I need a new laptop...

[beachchica]

I can't stand Win8.

I've been looking at Ubuntu... My big question is: will it still run all my windows programs? The website doesn't really address that specifically. One of the programs I use for work says specifically that it only works on windows. Would I be screwing myself if I go to U?

 

[lxskllr]

If you need Windows programs, Ubuntu(or any GNU/Linux) would likely be a bad choice. Many Windows programs can be made to work through Wine, but that's kind of hackish, and requires dedication, and some technical competence on the part of the user.

 

[beachchica]

If you need Windows programs, Ubuntu(or any GNU/Linux) would likely be a bad choice. Many Windows programs can be made to work through Wine, but that's kind of hackish, and requires dedication, and some technical competence on the part of the user.

Ok... that's not me. haha...

I think I can still find copies of Win7. Maybe I'll go that rout. Thanks!

 

[some_guy]

Nevermind.

 

[jae]

What specific Windows apps are you worried about? Which one do you use for work? Perhaps dual-boot or virtual machine to get your work done will be nice, if its only a few needed apps.

 

[beachchica]

What specific Windows apps are you worried about? Which one do you use for work? Perhaps dual-boot or virtual machine to get your work done will be nice, if its only a few needed apps.

I have a few work specific programs I use. (Don't want to say which ones exactly) They're used for programming and setting up various components. I've read that I can run Win and U side by side (selecting the OS when I boot up) but I'm not sure how to set that up.

Maybe I should find one of the nerds at work to help me... lol

 

[lxskllr]

I have a few work specific programs I use. (Don't want to say which ones exactly) They're used for programming and setting up various components. I've read that I can run Win and U side by side (selecting the OS when I boot up) but I'm not sure how to set that up.

Maybe I should find one of the nerds at work to help me... lol

Honestly, I think you should have good reasons for switching to GNU/Linux. Freedom to change the software, freedom from proprietary headaches, and to a lesser extent, low to no cost are good reasons. A quibble with Windows interface isn't good enough imo.

It sounds like you aren't really /into/ computing, and haven't developed the skills to quickly work through problems. What I'm getting at, is when you need something for work 10 minutes ago, having your unorthodox system go down will be a real problem. Panic will set in, followed by frustration, and people getting pissed at you for not producing.

Modern distros are pretty easy to deal with, and don't take special knowledge, but they aren't meant to run Windows software. In many cases that can be worked around, but it takes special effort, and someone who isn't into computers, or has no real good reason for switching won't be inclined to put in that effort.

All of this is my opinion, and I may be misjudging your posts, but it's to save you grief, and to save the image of GNU/Linux. If you install something unsuitable for your uses, you may assume GNU/Linux is a junk O/S, and a cheap knockoff of Windows, when it was really the wrong tool for the job.

If you really think you're interested, my suggestion would be running it in a low impact machine. Something you don't need for work, or that doesn't have software you REQUIRE. Play around, and get used to the differences, and see what it's about. If it's something you think you want to explore more, you can think of trying to get Windows programs running, dual booting, or using VMs. It'll be your schedule then, and your livelihood won't be dependent on getting things going.

 

[bbhaag]

Honestly, I think you should have good reasons for switching to GNU/Linux. Freedom to change the software, freedom from proprietary headaches, and to a lesser extent, low to no cost are good reasons. A quibble with Windows interface isn't good enough imo.

It sounds like you aren't really /into/ computing, and haven't developed the skills to quickly work through problems. What I'm getting at, is when you need something for work 10 minutes ago, having your unorthodox system go down will be a real problem. Panic will set in, followed by frustration, and people getting pissed at you for not producing.

Modern distros are pretty easy to deal with, and don't take special knowledge, but they aren't meant to run Windows software. In many cases that can be worked around, but it takes special effort, and someone who isn't into computers, or has no real good reason for switching won't be inclined to put in that effort.

All of this is my opinion, and I may be misjudging your posts, but it's to save you grief, and to save the image of GNU/Linux. If you install something unsuitable for your uses, you may assume GNU/Linux is a junk O/S, and a cheap knockoff of Windows, when it was really the wrong tool for the job.

If you really think you're interested, my suggestion would be running it in a low impact machine. Something you don't need for work, or that doesn't have software you REQUIRE. Play around, and get used to the differences, and see what it's about. If it's something you think you want to explore more, you can think of trying to get Windows programs running, dual booting, or using VMs. It'll be your schedule then, and your livelihood won't be dependent on getting things going.

This is awesome advice that I think you should really listen to. Not just you but anyone thinking about trying out Linux for the first time. It's what I did and I'm glad I did it.

At the very least I think you should try running a few different distros in a live session before you fully commit. I think you will find that Linux takes some time and patience to get used to how it works.