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May 29, 2007 2:10 PM PDT

Windows and Linux converge

by Peter Butler
Linux and Windows graphic

Is Linux becoming more compatible with Microsoft Windows?

(Credit: CNET Networks)

The alternative, open-source operating system Linux has been making news recently. Last week, Dell began shipping PCs with the Linux distribution Ubuntu pre-installed, and on Friday I took a look at Wubi, free Windows software that lets you install and run Ubuntu on your Windows machine without creating a boot CD or partitioning your hard drive.

According to recent stats from W3Counter, Linux still holds only a tiny fraction of the personal-computing market share (slightly less than Windows 98!), but there's definitely a convergence going on within Windows, Mac, and Linux software development. The excellent personal-finance software GnuCash was recently ported from Linux to Windows, and the Lina project plans to soon release software that will let Windows and Mac users run Linux software on the OS of their choice.

Are you curious about Ubuntu or Linux? Have you had any personal experience with Linux software, or could you not care less? Tell me about it in the comments.

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 2 pages (39 Comments)
Linux on windows
by robot31 May 29, 2007 4:05 PM PDT
I have installed Kubuntu on an extra hard drive but am having trouble using this system. All the instructions that I have found for this system are above my ability to comprehend. I need a good tutorial for this software!

Also, when this software (linux) is installed with windows, does it create a "dual boot"? It might be great for recovering your files from a windows 'meltdown'!
Reply to this comment
Ditto.. me too...
by artfudd May 29, 2007 4:15 PM PDT
IMO, Windows is difficult enough to understand, to try to learn linux and it's many variations of OSs is far too daunting unless one is a long-time linux guru.. what's in it for the newbie?

How about you linux people (companies) amalgamating into one effort and make that a *real* alternative to Windows.
Go for Kubuntu
by rlazica May 29, 2007 4:27 PM PDT
I installed Ubuntu on a old 900mz laptop over a year ago the computer runs just as well or even better then the newer laptop I own with a Pentium 4 chip and XP. There is a little problem with software & drivers but I expect that all to change with Dell's move into the Ubuntu software. I say go for it you will like it. RL
Linux on Windows...Why?
by Ron6342 May 29, 2007 4:16 PM PDT
I was always afraid of Linux. I thought IT professionals were the only ones who dared use it. I imagined it was very technical and hard to understand. Then I took a full semester course on Unix/Linux at the local college, and I learned everything I didn't want to know about Linux. I even installed it on an old computer I had put in the attic.

My opinion, for what it's worth; Linux was easy to install (at least as easy as Windows), easy to use, and easy to learn (Using the GUI interface was very much similar to Windows). The problem arose when I tried to find compatible software (and hardware) to run on Linux. Although the Redhat version I was using came with many pre-installed apps, including open source, when I attempted to install a D-link wireless USB adapter, USB thumb drive, or download a flash player for Firefox (So my daughter could connect to the Nickelodeon web site), I found Linux less then helpful, and it became the nightmare of cryptic commands I had imaged it would be. (Imagine, unzipping, installing, and moving a program using DOS commands.)

So my question is, other than the price, (which might be FREE depending on the version) why would anyone Windows user want to have Linux on their computer as well?
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Winblows stinks
by billy gates May 29, 2007 4:30 PM PDT
Funny you should mention the market share of Linux being slightly less than Windoze 98. It was Winblows 98 that sent me running (screaming) to Mandrake 7.2. After installing Mandrake my computer no longer crashed (as in it would just stop doing ANYTHING with Win 98 on it. Control + Alt + Delete did NOTHING, I would have to shut off the computer to reboot it). To this day I still think of Win 98 as the worst operating system EVER. And Mandrake (now Mandriva) has came light years since the old Mandrake I installed 'lo those many years ago. How can you not like a FREE operating system? Especially one that does everything that Micro$haft products do, only without crashing!! And without those crazy activation schemes!
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Is Linux ready for Prime Time?
by Uncle Eli May 29, 2007 4:33 PM PDT
About once a month I get the urge to take a fresh look at the latest Linux distributions. Typically I load one onto my computer with great anticipation. Play with it for a couple of hours, and then with disapointment, revert back to Windows. Each time I try a more advanced distribution, the results get more and more tantalizing, but every time major road blocks pop up. Bottom line is that until Linux recognizes and plays nice with all of my hardware - printers, scanner mouse etc. - and will painlessly let me install new software, Linux will remain nothing more than an enticing curiosity.
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Ubuntu Linux
by 46thchief May 29, 2007 4:44 PM PDT
i have installed Linux in a secondary hard drive. It is interesting and very easy to work with. I still use XP for my major computing, but can see the day when when Linux will be my base unit. It is a learning curve as are all new systems but that is part of the fun.
With the negatives from Vista growing daily I'm a firm believer in Open source as the solution.
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One OS is not enough
by amigosito May 29, 2007 4:51 PM PDT
Personally I think 2008 will be a break-out year for cross-platform technologies like LINA. The underlying movement here is from a single-OS PC to a multi-OS PC...a lot of people want the flexibility to use the best applications from Windows/Linux/Mac without purchasing multiple computers, and without having to reboot all the time.

In fact, there are already products (Parallels, VMware Fusion) that enable users to run Windows applications directly on their Mac desktop (imagine launching IE 7 or MS Project from the Dock). In fact, these products are maturing to the point where you can even play DirectX-powered games from within Mac OS X!

Pretty cool stuff. I hope this trend continues...
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Linux converted
by mamajohnson May 29, 2007 5:22 PM PDT
I finally just reformatted my hard drive and had my 15 year old install Linux Debian - the newest version. I was sick of windows. I have had 98, xp, 2000, and they all stink. Crashes, virus victims, just not worth it. Yes, Linux has a learning curve, but there are Debian forums where the guys are tons of help. The newest version of Debian is easy to install (my 15 yr old did it!) and easy to run, in fact, I am having a blast with the 4 different desktops I can use. I will NEVER be a windows user again!
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No need for Windows
by JBBJr May 29, 2007 5:22 PM PDT
I chose Linux months ago and have the latest version of Ubuntu (7.04) operating on my system in a dual-boot configuration with Win2000 (using Grub). I had evaluated Vista, shuddered, and turned away.

I installed both OS on a clean hard drive, Windows first, then Linux. I was astonished at the speed of Ubuntu installation. It easily took only about 10 percent of the time needed by Windows, and found more of my hardware automatically than Windows did (you would think by now that they would have Win2K right). It also configured my cable internet connection automatically -- Windows, not so much...

Comparing the two OS I notice that Ubuntu boots faster and runs applications MUCH faster than Windows. Nor does Ubuntu freeze, not at all, ever. It would be perfect for unattended server applications and the install package allows you to select the appropriate options for this.

Ubuntu has an auto update function which runs daily and which not only updates the OS, but your applications software as well. This appears to have worked perfectly to date - no broken or buggy applications. This week, it automatically updated the kernel, an operation that was not for the faint hearted when I was learning Linux SysAdmin. But the process was seamless and required almost no input from me at all.

Importantly, though it doesn't seem to be widely known, Ubuntu reads Windows NTFS files (though it uses EXT3 itself), so all your existing files are still available, easing the transition. Other Linux distros either read NTFS natively, or can take advantage of an open source package that allows this.

If you want Vista for the Aero desktop, or like the way the Mac looks, Linux users have an extremely sexy 3D desktop called Beryl. It will knock your socks off. And of course, it's open source.

I went to Linux because I simply lost patience with Microsoft and vendors of Microsoft-compatible software. Failure of the Windows Genuine Advantage verification process can be a terrible inconvenience, even for a professional (I can imagine some home users completely losing the use of their computers). Also some software vendors now are asking for successive re-registrations of Windows applications. I don't mind paying for good apps, but I think a single registration should be enough.

I didn't go to Linux for free software, I did it for speed, stability, convenience, and freedom from the sort of copy protection hassles that have dogged Windows since the 1980s. Now it's reached the point where I boot Win2K only to play a single Windows-specific game, and I can't see myself ever going back. Linux and its associated software may have slightly different feature sets, and yes, there is a short learning curve for laypeople, but it's faster, cleaner, it works every time and (unlike Vista) you don't need a Cray to run it. Given the choice, I'll never set up another Windows desktop or server system.

The open source community should be extremely proud of this effort. With something this good, there is essentially no reason to use Windows any more unless you have an application that won't run on anything else. Windows has lost most of its reason to exist.

JBB
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Windows & Linux which one???
by elliott78212 May 29, 2007 5:22 PM PDT
I have tried so many linux distros and my favorite cannot be installed to the hard drive Knoppix Live is really good. I still don't understand all the command line stuff as I am a post dos computer user who loves his Windows. I do try other things as I help many poor and under-privileged folks with recycling old pc's and usually use Xandros because it has low system requirements. I am gonna try Wubi to check that out but most problems with Linux is software, hardware, and user support including but not exculsively manuals/user guides
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Windows and Linux converge
by MistieDay May 29, 2007 5:35 PM PDT
I haven't had any personal experience with Linux. However a friend of my uncle who was a great fan of Linux operating systems persuaded my uncle to let him install the Linux system on his PC.The friend was so enthusiastic about Linux that he was writing a book to encourage people to use Linux OS as an alternative to Windows. My uncle however finds the Linux system quite complex and relied heavily on his friend to do the processing on the Linux partition. The converge with other operating systems is good, as it will enable a lot more people to get to know about Linux systems and will undoubtedly give people choice.
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Even I installed it
by minmaxman May 29, 2007 6:07 PM PDT
I have always wanted to use Linux even if was just to see what it is all about. I could never figure out the hows as in all the partitions ect. I downloaded Wubi and just let it download and install Ubuntu, restarted and up came the dual boot screen and bingo, I was a linux user.

I like the auto updates and yes, it has a lot of the feel of Windows. Have not had much time on it other than setting up and quick check out of some of the features but did not get in to the software programs yet.

The only problem I have is with my lcd monitor, the monitor says it won't support vga so I had to get out the bohimith crt monitor to use it. Have not had time to check into the reason or resolution if there is one.

I do see myself weening of Windows and on to Linux.I am so glad some one came up with a way to easily install Linus. I remember a version (Winlinux?) Was supposed to work with Windows 95 or 98, not sure of the name, claimed the same but I could never get it to work.
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Linux converge
by fmar May 29, 2007 6:11 PM PDT
I am very much interested in Linux, particularly if I can run Coreldraw and Corel Painter. I'd like to know how I could achieve that
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linux developers
by glentibbits May 29, 2007 6:20 PM PDT
I would switch to linux in a new york minute if I could. Linux won't run the video programs that I must have. The problem is that developers are heavily invested in windows and there seems to be no incentive to develop for linux.
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Wubi-test3 has just been released.
by xivulon May 29, 2007 6:20 PM PDT
You can get it from the main website www.wubi-installer.org
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Xandos distro of linux is super
by isailhte7cs May 29, 2007 6:25 PM PDT
For those of us that are fairly good with XP, and can't quite "get" the new lingo in linux, Xandros has done the job for you! I am very enthusiastic about their 4.1V. I tried Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Suse, Knoppix and a few others but was disappointed. The reasons for each varied from lack of printer support to incomprehensible instructions. Installing additional software was a nail biting exercise which in most cases turned out to either be a failure or a lackluster software. You get what you pay for in lots of cases!

I finally got so damn frustrated, I tried Xandros. Although a commercial package; AKA I paid for it, it WORKED. It comes with Firefox, Thunderbird, Crossover (installs and runs popular Windows software) Open Office, etc. Although these are available in free distros, the software mangement more closely resembles what we are familiar with in XP. It is extremly stable. The only problem I had was trying to run 3D. My graphics card does not support it properly, but then it didn't support Vista either, which I ran in a dual boot with XP.
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Linux Wubi
by Rohn12345 May 30, 2007 6:41 AM PDT
The installer does the job of getting a dual boot with XP and Linux but of course a dual boot means you Winxp applications are not running while you are in Linux. This may not be an issue though for most people.

The main problem I see with Umbunto and the others is trying to get the simple steps to install something. Once you run into a problem trying to get a frank flow for installing you get half answers that remind you of Microsoft answers where you get something that describes the problem but not the answer. But then you can call live India support!

So a database of answers to issues and there are lots is necessary before we see the average user adopt any of this system.

For the average Joe it just does not work!

Ron
Xandros [Linux Distro] Comments
by wireaddict May 29, 2007 7:09 PM PDT
I've been curious about using Linux & also somewhat distrustful of Microsoft for several years so after I bought a newer computer I put a new 20 GB HD in the old one & installed Xandros 4.1 Home Edition Premium in it.

Installation & was a snap as was customizing the desktop. The GUI & feel are similar to Windows. There were a couple of issues with Xandros in this machine: the first was that my AOL dialup connection wouldn't work on this computer & also, the computer wouldn't shut down completely without the need to press the main power button, both of which always worked fine on Windows 98.

Fortunately, Xandros includes 60 days customer support. There's apparently a compatibility issue with AOL dialup service but with their help I got it working. The hang-up on shutdown is a BIOS issue that didn't show up with Windows but nothing that I can't live with. Incidentally, SBC Global HS internet service set up & worked fine on Xandros.

Xandros also comes with a preinstalled version of 'wine' called CodeWeavers to adapt Windows programs to Linux distros but it doesn't work with AutoCAD LT98, one of my favorite programs, so I eihter need to learn to use another CAD program or use AutoCAD on an offline Windows machine.

In spite of these two issues I like the idea of greater security & freedom from Microsoft.
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More about Linux.
by rob.n.val May 29, 2007 9:52 PM PDT
I was given a Ubuntu CD at an exhibition free. I tried it and am so impress I went out and made a new machine dedicated to runnning Linux.

I was a Unix administrator in Defence some 15 years ago and am surprised how good it is. I run a file server for the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome society running Ubuntu and it's accessable over the Internet. If we were to pay it would have been outside our budget.

As a Programmer and an Electronic Engineer I feel it's got about 80-90% of the software that Windows has. It lacks in the area of very expensive CAD software. Therefore I can't say good bye to my 2 home Windows machines. Give it time, it's early.

Mike Ritter,
Adelaide, South Australia.
rob.n.val@hotmail.com
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Windows and Linux Converge
by Ioannes May 30, 2007 2:33 AM PDT
Ubuntu is a very good distribution of Linux and is very easy to install. However, as with all Linux using it is a different "Kettle of Fish", compared to operating Windows, which is user friendly and the man on the street can operate it without much difficulty. Just getting drivers for devices sorted out on a Linux installation, is a lot more complex than a Windows. I?m a development engineer so I use Linux for my work and I find it amusing when I here people bag on about open source and how Linux will take over Windows but that will never happen because Linux is still a system that is used by Software professionals and computer Geeks. The only time that it will change is if a version of Linux is developed that is totally plug and play on any machine.
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Windows and Linux Converge
by Ioannes May 30, 2007 2:33 AM PDT
Ubuntu is a very good distribution of Linux and is very easy to install. However, as with all Linux using it is a different "Kettle of Fish", compared to operating Windows, which is user friendly and the man on the street can operate it without much difficulty. Just getting drivers for devices sorted out on a Linux installation, is a lot more complex than a Windows. I?m a development engineer so I use Linux for my work and I find it amusing when I here people bag on about open source and how Linux will take over Windows but that will never happen because Linux is still a system that is used by Software professionals and computer Geeks. The only time that it will change is if a version of Linux is developed that is totally plug and play on any machine.
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Windows and Linux Coverage
by dmidha June 1, 2007 5:30 PM PDT
loannes, you are out of your mind. Linux is more plug and play now a days than Windows.
incompatibility
by WileECoyote_1 May 30, 2007 3:27 AM PDT
I had my own experience with Linux, after reading about the Xandros version for sale. I found that my Lexmark 5200 series printer and my Belkin wireless network would not work for me. Maybe some real geek might have found a patch or something, but it was not an easy fix for me. I think, in my own conspricay theorist mind that Bill likes it that way.
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incompatibility...well...
by dkweston May 30, 2007 7:59 PM PDT
Incompatibility can be a problem, but there are ways around it.
As far as hardware detection goes, not all flavors of Linux are created equally. Some distros do a better job of hardware detection than others. The good news is that trying different distributions is fairly easy.
Most Linux distros now come as live cd's or dvd's. You slip the disk into the computer, turn the machine on and it boots Linux without the need to partition your drive or install anything. If you don't like that particular distro or it fails to pick up your hardware, no harm done, try another one.
Ubuntu is the most popular distro out there. Some folks love it, some hate it. I've had better luck with several other distros in terms of hardware compatibility with this one but there's a large support community in place to help if you need it.
There are a couple of distros that you might look at.
Mepis is a single cd distro that packs a lot of punch. Although Mepis is based on Ubuntu-Debian, it's not just a Ubuntu clone and generally, hardware detection is excellent..
Mint is another distro that is based on Ubuntu, but is designed to be a little more "user friendly." Their hardware detection seems to be just about as good as it gets.
PCLinuxOS is another great distro. Originally based on Mandriva, PCLOS is one of the best looking distros out there. Hardware detection is very good and they have one of the best communities you'll find if you have a problem or a question.
The incompatibility issues you describe have more to do with companies not writing Linux drivers for their products than it does with any Linux distro. The Broadcom wireless cards found in many laptops is the best example I can give you. However, it is possible to use the native Windows drivers under Linux. Both Mint and PCLinuxOS give you graphic tools that make it easy.
There are hundreds of different Linux distros out there. Distrowatch.com is a good place to start looking, reading reviews and learning.
A final thought.... I switched to Linux a few years ago, tired of the crashes, security issues and generally hassles with Windows. Back then, there was a steeper learning curve but most of that has changed. And, I've found Linux to be a more reliable, friendlier and all around better experience.
Best of luck and keep on looking.
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