Ubuntu Vs. Windows?

[PapaKhan]

I'd like to get rid of Windows XP and install Ubuntu. Should I do this, or would I be better off keeping XP?

[SIMOX]

I got no problems with XP. I'd keep it.

[Priok]

it depends what you want to do on the computer, Windows is way better in terms of compatibility, but for just general stuff aside from games, I would say Ubuntu is better. I have a dual boot of Ubuntu and Windows 7, I used to only use Ubuntu, but when I put Windows on, I got interested with its compatibility. now all I use is Windows, then Ubuntu every now and then. I would personally just keep XP, maybe you could use puppylinux on a flashdrive if you don't want to dual boot, but want to use another OS sometimes.

[Tocksman]

Both operating systems have their ups and downs. What do you plan on doing on this computer?

[PapaKhan]

Compatibility isn't a problem because I could just use WINE. I don't play many PC games anymore, if that's a start. The reason I'm considering Ubuntu is because I heard it's faster and I like the interface better.

[Priok]

WINE doesn't always work that well with everything, I have got it to work with a few things though, and there is that Crossover program too, but you have to buy that, I don't know how well it works. I would probably just dual-boot it, in case you ever want Windows for something that you can't get working on WINE. but you could just switch over I guess, it's a pretty nice operating system, and has a lot of programs for doing things. maybe try the Live CD and see if you like it, I'm pretty sure you can test it out before installing it, I would switch to it if you really are not going to use the PC for games.

[Tek2]

I'd use XP as long as Microsoft makes still supports it.

[DeDucer]

How about you use both?

[Bandage]

Depends what you're going to do with your computer anyway. For general use, I'd say Ubuntu. For other compability stuff and gaming, I'd say stay on the XP.

Though there's so many good roguelikes made for the Ubuntu and Linux... Cataclysm, for an example.

[Detta]

You can have them both as parallel operating systems. I have that on both my netbook and my desktop.

The way I usually see it, with Ubuntu you're sacrificing full compatibility with windows programs (I'm not entirely sure if AoS would even work since it's mainly based from windows commandline stuff) for a massive speed boost (Ubuntu is faster than any Windows comp I own with startup and initial program loading right after login), a ton of free programs (EVERYTHING for Ubuntu is free, as far as I know, and it has a massive Software Center that has almost anything you'd need), and a significant increase in browsing safety (there are no viruses programmed for Ubuntu because a majority of people who really use it could decode a virus in ten seconds, and it's free so who cares. Windows viruses are incompatible with Ubuntu, as well as the very rare Mac viruses).

I mainly use Ubuntu when I only have to do browsing stuff on my netbook, but for actual schoolwork or playing comp games and such I use Windows.

[Dany0]

Compatibility isn't a problem because I could just use WINE. I don't play many PC games anymore, if that's a start. The reason I'm considering Ubuntu is because I heard it's faster and I like the interface better.

There we go stop listening to everyone and just go for it. Once you switch you won't be coming back.

You just have to choose a desktop and a browser now:

1. Unity, not the most productive of them all, and not really customizable, but it's familar to windows users and not really heavy.
2. KDE, much heavier and much more productive, on a big display (30" +) it's absolutely brilliant and even more on a good computer. Has nice themes and a lot of applications. Plus embedded widgets and a very good start menu.
3. LinuxMint Gnome2. Very familar to xp users, highly productive, stable and fast. Good start menu and tools.
4. Gnome3. From my experience, an experienced hand is the most productive on it. Enforces keyboard use a lot. Very addictive. I still can't get rid of somr or the habits. Very fast and customizable, not 100% stable though and setting up may require some skills.
5. LXDE. Super lightweight and extremely familar to XP users. Not too productive and a small set of usermade customizations. There aren't much nice themes and it hurts eyes.
6. xfce. A heavier and older, but nicer version of lxde. Requires skills and may be unfamilar to windows users at some points.

and:

1. chrome, not too perfect on linux
2. firefox, better on linux but may get GUI conflicts(especially mixing GTK themes)
3. that kde browser. it sucks.

[Tocksman]

That's one thing about Ubuntu -- Unity is terrible. So far, it's messed up on quite a few of my machines. Whenever there's graphics weirdness, disabling unity usually fixes it.

[thedoctor1212]

definitley windows. i'll use windows for practically everything its reliabl very compatible, unlike ubuntu, and is a great all rounder.

[Dany0]

definitley windows. i'll use windows for practically everything its reliabl very compatible, unlike ubuntu, and is a great all rounder.

mmm... my troll sense is tickling...

[BozoDel]

I've been using Linux Mint for a semester now and it's pretty good. Mint is one of the many distros based on Ubuntu, so it has Ubuntu's pros, but it comes with some preprietary codecs installed as default. But if you're looking for speed, maybe you should try Lubuntu (it's Ubuntu with LXDE). You can also make it dual boot with Windows, like I did, though it might give you a headache until you manage to get both OSs to work.

A few cons for Linux in general: Flash is not that goog on Linux. It works well most of the time, but you may have problems with some heavier Flash games; also, do some research to make sure your printer and scanner are supported. I think I'm forgetting something...

I haven't managed to make AoS run on WINE, and a lot of people have been having problems... but whateheck, the Linux client is coming. Another thing about games... most Windows games are not made to run on Linux, but it't different the other way around: most Linux games have Mac and Windows clients as well... and there are many interesting and free games.