Jumping from Windows 7 to Linux: Home user
 

Hello

As a learning experience, I want to jump from Windows 7 to Linux full time on my laptop. This isn't because of some antiWindows bullshit or because its free or anything like that. I just want to learn the ins and outs of Linux like I pretty much know on Windows.

I plan to go with Ubuntu. LTS or latest stable version? Thoughts?

First off, compatibility. I do need that all my hardware on my laptop be compatible. From shortcut keys to wifi. This is not a brand new laptop so there shouldn't be any problems. Its a Dell Vostro 1510.

Next, software. Basically on this laptop software I use in and out: uTorrent, Teamviewer, WMP, mIRC, Skype, vSphere Client, Microsoft Office......That's pretty much it IMO. Also Facebook and YouTube (Flash) are a must. I will run all this software in WINE. I don't want (most) of the Linux ports. Im not looking to replace programs I like and use daily. Just looking to replace the operating system.

Next, virtualization. Due to some things (like Office) cannot be ran in Linux, I use a VM. VMWare with its unity feature pretty much gives me what I want.

Next, streaming. I need to be able to stream media from a WS2012R2 to this Linux installation. Special setup?

Anything that is blowing over me, please mention.

Thank you

Why switch over if you will want to run nothing but windows software?
Get a better machine and try Robolinux!

Maybe it's just me, but I feel OP needs to read this oldie but goodie before taking the leap!

Find McGrath's Linux in Easy Steps, too, as a suggestion.

Best wishes, but perhaps some rethinking is in order !

I don't understand why you want to run Linux in the first place but to solve your problems first I'd go with LTS then I'd use Google Chrome for Facebook and Youtube. Id grab PlayonLinux if your going to run WMP. Personally I've never had a problem with the Teamviewer and Skype Linux ports (if your using Ubuntu adding them is easier than trying to get them to run in WINE.) Last for streaming I'd use VLC media player.

I think that your goals are at odds with themselves and agree that you should rethink them.

You will not learn the ins and outs of Linux while running all your M$ applications under Wine.

I think that you will not likely have a very good experience with this approach and will end by thinking that Linux is at fault!

To learn the operating system you need to learn how the native applications use it to advantage, and why. To learn the ins and outs of Linux you need to... learn the ins and outs of Linux, without the expectation that it be just like something else.

I would suggest that you reconsider and not try Linux in a way that is almost doomed to fail...

if you want to be familiar with linux just create a live cd (or usb), boot it, but do not destroy your windows.

Because I like and use daily software is on Windows. I dont want to use other alternatives.
Media player for example, VLC ive tried and did not like. XMBC (for another example) same thing. I like WMP.
Office. I tried switching over to LibreOffice...nothing to do with Microsoft Office.

Why change something if I not only like it but it works?

I clicked your link and then read this:

And I stopped. I dont think that of Linux at all so it really does not apply to me.

Teamviewer is not ported to Linux. It runs in a WINE wrapper.
Streaming is not a problem; Its streaming from a WS2012R2 server to a Linux media player client. At most, permission problems but besides that there shouldnt be any problems.

I was going to reply but if you are going to be childish and refer to "Microsoft" as "M$", its not worth it. Grow up.

The problem with this is that with a LiveCD you dont work everyday with linux, same thing happens with a virtual machine.


Look, I work with embedded linux at my work, have a Ubuntu Server configured as a OpenVPN server, and run bash scripts with CRON for making automated backups of web servers. Basically, Linux isnt new or anything to me. I just want to try using at my home Linux for a straight year, to really get a natural flow of things, BUT, I do not want to sacrifice programs I like and love.

You don't want a live CD, you don't want a VM. You want to run Linux, but want to keep Windows. I suppose that leaves you with two choices: dual-boot, or Windows and Linux on separate computers. It's your decision. You've dismissed every suggestion made so far, so my final suggestion is we leave you to it.

I want to learn how to swim, but I do not want to undress because I so like my fur coat, skis and fur gloves...

I'm confused, do you or don't you want to learn the in and outs of linux?
You seem to be treating linux as if it's some application that will take a few minutes to understand.

Jamming your windows knowledge into linux has in the past and continues to be the best way to get incredibly frustrated.
You end up learning nothing, except that jamming windows into linux is not smart (most perceive it as linux=no good)
Believe me, your through & through windows knowledge will not assist you in trialling linux. Especially if you see them as being the same thing
(I am getting that impression)

Everything you are writing otherwise contraindicates this.

If you are going to invest a large amount of time into this project, try doing it in a way worth your time.

my experience is that buying a linux system from hp or system76 mite guarantee 100% compatibility compared to a d-i-y install.

i had to read this twice. of course office works in pretty much any linux distro but i think the op is referring to microsoft office as opposed to open/libre office ?
with the few games i tried i find that wine either would fail to launch or run the program fairly buggy (ymmv).

most the stuff the op mentions is possible in most linux distros (or sun,mac,cyanogenmod,android,... for that matter) as long as they learn how to do it and dont limit each app to a specific program. else it would be like asking how to install a chevy corvette muffler on a ford mustang (its probably possible but not very practical).

To me it seems like it would be better to do a dualboot & learn the linux native tools, without losing qny of your windows tools. That way you still have windows, to fallback on when in a pinch or just not satisfied with the linux experience.

this is confusing to us because for some of the programs you mention this would be like trying to use it00n$ (sic: because you told astrogeek to grow up) with a cyanogen or android fone (not only is it not designed to work, the other company goes to great lengths to break compatibility).

I agree with the comments that you ought to reconsider and either dual-boot or run a Linux virtual machine. I also agree that using Windows programs under Linux seems, perhaps, to defeat your stated goals?
In fact, I'm tempted to suggest you just stick with Windows as you have no intention of moving to Linux and seem already to know how it works.

As an aside, many people have their reasons for referring to Microsoft as M$. It may not be the most eloquent way of putting it but it's quicker than typing "The thieving, lying, criminal scum who threatened Linux for decades and put technological development back by years as well as charging millions for software which isn't compatible with itself." so perhaps you ought to get used to it?

this thread seems like a good candidate for this sub-forum idea:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...te-4175528948/

The OP has been a member here since 2002. If the OP hasn't figured out Linux by now, he isn't trying. Either that or he is just a troll.

riahc3
after 12 YEARS and 99 posts
i really have to question the validity of this thread

you want to use Microsoft programs ONLY

this is looking and smelling VERY trollish

You begin by totally dismissing an excellent response at the third line because you so totally comprehend it and can see that it has nothing else worthy of your consideration.

You then brush of my own simply stated, clear observation as childish only because I used a commonly accepted acronym in its commonly accepted context when offering it (an acronym which you clearly understood, no less!).

You already seem to have all the answers so why post your question to us kiddies at all?

It is not only your own time that you are wasting by this lazy, thoughtless and inconsiderate approach, but that of every thoughtful and intelligent person willing to help you.

Why indeed! Only you can answer that!

Please reconsider your premise, grow up as it were, or politely leave those of us who understand and love our Linux, in peace. You, we and Linux generally, will be better off as a result.

1 - How do you expect to learn a system if you refuse to use that system's applications?
2 - How will using Windows applications in Wine help you learn Linux?

Unlike a few other respondents, I am not at all confused. You are not the first person to show up on a Linux board with such desires. And you will not be the last.

273 makes a number of statements critical of Microsoft. Since 273 might be biased here's a link to the official site holding the Finding of Fact in the matter of United States of America v. Microsoft. What 273 says is virtually high praise compared to the scathing analysis of U.S. Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson. Everyone should take the time to read Jackson's in-depth legal opinion of Microsoft's criminal tactics. Damn shame Nixon didn't live or he would have made a fine successor to Gates--of course Cheney and W. wouldn't have been too bad either. My apologies to anyone whose politics my rant has offended.

Dual-boot is the same as a LiveCD. It doesnt force you to use Linux.

Also, Linux will be on my laptop. As I stated before, I have a server running WS2012R2 and another PC running Windows 7. Those will be my daily operators but the laptop is used on my bed to view the things I mentioned in the OP.

You can't swim in a fur coat, skis and fur gloves? How do you swim?

The proper analogy would be I want to learn how to swim but I dont want to get wet.


Obviously, Im not going to buy a system for one OS, be it Windows, OS X, or any version of Linux.

Yes, I was refering to Microsoft Office. You are right that I should have made it clear. I tried LibreOffice and it doesnt give that same experice/quickness as MS Office.
The problem with dual-booting and/or VMs is that it doesnt FORCE you to use Linux.

My stated goals are basically to use Linux day in day out but I still want to stick to programs I like.

The quickest way of putting Microsoft is MS. Period.

MS= (Caps) m s
M$= (Caps) m (hold Shift) 4

Anyone who puts the second method has the only childish goal of looking cool and hating on a company who wants to make profit. Simple as that.

I simply ignore any post that puts it the second method

(As a matter of fact, you have given me a idea for a signature. Thank you)


Why would I waste my time trolling?

I know Linux. I just want to perfect using it in and out.
Actually, "that system's application" isnt really Linux.
VLC - Multiplatform
LibreOffice - Multiplatform
WINE wrapper applications (Skype, Teamviewer, etc) - Multiplatform
uTorrent itself has a Linux server version

So that leaves us with vSphere Client, mIRC, and Microsoft Office as the only software which are not multiplatform...

Well bully for you. I suggest you don't use the cancer that is Linux which steals Microsoft patents then.
I really don't know why you're posting here unless you are trolling.

You say you want to perfect using Linux in and out, but you only want to run programs through Wine.
You don't want to learn Linux. You want Linux to be exactly like Windows.
From some of your other posts, I can tell that you aren't serious about using Linux.
In one of the threads you started, you wanted to learn how to make a usb stick get hot via command line.
It shouldn't take someone 12 years to learn Linux.
You're like the person who wants to learn how to drive, but doesn't want to get behind the wheel.

Moderator response
 

@riahc3

Please consider leaving the moderation to us moderators. If you find an issue with a post by other members then press the <Report> button for that post(s) then reply in the report window.

Please take in consideration that you presented a request for help with Linux on a LQ Linux forum. I also use M$ to represent Microsoft and like other members do not find it as childish. Your challenges to other LQ members and expect respect then you should consider showing respect to fellow LQ members. You should consider re-reading LQ Rules.

You stated earlier that you know Linux. Then why the need to learn to use a Gnu/Linux?

What you are wanting to do with a Gnu/Linux is not practical and you will experience some major issues that you will eventually blame on a Gnu/Linux when those problem(s) would be self created/generated.

One question, is to why you want to use a Gnu/Linux in this fashion? Stick with M$ Windows and you will not have the need too post here at LQ and get the replies you seem to ignore anyway.

I don't think that this thread is going to be productive any longer.
TBH, I see this at the tipping point of turning into a all out flame war of MS/$ versus Linux.

Why are we attempting to reason with the OP when it is clearly not benefiting anyone?

If you want to be made to learn linux. Then I recommend to start a LFS installation and make it however you want it.

Ubuntu is the distro which shows the most similarities to Windows: the normal user can gain admin rights, command line is discouraged, technical items are hidden as much as possible. Note this is not Ubuntu server which seems to be slightly better. Some Ubuntu versions offer the latest and greatest software versions. Which are pretty full of bugs.

That doesnt seem to be problem.

Other members said this as well, but let my try to say this in a more neutral way. You cannot only replace the OS and have your Windows applications. Most of the applications running on Windows are not multi-platform. It is a problem most people migrating Linux have to deal with. It is either migrating to Linux and use Linux or multi-platform programs, or stick with Windows. If using just those Windows programs is non-negotiable you simply don't have a choice but stay on Windows.

This having said, most programs have a full functional equivalent on Linux. Except for Office. LibreOffice is not compatible with MSOffice. It used to be not bad, but the last few LO versions I have seen seriously impacted my productivity.

jlinkels

If you want to be "FORCED" to use Linux, then abandon your reliance on those few Windows only applications you use.

Cancer that is Linux? Where did that come from???

Linux is not a cancer. Runs most of the web servers in the world and most supercomputers also. I think I must have misunderstood your post....

I don't exclusively want to run programs thru WINE.

Lets say for example I used VLC on my Windows machines. I would use the native version of VLC for Linux. I wouldnt use VLC for Windows thru WINE.
Maybe I mistyped "Linux ports"; What I ment by Linux ports is that I dont want to run a alternative software. I understand the confusion and that was problably my fault.

When I started out with Linux, I actually did a source installation. This was WAY back in the day so Im not sure if it has changed but I do remember that setting everything up took a while (a hour or two) plus the time of complilation. Im not sure I want to go that route.

BTW, from this point forward, Im going to basically ignore anything that uses "$" unless it is in the context of a terminal or something. I refuse to talk to immature childern as you only lower yourself to their level.

I have no idea why everyone is so against using WINE/Windows programs in Linux. A lot of Linux's mentality is about choice. It is MY choice to use Windows programs in Linux. If you don't want to help me, thats fine.

There is no debate -- it's called GNU/Linux: you should properly acknowledge the efforts of Stallman & co.

"Linux" refers to the kernel, "GNU/Linux" refers to the operating system.

Using WINE is touch-and-go at best, that's why using native programs is preferred.

If you really "did a source installation" then you already know how GNU/Linux works.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
I'm done with this thread.

Are you serious about this guy? Can't you see this is an obvious failed trolling? It's not even humorous, it's just plain and silly. He interprets things literally whenever he wants to and he keeps insisting on the same thing like a mule. This is just a stupid prank, really and this whole thread should definitely be deleted.

This guy's saying that he's installed linux from scratch but now has "general" problems about using Ubuntu... This is, I repeat, just poor trolling, nothing more.

i find ms-excel to be snappier and efficient than open-office calc. but i find open-office writer to be snappier and efficient than ms-word.

this is only half-trollish but maybe you can post a thread on a windows forum asking about support for ms-office on gnu/linux.

Like I mentioned, I might have misinterpreted that post because it didnt make sense to me.

Again, Im not trolling, trying to waste anyone's time. Im here to get some help.


Ive worked more with OpenOffice than LibreOffice I must admit. I worked with OpenOffice with a company and man, was it slow....I tried LibreOffice recently when a version came out (can't remember which) and it did feel snappier, but it wasnt for me. Thats a opinion.

Basically, the problem is running Windows program under WINE. OK. Just for the sake of everyone's complains, lets ignore that:

Hello

As a learning experience, I want to jump from Windows 7 to Linux full time on my laptop. This isn't because of some antiWindows bullshit or because its free or anything like that. I just want to learn the ins and outs of Linux like I pretty much know on Windows.

I plan to go with Ubuntu. LTS or latest stable version? Thoughts?

First off, compatibility. I do need that all my hardware on my laptop be compatible. From shortcut keys to wifi. This is not a brand new laptop so there shouldn't be any problems. Its a Dell Vostro 1510.

Next, virtualization. Due to some things cannot be ran in Linux, Ill use a VM. VMWare with its unity feature pretty much gives me what I want.

Next, streaming. I need to be able to stream media from a WS2012R2 to this Linux installation. Special setup?

Anything that is blowing over me, please mention.

Thank you


Is everyone happier with this first post and can we move on?

Ubuntu would not be my first choice as it has so much additional unnecssary stuff installed it will slow down over time, I would rather run debian testing, or, even Sid & the difference will be noticeable.
I myself have windows on my laptops, which I don't use but if I decide to sell any of them all I have to do is fix the mbr & remove debian or kali from whichever laptop or desktop I want to sell.

Steve Ballmer called Linux "a cancer".
A quick websearch for the Dell Vostro 1510 and Linux:

https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl...tro+1510+linux

Get reading.
P.S.
When you ask "What distro should I use?", everyone will recommend their favourite. Do some distrohopping on your Dell, try a few 'til you find one that suits you.

the media shortcut keys work on my logitech wireless keyboard running fc-15. maybe if you post the output of lspci/lsusb and the buttons that arent working maybe someone would be able to help troubleshoot ?i think many pc users lock themselves into believing that only one program exists to perform a certain application. here is a list of programs that you list - the application category (and a few linux programs).

uTorrent - bittorrent client (utorrent, transmission, ...)
Teamviewer - desktop sharing app (vinagre, xrdp, ...)
WMP - media player (vlc, kodi, ...)
mIRC - irc client (pidgen, ...)
Skype - videofone (skype, google-hangouts, ...)
vSphere Client - cloud computing service (amazon aws/ec2, ...)
Microsoft Office - office suite (open-office, libre-office, google-docs, ...)
Facebook - social network (...)
YouTube - video sharing site (...)
(Flash) - web browser video plugin (h5-webm, flash, ...)
VMWare - virtual machine (vmware, virtualbox, ...)
WS2012R2 - video streaming service (httpd, sshfs, netcat, dlna, ...)

i havent heard of a few of them so i had to guess by context.

Yeah, Debian was my other thought.

I read Linux Mint was the "new kid on the block" that everyone was talking about but Im not sure.

I disagree. With a transition like this, I dont think anyone will say for example Kali Linux....

The shortcut keys Ill have to check out. I imagine that they will be compatible.

Sadly, Im going to have to make the transition later than sooner as I have a issue with a ESXi box here that I have to solve before actually making any type of movement. I might come back to this thread later because any compatibily questions havent been really answered as everyone was SO obessesed with WINE...

Thank to those that did try to help.

I love the "problably" in your signature. Clever, as the whole idea of creating it!

newbies seem to like linux mint since they are based in ireland and outside of the fbi's jurisdiction and therefore include copyrighted codecs like flash, mp3, mpeg4, ...
those require another step to enable on most other distros.

Thank you, grammer police. Oh what would we do without you!

Oh I see. Thats why they can include all that...

I think you can accomplish this with just about any distro. I'd say just pick a distro and go ahead and jump in -- leave this thread behind and get on with it. If your first distro choice isn't a good fit for you (and only you can really determine that), switch to a different one, nothing's stopping you from doing that. Experiencing different distros, by the way, can also be quite helpful in furthuring your understanding of Linux.

Ubuntu LTS would be a good choice, in my opinion, but so would Debian and a lot of others.

I think that if you stick with Windows apps too much it'll just slow you down from really learning "the ins and outs of Linux," but if that's the approach you want to take then go for it. I actually took a slow approach during my first year with Linux -- I had Linux on one computer, just kinda toying around with it, while I did most of my "real" stuff on my Windows computer. I figured that I had plenty of time. That worked out fine for my situation. But for the past several years, I've been (happily) running only Linux at home.

I found your reaction to astrogeek's use of "M$" to be about as childish as you seem to think people are who refer to Microsoft that way. Maybe you could have simply looked past his use of "M$" and let it slide right by, and taken the rest of his post to heart. Looked to me like he was trying to help you, and your reaction was to insult him with that "childish" bit. Then you just had to add, "Grow up." Seriously? I'm not one of those who uses "M$" to refer to Microsoft, but I thought your reaction was quite unnecessary.

Anyway, good luck, I hope you accomplish what you're aiming for. Maybe just try to start with a distro that has great documentation and then read, read, read. And experiment a lot -- even if that means trying out Linux alternatives to Windows programs! :)

No, they wouldn't, not as an all-round, general-purpose distro. Kali's too specialised. OK if you're working in penetration-testing or forensics, or a script-kiddie who fancies himself as a 1337 h4XX0r.
P.S.
Which version of Micro$oft Windoze do you recommend? 7, 8.1, or wait for 10?

Member response
 

Hi,
Like the pot calling the kettle black. You seem to be a form of grammar police by simplistic attempt of discipline;Calling someone childish for their views is just plain biased on your part by showing no respect to that same person. This use of M$ does represent that users views on Microsoft as a corporate menace. If you cannot respect someone's opinion/viewpoint then how do you expect that same person to show respect to you?
LQ Rules;You have every right to challenge someone's point of view but as the above rule states, do so with respect. Calling someone childish is not respectful nor something we support at LQ.

I look at your signature as nothing more than the means to phish or troll for a argumentative response. Poor taste with open show of disrespect for other LQ members who do not share your opinion on M$!

My thoughts exactly. Obviously I wouldn't have pointed out such a minor mistake if it had been made in a post, but this guy seems not to be able to tell the difference between a signature and a post - at least in terms of grammar importance :)

I have two hard drives in my machine. One running Windows 7 Pro and the other Ubuntu 14.10. Every other day I boot to one or the other. I AM a basic windows user from DOC. There are a couple of windows programs holding me back using Ubuntu more - Quicken, I have tried a couple Linux programs to switch but didn't have the brain power to make it all work.

Recently I have been having problems with Facebook, in Ubuntu...I have read something about Shockwave not being supported... O'Well...

I also use a Microscope - Dino-Lite "DinoCapture" in Windows...found no usable Linux app yet... another...O'Well..

That's my two bit..

Terry

Is there a reason you dont use VMWare's Unity feature? Could use Windows apps in Ubuntu integrated....

Thats what I plan to use for Microsoft Office at least.

[QUOTE=hilyard;5293043]Why switch over if you will want to run nothing but windows software?
Get a better machine and try Robolinux!
...
QUOTE]

Robolinux? I thought that was a scam....