Linux (Ubuntu) - flash etc.

Infidel

Ok. So after a recent reformat for the first time I now have Linux (Ubuntu 14.04) installed on my laptop. I'm going to give it a go for at least a day and see if it's going to be a workable solution. First impressions say 'no'.

Problems; Well as it's not popular (like Windows for example) most of the programmes/plug-ins etc. that I use(d) don't work on Linux.

So basically I'm putting it out there to any Linux users (and maybe even wannabe experts). What alternative programmes do you use for stuff that works on Windows? - say Winamp.
Also, anti-virus software, firewalls type stuff - say Avast for example.

I like the fact it comes installed with what looks almost exactly like Microsoft Office - though I won't really know if that's usable until I try and cross use a 'microsoft office file'.

The biggest problem I can foresee will be streaming. As I already tried to stream BBC - but it needs a Shockwave Flash plugin that doesn't seem to work with Linux.

Any solutions? Apart from of course trying to get Windows back on my laptop.....

NiftyDigits

Are you suffering from some kind of hyperactivity disorder? You didn't even do the most cursory of things to solve your earlier issue and now here you are giving yourself and others another headache.
I would have sorted your issue within the hour.

GunJack

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

if you couldn't sort a new mbr, you're goosed with linux

forget it and just reinstall windows properly

psychic_teabag

Unfortunately, I don't have enough bandwidth to stream any of the catchup channels successfully. I use get_iplayer to download stuff from bbc, and watch offline. Fortunately, I can stream to my tablet at a lower bandwidth.

I think the Chrome browser has now blocked flash, but you can stil get it for firefox. Though the latest version is not available and some stuff won't play.

There's lots of software out there, just takes time to find stuff that suits you. You just have to accept that it's not windows, so the software is different. Not better, not worse, just different. For playing videos, I tend to use xine, mplayer or vlc.

I'm not sure if there are virus checkers for linux. I don't bother with one. But then I take care with what I click on and download. (My company tried to push a linux virus checker onto us, but as far as I could tell, it was just looking for windows viruses, on the grounds that "people use linux as a fileserver and mailserver for windows".)

esuhl

Infidel wrote: »

Ok. So after a recent reformat for the first time I now have Linux (Ubuntu 14.04) installed on my laptop. I'm going to give it a go for at least a day and see if it's going to be a workable solution. First impressions say 'no'.

Problems; Well as it's not popular (like Windows for example) most of the programmes/plug-ins etc. that I use(d) don't work on Linux.

It's nothing to do with the popularity of GNU/Linux versus Windows. It's just a different system.

Ubuntu is designed to be very user-friendly for first time non-technical users. I found it a bit of a nightmare as it overcomplicates things to make them appear simple.

Infidel wrote: »

So basically I'm putting it out there to any Linux users (and maybe even wannabe experts). What alternative programmes do you use for stuff that works on Windows? - say Winamp.

VLC is what I use mostly. It works just like the Windows version.

Infidel wrote: »

Also, anti-virus software, firewalls type stuff - say Avast for example.

You don't need an antivirus for Linux. Most of the antiviruses available for Linux are designed to detect Windows viruses, which might be useful if you are using the Linux machine as a mail server used by Windows clients. But not for general home use.

As for a software firewall, have a look at iptables or ufw (the Uncomplicated Firewall). It looks like Ubuntu installs the latter by default:
https://help.ubuntu.com/12.04/serverguide/firewall.html

Infidel wrote: »

I like the fact it comes installed with what looks almost exactly like Microsoft Office - though I won't really know if that's usable until I try and cross use a 'microsoft office file'.

LibreOffice works well as a MS Office replacement for simple files. Complex layouts and scripting tend to cause problems, though. I imagine most people would be fine using LibreOffice, but MS Office is one of the few MS products that is actually pretty good.

Infidel wrote: »

The biggest problem I can foresee will be streaming. As I already tried to stream BBC - but it needs a Shockwave Flash plugin that doesn't seem to work with Linux.

Blimey! Shockwave Flash became Macromedia Flash, which then became Adobe Flash years ago. For Chromium, you can install the PPAPI chromium-pepper-flash, while Firefox uses the NPAPI flashplugin package.

There are also some open-source Flash implementations such as Shumway, Gnash and Lightspark. You can also install freshplayerplugin-git, which provides an experimental adapter to use chromium-pepper-flash with NPAPI browsers such as Firefox.

I've had problems when streaming from Channel 4 and Channel 5, but other sites (including the BBC) seem fine. I just boot into a Windows XP virtual machine to use C4 & C5!

jshm2

Try Linux Mint or Pear Linux instead if you're after something with more simpler an interface.

You'll find there are linux alternatives for nearly everything you have on Windows - or Mac. Its just a matter of working through them for one you like. Linux does not require an antivirus and default firewall is good enough.

It will come with open office or libre office and you can use it as you would Office. Streaming you can use Midori or Chromium

henm2

Probably the best linux distro for modern machines is Linux Mint 17.3 cinnamon edition (for older machines use the Mate edition)
A good guide to Linux for windows users is this one http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/ultimate-linux-guide-for-windows-users.html
For streaming BBC and other TV channels the Kodi media system is great and can be installed on a linux based machine as well as many other devices. Also the linux version of the google chrome browser has usually no problem playing youtube videos etc.
http://www.linuxalt.com/ is a good source of information as to what linux alternative software you could use instead of your favourite windows program.
Having used Linux based operating systems since 2007 I have never had to regularly use an anti virus program. I will though use Clamtk to scan files if sending them to someone who uses windows.

Infidel

And the late entrant into 'The most idiotically useless post 2015' is:

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Are you suffering from some kind of hyperactivity disorder? You didn't even do the most cursory of things to solve your earlier issue and now here you are giving yourself and others another headache.
I would have sorted your issue within the hour.

Place your bets on this one now. It's a licence to print money.

debitcardmayhem

Infidel wrote: »

And the late entrant into 'the most idiotically useless post 2015' is..........

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Are you suffering from some kind of hyperactivity disorder? You didn't even do the most cursory of things to solve your earlier issue and now here you are giving yourself and others another headache.
I would have sorted your issue within the hour.

Place your bets now.

My vote goes for the most accurate ....Ohh it's not a poll :cool:

Infidel

esuhl wrote: »

VLC is what I use mostly. It works just like the Windows version.

VLC is The Bomb! I knew it wouldn't let me down. :T

jshm2

Infidel wrote: »

VLC is The Bomb! I knew it wouldn't let me down. :T

People are still reeling from Paris. Don't use that expression.