Ubuntu as a free Windows alternative

Achtung_Baby

Hi everyone,

I use a laptop a lot but am getting continually frustrated with Windows. So many updates. Obviously, money doesn't grow on trees, so I can't invest in a Mac.

My dad is a big Ubuntu fan and says it has free alternatives to just about any Windows software you can think of, however he has a background in development. Given my computer use is fairly casual, would anyone be able to tell me whether or not it's a viable alternative to Windows?

Thanks

danmanchester

Try it and see

You can try Ubuntu within Windows using their WUBI installer so it becomes a dual boot pc/laptop. Then if you can't get along with it just uninstall.

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

Neil49

I don't use Linux as my partner would have problems getting used to it but I have tried it out and like it very much.

In the past I have run a version from a USB memory stick through a Windows based pc. Basically, you set your pc boot sequence to boot from a usb port before the pc hard drive and then everything runs from the memory stick and doesn't mess up your windows settings.

Take a look at -

http://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Linux-Operating-System-to-a-Flash-Drive-and-Install-Portable-Versions-of-Your-Favourite-Applications

It's also worth noting that if you have major Windows startup problems (and unable to access your files) you can run Linux from a usb stick and access (and save) your files through the equivalent of explorer as you can view all the contents of the drives on your pc.

If you run it, either via a usb stick or cd, you can trial it out before loading onto your pc. You can also have both loaded on your pc and choose which one to run on startup.

The latest version of Ubuntu looks quite impressive and well developed.

Go for it!

andrewjf

Achtung_Baby wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I use a laptop a lot but am getting continually frustrated with Windows. So many updates. Obviously, money doesn't grow on trees, so I can't invest in a Mac.

My dad is a big Ubuntu fan and says it has free alternatives to just about any Windows software you can think of, however he has a background in development. Given my computer use is fairly casual, would anyone be able to tell me whether or not it's a viable alternative to Windows?

Thanks

Yes yes yes!!
Btw updates for Ubuntu tend to be quite frequent, but the actual update process is far less intrusive than Windows. However I would say updates are a good thing generally because it shows that people are actively making the system better.

There are many advantages in switching to Linux (of which Ubuntu is just one variant). Our home is now a Windows free environment, with my Wife's laptop on 'Mint'. My Family are not tech savvy, but have no trouble using it, as the user interface is very intuitive. You have all available web browsers, there's an equivalent to MS Office, and email client. It's all there.

My work laptop has Ubuntu, and everyone else uses Windows 7. I've not come up against any show stopping incompatibilities. There are ways of running pure Windows applications in Ubuntu (either in a virtual machine, or Wine). Besides you can always set up a 'dual boot' system which can run either Windows or Ubuntu.

So I would say try Ubuntu and see. You can literally do this from the installation disc without permanently installing, to see what you think. If you don't like it fine. The installation is so easy if you decide to go ahead.

paddyrg

Just be aware when you're running it from a dvd to test it out (aka 'live'), it will run very much slider than when installed properly!

Linux Mint is worth a try, it is ubuntu under the covers but has more of the fiddly bits pre-installed.

Elliott_Fox

Ubuntu is great! It runs much quicker than Windows and has all the software you need for casual use pre-installed.

andrewjf

Elliott_Fox wrote: »

Ubuntu is great! It runs much quicker than Windows and has all the software you need for casual use pre-installed.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, it can speed up your machine as it generally uses less memory and processor resources.
I installed it on our home laptop because the family were complaining of slowness. I could have bought additional RAM, but after switching to Ubuntu, the machine was much more responsive. Didn't cost me anything!

tweeter

Try Zorin (there is a free edition), which is based on Ubuntu.You can change it at a click to look somewhat like XP, Windows 7 or just have the old style classic Ubuntu look but a different livery, as it doesn't have the new Unity front end. clicky

Achtung_Baby

Many thanks. I believe I'll give it a try!

Marson

We have our Family PC with Dual Boot Windows & Ubuntu. Mom and Dad normally uses Ubuntu (maybe quicker than Windows), kids uses Windows.

Lum

Depends on what you use your computer for. If it's mostly just forums/facebook etc. then Ubuntu will be fine, if you have need of some highly specific specialist software then it's worth checking if an equivalent is available (it often is, and it's usually free too)

If you use your PC for big name games (by which I mean stuff like Bioshock Infinite, not stuff like Minecraft) then you may be better off sticking with Windows. The situation is improving in this area but most of the major non-indie titles are still Windows only.