I havent used Linux yet, I dont even know if I am going to as of right now. I need to get some more information first. I know that not all programs have Linux ports but that there are similar programs to what I use on Windows. I'm sure I will be able to find a suitable replacement for AIM, PSP, Winamp, and Word. However, I play a lot of games. I know that not many games are designed to work with Linux systems. Is there ANY way to get games that are not ported to Linux to work with it? Or will I be stuck having to install Windows and boot that when I want to play games? Also, do ATI's catalyst drivers have issues with Linux? As much explanation or help as I can get is appreciated.

As far as the games issue goes, you could try WineX. This is designed to allow games that are designed for Windows to run under Linux. The web link has other pages which will tell which games work and which don't. Check your gamelist against theirs.

Welcome to LQ.

There is WINE. Visit www.winehq.com With WINE you can run a lot of windows programs under Windows. Look at the compatible list under that address. For AIM you can use GAIM and there are other Instant Messenger also. For Word and Office there is OpenOffice.org In parts it is also better than the M$ Office. I'm a Newbiee to, so I wanted to know the same thing with games. There is also WINE X. Its like WINE but for Games. It supports DirectX 8, and even 9 I think. With it you can play games like Max Payne 2 or WarCraft 3. Look under www.transgaming.com for more info.
I hope I could help you. Hey, one Tip: Just download a distro like Mandrake 9.2 to try Linux. It is easy to install and configure and once you have a Linux distro on your Computer you dont want Windows anymore!!

Thanks guys

One other thing.. would I run into problems if I wanted to keep both Windows and Linux on my system? I mean, I could use WineX, but there are still some games that wouldnt work with it, so would it be possible to keep a Windows partition on my disk and switch over to that for things that Linux cannot run?

Assuming I already have Windows installed and want to install Linux second, what kinds of things will I need to know? And how exactly do you go about switching OSes when you need to?

Do a search on this site for dual booting - loads of us do it, because there are some things that you just need Windows for.

It's very easy - create a new partition (with Partition Magic, eg) out of your free space and during the Linux install, point the installer at that partition.

darktalon96 , its really easy. While you install Linux it notices if you have an other OS. If you have two OS, the installer will install a Boot Manager for dual booting. The most important are GRUB and LILO. They automaticly configure themselves. Then, everytime you boot up, you can choose between Windows or Linux. Its very easy and automaticly! There are no problems if you have a Windows and a Linux partition on your harddisk.
And if there should be any problem you have this great forum where you get a lot of good and fast answers.
Good Luck, fedivh

Cool.. Im definately going to have to try it then.. what distribution of linux do most people recommend for first time users? I've heard Mandrake is good but then others have said that it's slow and has other sorts of problems.

look, the first distro I installed was RedHat 9. It didnt find my Networkcard, Printer and Digicam, so I had to configure all manualy. Thats hard for a total newbie!
Yesterday I installed Mandrake 9.2. I think its great! It found all my hardware! The boot proces is slow, thats right, but on my PC its faster than RedHat!
I would recommend you Mandrake 9.2 but many people are telling me that Slackware is one of the best distros. I would download Mandrake to get a first look at Linux, afterthat you can try other distros. I wouldnt buy a Linux distro, just download it from a FTP server.
I heard that for Games and Windows Compatibility Suse 9 is good. Dont know. In the end effect, its the same
Good Luck

Mandrake 9.2 or SuSE (Professional is the fuller set of packages) are both very good for new users.

I would steer clear of Lindows, both on price and on the fact that it is possible to have too much done for you.

Both Mandrake and SuSE still allow for manual configuration and you can still feel you are learning.

Both of them you dont need to use third part partition tool like partitionmagic, cause both of those distros can make room for linux when installed.

I use linux.

and i have the following games working 100%

* Half-Life (using wine)
Counter-Strike (using wine)

* Unreal Tournament (Open SOurce Linux Port 100% identicle and cmpatable with origonal windows version)

*Quakeforge (a linux native open source RE-programed Quake, 100% compatable with origonal, but uses OPenGL and super kikass things like semi transpatent water, water waves, shadows true smoke ect)

* Quake2Forge (open source version of quake2, again, identicle, and 100% compatable)

* Kingpin (linux port)

* UnrealTournament 2003 (linux installed comes on disk3 of retail version)

the only windows game i have that doesnt work on linux is Soul Reaver2 and BloodOmen: legacy of kain.

I have been using Winex from www.transgaming.com for a long time I have played a tone of different titles and they all worked fine. Now that they have Point 2 Play its even easier to get games installed. As for which distro to choose its pretty hard to go wrong with Mandrake 9.2. Its cheaper then Suse and their set up interface is second to none. If you are more adventurous try Slackware 9.1. Its a great way to really learn the nuts and bolts of Linux.