch to ubuntu, but do not want to find out that once I am done, I cannot use many of the programs that I currently enjoy. I would also consider a dual-boot set up, but keeping windows 7 on my hard drive defeats the purpose of having an OS (Ubuntu) that is virtually virus free. I do not know how to do a dual-boot set up. However, simply installing Ubuntu as the ONLY OS is something I can probably handle, since I have clean installed my laptop several times over the last two years. I need to know what to expect from ubuntu, will it severely limit access, programs, etc? Can I still use firefox, and chrome? What about Youtube, and iTunes? Will flash still work so I can go to cam sites? I am sure there are things that I am not thinking about as I consider this change, so if someone can school me on this topic in plain english, I would really appreciate it. thank you.

Answer 1

Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a Windows based 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 alongside Linux Mint I retain a partition with XP on to run specific applications such as Dreamweaver CS5, Office 2007 etc.

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



If you intend to run a number of Windows applications I suggest Dual Booting by installing Linux inside Windows



Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



Download Ubuntu Desktop Edition

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



You download the ISO. image of Ubuntu 10.10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

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



Ubuntu 10.10 can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive



Download Ubuntu Desktop Edition (Windows installer standalone Download) no LiveCD needed

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/windows-installer



Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) User Guide

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



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 10 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 10.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



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)



You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win 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.



mint4win 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 Linux Mint LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the mint4win installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



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



Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67



Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



Linux Mint 10 as with Ubuntu 10.10 can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive







LUg.

Answer 2

What you will lose? Perhaps nothing, provided that you're not a gamer. Most Windows games will not run on Linux. Also, iTunes does not run on Linux (don't even ask why, Apple is just stupid). There are some alternatives for iTunes, however: http://blogote.com/2010/linux-tips/top-itunes-alternatives-for-linux.html.



On the other hand, most of the web pages will work with Linux (actually depends mostly on the browser). Java and Flash does work, Google Chrome also, Firefox of course does. Internet Explorer does not, but this is no surprise :). What does not work is Adobe Shockwave (the player is Windows-only, not to be mixed with Adobe Flash.

Answer 3

Firefox and chrome can be used. And obviously youtube too.

iTunes doesnot have any linux version, so it can't be use. But ubuntu's default music player can handle music files for iPod.

Flash will work in ubuntu, flash has a ubuntu version.



if you need more discussion, I would suggest you to post your problem in ubuntu forum.

http://ubuntuforums.org/



thousands of users are there. So you'll get your solution quickly!

Answer 4

Ubuntu Forumsubuntuforums.org/