009
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Post by 009 on Jan 11, 2020 11:44:17 GMT -5
I've always used some version of Windows on my PC and with it, iTunes for music (CDs ripped to AAC format; playlist for phone). A few days ago I installed my new drives (SSD & HDD), Windows 10, and now I'm trying to repopulate the HDD with all my saved data AND have Win10 recognize that drive as my storage location. Win10 is now obtuse and iTunes has always been obtuse (like a program spawned from VooDoo); put them together and it's computer hell. Oh, Win10 does offer to change storage locations for primary folders (music, docs, etc.) but the only one that sent a saved respective file to my HDD is for docs. I've researched the "best" alternative music apps, and it seems like three specific ones are at the top; I'm trying to figure out which can easily support a two-drive system....
Anyway, what sort of programs does Linux use? I mean, are there Linux-specific programs that must be acquired, or does it run Windows-compatible programs? I sometimes think that leaving Windows (and Apple on PC) would be good, but I do like several of my Windows-compatible programs, like CCleaner, MS Office (v. 2011, on CDs), etc.
An alternative is to just take out my SSD and go back to using only my HDD for everything. (I did buy a pretty decent HDD, I think - a "WD Black," 2 TB). Current programs are not on board with two-drive systems yet it seems, and I have to do internet searches to find workarounds. It's not fun, and I'm not good at it.
(Yeah, this is pretty much a rant in disguise. I'm just an old freekin' fart who just wants to use his computer.)
As I worked my way through this post, I think (before I invest too much more time and effort) that going back to the one-drive system would be best. (Posting on Moe's is therapeutic.....)
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Cassie Play
Halfnote
Everythings Malfunctioning Imperfectly.
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Post by Cassie Play on Jan 11, 2020 13:59:09 GMT -5
There are tons of programs for Linux. Many are also available for Windows. Linux will run some Windows programs if you use an emulator. Don't know much about that though. Linux is much more versatile than Windows but can be a steep learning curve. I'd suggest looking for a "Live Disk" version of something which means you can boot to it from a CD or DVD to see what it's like. help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD |
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GmanNJ
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somewhere deep in the swamps of Joisey
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Formerly Known As: Your Friendly Neighborhood Gman
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Post by GmanNJ on Jan 11, 2020 14:25:49 GMT -5
Unbuntu gives the most windows type experience. Early Linux was command line base but Ubuntu is GUI driven so it looks a lot like windows without the bloat so it runs a lot faster. This flavor also has the most drivers available which is important if you have things connected to your box
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Post by themaestro on Jan 11, 2020 15:09:49 GMT -5
A bunch of this is off the top of my head, so it might not all be correct. If anyone sees errors, jump right in.
Windows programs don't run natively on Linux. Some can run under the Wine emulator. However, iTunes and MS Office running locally (not the online web version) don't. IIRC, also Windows programs utilizing USB access don't work. If you really need these programs, you need to stick with Windows.
I like linux and don't like Windows beyound v7. I run linux on some old laptops that we surf around on when sitting in front of the TV. I do have a Win10 desk machine that I use, basically just because of iTunes and Office. It has iTunes that I have my music collection on. More importantly, I also use iTunes to backup and update a couple of iphones. I also run MS Office, that I need to edit Powerpoint stuff for church that requires high compatibility with the Windows presentation computer at church. If it wasn't for these two requirements, I would dump Windows completely in favor of linux.
Linux has a lot of music players. I like VLC. It is not just a player, but you can rip, convert and manipulate almost anything with it. I have not looked into its playlist capabilities, although it has them.
If you don't need exact MS Office compatibility, LibreOffice comes with most linux distributions. It works great and it does read and write MS Office file formats. There is sometimes compatibility issues if you use some of the more esoteric Office features. For general personal stuff if works great.
Linux has some pretty good apps for image and video editing. I use the Reaper DAW for multitrack recording. There are versions for Windows, MAC and linux. I use Behringer X-Air digital mixers at home and church and Behringer has a linux version of their X-Air Edit program to control these mixers.
If you want to take the plunge into linux, my suggestion would be to get another computer to experiment with it. I would not suggest wiping your current computer or creating a dual boot. Linux is generally pretty easy on hardware. It will run well on older hardware, so if you have something laying around, try loading it. I'm writing this on an Ubuntu laptop. I paid $199 for the laptop. I'm not sure of the specs, but it is Win7-vintage hardware. I have another Linux Mint labtop of Windows Visa-vintage. If your current computer is hefty enough, you could test out linux by installing a virtual PC program like VirtualBox and run linux within a window on your Windows box. A separate computer is still what I would recommend.
There is a giant pile of different linux distributions. My experience is with Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based Linux Mint.
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Post by damuniz on Jan 11, 2020 16:05:25 GMT -5
Linux is not for everyone. The closest “windows like” Linux distribution is going to be Red Hat. There you can get decent support if you need it. If you want a free version CENTOS is the free version of Red Hat. Good user community if you have questions or need help.
You will not be able to run Windows programs. That s just not possible. But there are probably plenty of other apps that will do what you want.
Best part is Linux runs much better on older hardware, takes much less resources.
I have had laptops that I could not install Windows 10 or even Windows 7 on but could run Redhat on, no problem.
It is a steep learning curve to run command line Linux, but the newer distributions of RedHat are very similar to a Windows environment.
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tmc
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Formerly Known As: tmc
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Post by tmc on Jan 11, 2020 18:27:30 GMT -5
My day job is working with command line Linux servers. While I'm no big fan of Windows, I just haven't been able cut the cord and switch to a Linux desktop. I have Ubuntu and Red Hat/Centos on several PCs and work great. Maybe in 2020, I can finally turn Windows off!
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009
Wholenote
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Post by 009 on Jan 11, 2020 22:59:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the thoughtful and in-depth replies; interesting reading. I'm going to fool around with my current setup a while longer and see how it goes.
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Post by dadzmad on Jan 11, 2020 23:23:14 GMT -5
I've been running Linux at home on a small network for about 15 years now. To answer the OPs question about available software I have these on the machine I am on right now Firefox. Waterfox & Chrome with Netflix Thunderbird email & RSS reader Skype, XChat, FTP, & Torrent Google Earth Pro Text Editors Libre Office - word processor and spreadsheet that reads and saves MS Office files Draftsight reads and saves 2d Autocad Files Sketch-Up standalone running in WINE (widnows enabler) Sane scanning program Gimp imaging program Shotwell photo organizer Audacios music player (wears old WinAmp skins) Audacity music recording VLC media player GUVCview web cam & audio controler CD DVD burners CD rippers Sleepyhead reads CPAP Machine SD cards for a report Steam for games This is the kind of stuff I use at home, but there is so much out there in the repos keep in mind all the above is free software and that the operating system and graphic interface is also free A good tip above - Dont ditch your current setup - Get another old machine to get started - Pick a distro with a big community for support and you should be fine
(XFCE dual monitor screenshot I took while writing this - I had my guitar out so I have some related stuff pulled up)
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009
Wholenote
Take me to your leader!
Posts: 519
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Post by 009 on Jan 12, 2020 7:49:16 GMT -5
^^^^^^ Thanks. I see the recommendation to get a second computer to learn & develop a Linux-based system sprinkled throughout this thread; seems like a good idea. At this moment then, and reflecting on my nature, I think I will remove the SSD and reinstall Win10 on the single HDD. This approach will get me back up and running again ASAP. The two-drive setup sounds good, but the implementation is just a PITA I didn’t expect. Thanks, all, again.
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