The Easy Way to Switch to Linux
Posted 11/12/07 at 05:27:33 PM by Will Smith and Robert Strohmeyer
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When Linux Apps Don't Cut It
Using CrossOver Linux, we were able to get Steam running. Only a few games worked, but Steam, man... Steam!
Sometimes, there just isn’t a Linux alternative to the Windows application that you need. When you need to fire up InDesign or Microsoft Project, you’ve got two options—you can try to trick your app into running in Linux using WINE or CrossOver Linux, or you can install a fully functional version of Windows inside a virtual machine by using Parallels.
WINE (free, www.winehq.com), which stands for WINE Is Not an Emulator, serves as a wrapper for typical Windows function calls. When a Windows app makes a call, WINE converts that request into a Linux-compatible format. It works reasonably well for apps it supports, but if your app isn’t fully supported, you could have problems. CrossOver Linux ($40, www.codeweavers.com) is a supercharged version of WINE with support for more apps. Still, it has its own problems with many common apps, and it costs money.
Parallels ($50, www.parallels.com) certainly isn’t free either, but there’s a substantial difference. Parallels lets you run Windows (and any apps you need) inside a virtual machine. You don’t even have to reboot to run Windows applications. The hitch is that you’ll need a licensed version of Windows to keep things nice and legal—if you switch all your rigs to Linux, you’ll have plenty of licenses to spare! Parallels delivers full compatibility with virtually every Windows app, but it does require managing a full Windows install inside the VM.
What about Games?
Games have always been and still are the Achilles’ heel of Linux. There are two ways to play games on Linux: Play a limited number of native Linux games or emulate Windows using Transgaming’s Cedega subscription service, which supports high-profile titles like World of Warcraft and Battlefield 2 but lacks support for many newer titles. For the games it supports, it works. However, we noticed significant performance hits as well as serious image-quality degradation. For our money, it makes more sense to boot back to Windows to play games. We didn’t shell out big bucks for a GeForce 8800 GTX to get our game on at 1280x1024 in DirectX 8 mode in Linux.
Configuring the Boot Menu
In order to change the default OS your machine boots, you'll need to edit a text file. Be careful though, any missteps here could render your PC unbootable!
You’ve installed Ubuntu, but you don’t want it to be the default option in the boot loader. That’s not unusual. To set your Windows install as the default, open a terminal and type sudo gedit /boot/grub/menu.lst. Look for the default entry—it should read 0. To determine what the new default should be, count the number of title lines from the start of the file to the title line for Windows, starting with zero. Title lines that begin with a # don’t count! If your Windows install is on the fourth title line, you’ll set the default to 3. Save the file, and the next time you reboot, your machine will automatically start Windows.
What About Antivirus and Antispyware Applications?
It would be foolish to claim that any operating system is completely secure against spyware and viruses (we’re looking at you, Apple), but it is actually safe to run an Ubuntu install without any kind of malware-fighting utilities running in the background. However, you do need to pay attention to the updates. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of updating whenever Ubuntu prompts you to install any kind of security update. As a general rule, it takes just a second or two, and it will save you a huge hassle in the long term.
[Note: If you're planning to use this machine in a business environment, due dililgence suggests running an antivirus even though the risk is very low. Even though your Linux machine is relatively immune to viruses, it can still act as a carrier for Windows infections. See this article for more information on Linux antiviruses.]
Where to Go Next?
By now, you should have a pretty good idea how to get started using Linux. When you encounter technical problems, start with Google. Type the exact text of the error message you receive, along with the version of Linux you’re using (in your case, Feisty should be enough). Usually, you’ll find your answer on the first page or two of results. If you don’t, check the Ubuntu forums and don’t hesitate to politely request help if your searches are fruitless. We also have a great Linux board filled with knowledgeable, helpful people at the Maximum PC Forums. Be prepared for an occasional disaster, but also be prepared to learn and have a lot of fun. Becoming an expert at a new operating system isn’t an overnight process, but if you take the time to master the penguin, you will be rewarded!
Tracking
Submitted by PhoneyVirus on Fri, 09/04/2009 - 6:06pm
Just Tracking Thanks
I love Ubuntu
Good to see you touting Linux
Submitted by duhclown on Sat, 02/28/2009 - 12:48pm
The first time I tried Linux it was Debian 1.3.1 I think. It was on a CD that came with the Nov. 97 Boot Magazine. It's been downhill ever since and now all my computers at work and home run some distro of Linux. It's good to see that this magazine has gone from Booting to being the Max and that Linux has gone from three days of trying to get an ISA SB16 to finally work to just clicks away from a fully working installed OS. Apps and all.
You both have matured well. Cool.
Submitted by gothliciouz on Fri, 12/05/2008 - 5:23pm
muximum pc you guys really need to update this article, days has gone fast and ubuntu 8.10 is the current version...that also means tha we are facing diferent configuration problems :)
Ubuntu Hardy
Submitted by Techrocket9 on Sun, 07/27/2008 - 1:59pm
When is this going to be updated for Ubuntu Hardy?
Submitted by limpinlou on Tue, 06/24/2008 - 8:04am
The bulk of my problems with any form of Linux I've installed so far is Flash. Until the web, which is so Flash oriented, runs properly on Linux, all distros of Linux will remain on the smallest partitions of my smallest hard drive & can never be my primary operating system.
"When a decision is made, confusion ends"
Submitted by HaloXXI on Mon, 07/14/2008 - 6:42am
I love Unbuntu. Just like to know how you make it portable off a USB drive.
Submitted by AzMonguse on Sat, 06/07/2008 - 6:32pm
Just in case any of you are still looking creative does have beta drivers for the X-Fi sounds cards, which is good as that's what I use.
As far as dumping Vista for Ubuntu or any other version, well from what I have read and seen if you are using your system for 'office' use over all it should work well, but if you play games and use the system for basically everything else or as a non-office system - Myself I'll stick with Vista until I can play my games and run my other apps using it. While it is in many ways a better O/S it still has a long way to go for everyday use - IMHO
Submitted by pgeorge on Thu, 04/24/2008 - 2:27pm
Switching from Windows to Linux may be easy for a programmer maybe, but from the normal user point of view this will be madness. Maybe he can learn how to use applications that look and feel more and more like their Window rivals, but what a man can do when there is a problem? In Windows we'll always have restart :)
Submitted by Kay Jay on Mon, 03/10/2008 - 8:04pm
Real men switch to FreeBSD. ;)
Ubuntu 7.10 rules!
Submitted by fultz on Tue, 02/12/2008 - 10:03am
Hey all. I have switched over to linux on my home box. As well, I go to a technical institute where I've already obtained my A+ cert and working towards my net+... but anyways lol we are slowly introducing ubuntu as the secondary OS. If you're skeptical as I was, you shouldn't be! Ubuntu linux is the easiest flavor of linux to learn and use! Please give it a try! And for those of you who can't live without your call of duty 4 or orange box, they have WINE which emulates a Windows environment.
Good Luck Ubuntu!
Fultz
Submitted by Somercy on Tue, 01/29/2008 - 12:02pm
Once Ubuntu is successfully installed (with correct drivers etc), does it show you all available wireless networks, either through the OS or an application?
I'm considering my laptop as an Ubuntu canidate.
I currently use it as a wireless atlas while I travel.Thanks in advance.
Somercy Hamilton
Submitted by Nick 01 on Mon, 11/19/2007 - 12:59am
Nick00
Has anyone ever heard of or tried pcbsd? Like to hear more about it.
Submitted by jasonbrisbane on Mon, 01/14/2008 - 3:25pm
Hi,
Video Editing is not one of the areas that Linux has seen strong development - at least not for free! I've seen a few programs out there, but they cost a bit(!) so I wont be getting them.
What are they like compared to Windows programs? I dont know as I 've never used Windows Editing Suites either (except WMM, which doesn't count).Linux develops because users want to create or develop a certain app or game for it. Someone creates a base version. others add a function, some add two or three, others modify those functions with cool graphics abilities, etc and after a couple of years you have a fantastic program. Think it takes 3-6 months to develop WoW??? Think again. Those gaming companies burn through developers and game writers faster than you can say where did my life go. (and over 6-8 years life cycles for games).
Linux , I believe, has a shorter development life (I dont have anything to base that one except casual observation though). It can produce a lot more applications as the same code base is used and simultaneously developed for multiple programs.I found Tremulous, Alien Arena, Neziuz and Open Arena all worked as is on my Linux laptop (that isnt powerful enough for Windows). Eve also works (sort of), but crashes in 30 seconds of the game. But I'm not surprised when I'm running under half Min spec on a non-supported Graphics card! The fact it runs at all is a tribute to Linux Developers everywhere and the support of the Linux community. If you want something, then others would have too and you will have a very good chance of finding it with a simple Google search.
In short Linux does work, it is ready for 90% of all desktops everywhere and is smaller, faster and a lot better than Windows. Ubuntu makes it easy and makes it happen, easier! (IMHO)
Regards,
Jason Brisbane
hmmm
Submitted by xveganx on Fri, 01/18/2008 - 9:28am
Ubuntu has made some really great strides in the linux desktop arena. However, there is one seriously overlooked distro that does some things better than ubuntu, and is just as user friendly if not more in some cases.
That is Sabayon Linux.
I suggest anyone curious check it out...
Sabayonlinux.org
Submitted by Shalbatana on Fri, 11/16/2007 - 11:42am
That's not fair! I edit videos for a living....
and none of it is good enough to be on youtube!!! (haha)seriously though, I think many edit system providers are waiting to jump at the chance to base their system on Linux, but are waiting till it's friendliness is fully mature. Install friendly and better graphics drivers should be the key to that. Only problem is...would their editing apps have to be open source?
---
Hey Will, since it's a CC publication, would you be opposed to someone making available a printworthy word doc version they put together? It would include proper credit to the original authors, to this website, and link to the cc terms page of course. If you prefer not...than that person will just keep it for themselves.
And now, another reason to love your penguin.
Submitted by Talcum X on Tue, 11/13/2007 - 7:17am
This is funny for all those windows haters.
http://tinyurl.com/yo7bnn**********
Every morning is the dawn of a new error.
I would love to switch to
Submitted by DiRTDOG on Tue, 11/13/2007 - 8:06am
I would love to switch to linux but unless you use only word processing surf the web it is pretty useless. If I could use Premier and after effects on it with out any issue I switch in a second. My next comp will be a mac for sure.
Submitted by DigitalVampire on Thu, 11/15/2007 - 4:51pm
Ask yourself about the type of software vendors that target the Linux community. Three specific programs come to mind. AutoCAD, Maple, and MATLAB. Now, many programs like this are available for Windows or Mac, but, of the few commercially supported programs available for Linux, most are of this nature. This is because they know the kind of people that use Linux (i.e. Engineers, Scientists, etc.). If your main concern when choosing an operating system is "video editing apps", then you should be fine with Windows or Mac. Now, run along and edit your little video and post it up on youtube.
Submitted by Shalbatana on Tue, 11/13/2007 - 12:28pm
CC license = good!!! Thank you kindly.
No easily printable version = bad! Where's that PDF link????
regardless, I was planning on trying Linux in the next few weeks (after finishing my slipstream PC re-install on my in-laws pc). Good timing, Thanks for this!
=====
Re: DiRTDOG..., why would you switch to mac just to use premiere and AFX? The PC versions are always first to be updated and released, and often include functionality the mac versions don't have or don't get until later. That's reason right there to stay pc based.
====
There's no time like the future.
Submitted by DiRTDOG on Tue, 11/13/2007 - 2:44pm
=====
Re: DiRTDOG..., why would you switch to mac just to use premiere and AFX? The PC versions are always first to be updated and released, and often include functionality the mac versions don't have or don't get until later. That's reason right there to stay pc based.
====
Good point bro, Im just tired of the ustability and bloat of M$ products. I have a very decent system to run video editing apps and they still run slow compared to when I use them on a mac. I have 2gb of ram and the system alone takes up 1/4 of that just to run. It will be a few years before I need a new comp so time will tell on whether or not I go the mac side. The OSX is extremely stable.
PDF Versions
Submitted by willsmith on Tue, 11/13/2007 - 1:58pm
We actually don't make PDF or single-page versions of web articles right now. That's something I'd like to add to the next revision of the site though. Stay tuned.
Submitted by benjamminzIS on Wed, 11/14/2007 - 9:07pm
In Reply To WillSmith:
This will be nice when it happens!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you went to school?
What do you think?
Maybe, It would take a lot of work... and someone on the inside...
I could call in a few favors... but only if you're REALLY serious...
the blue one!
Submitted by dave23d on Mon, 11/12/2007 - 6:19pm
Yep I remember getting (and still have) Maximum Linux mags. Could it be that Maximum Linux can now be part of Maximum PC?
Love the Linux hardware/driver and gamming reviews as well. ;-)
Love Linux and 3D Linux Games :)
Submitted by spam.free on Fri, 06/27/2008 - 10:22am
I too have a few MaximumLinux mags around (I think 1,2,4,5 just fyi), by far my favorite Linux mags even now. Alas, I'm a procrastinator-extraordinaire and never got around to subscribing to MaximumLinux or switching to Linux (lol but I've installed it dozens of times over the intervening years).
I'd love to see in-depth Linux coverage come to MaximumPC! (especially since I have a subscription to it and won't have to drive 40 miles like I did to find a newstand with MaximumLinux.)
Submitted by Kylis on Mon, 03/10/2008 - 9:10pm
Linux can be part of Maximum PC, I like this idea, Maximum PC can both have windows & linux?, just as parallels workstation, with the ability to use in multiple operating systems on a single Maximum PC, that will be cool.
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