Maximum PC

So, yes. I am a n00b both to MaximumPC.com Forums and to Linux (my variant is Kubuntu 10.04.1 LTS - for the laptop - and Ubuntu 10.04 LTS for my desktop (Dual boot with XP SP3 for gaming purposes). If I had my way, I'd configure all my games to run inside Ubuntu and be done with Microsoft altogether, but I am unashamed to say I haven't the skills to work with Wine or its variants yet. Unashamed because at least I am won-over, and the beginning is to admit that windows has a problem.

Anyway, now that I am in the process of converting at least 3 of my 4 computers to Linux permanently, I need the suggestions for the following things I am fond of in windows:

☼ Video Encoding/Trans-coding.
☼ Winamp??? (Or Similar - Love the Visualizations).
☼ MP3 Encoding.
☼ Synthesizer/Electro-Beat-Machine Software.
☼ Website Hosting.
☼ Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware (though less of a threat in Linux, still obviously a threat)

Thanks, and hope this thread helps others make the conversion!!!

For webhosting, try Apache.

For antivirus, there aren't too many offerings. I believe AVG has a linux version, and also try clamav.

Very nice. I knew AVG has a Linux variant, but did not know Apache had one. (although I suppose that it was a given). I hope to have substitutes for all my computing needs inside Linux - eventually. And I truly would love to see Microsoft lose a little more ground in market share at the least, or just start making a more bug free and affordable and not-so-DRM-bloated product.....

I'll keep dreaming.

I typically use VLC for media, but there's also xmms, which is almost a clone of winamp. There's others like kaffine, totem, and mplauer that people like too. Just play around with a few and see what strikes you.

I've only used grip for cd ripping....I have instances where I need to convert a file, so I end up using audacity for that.

clam is a fairly decent av. I'm not a big fan of AVG here...last I tried it was a couple of years ago and didn't like the idea of having to build a kernel module for an AV. It ran alright from what I remember...

Not real sure what you're looking for in website hosting...you can setup a lamp system, but that's probably not something I'd be doing on a desktop. Standard FTP services are pretty straight forward though.

Thank you for the comparison of AV, and now that I know about the AVG Kernel nonsense, I think I'll go the same route as you.

I have a question though:

Location: Far away from you

Would that be properly interpreted as your being far away from everyone? I just ask because its an interesting thought.... Far away from anyone who reads "Far away from you".


Thanks very much for the suggestions!!

well I sure was hell don't live next door to you do I

I suppose not, although I can't tell.
But then that's the point I take it so thanks. I was just curious.

what is your opinion (if any) on Dosbox for Linux (if any)?

Best software for Linux. Windows 7.

Don't be trollin' my folder, bitch.

er... What Jipstyle said (Sans profanity). And now that I've found AssaultCUBE and Warsow, I am just that much closer to permanently ditching Windows in favor of less headaches, less driver hunting and all around glee at not having to spend hours using Windows Update every time I reformat my Rigs (Even my Phenom X4 rig takes forever installing all the updates for XP - And I cannot justify Windows 7...yet).

Will I miss any of the Open Source programs that were on Windows? Sure.

Enough to come running back? Only for must-have games which require DirectX. But then, there are consoles for that.

I'm torn and conflicted even without all the OS struggle.

FUWUTI!

If you're running a 10 year old OS, you're not allowed to complain about its performance. This is a new rule. I just made it up but that won't keep me from enforcing it.

XP. Really. Pft.

That's OK, we have Windows 7 HP 64-bit OEM for $99 at my work and I'm thinking about biting the bullet anyway, particularly because my new GT240 will not see the peak of it's performance without more support which XP no longer has. It's almost abandonware now... They stopped giving Windows Updates to Windows 2000 Server, Professional and other 2k variants at the beginning of this year and I am sure XP is on it's way out too. Still, I may keep a few copies of XP around for DOSboxes and the occasional speedy(er) system to send south of the border for charity and such.

The next step: Buying another PCI-Express system to fold with and a shiny, new DX11 card for my next system.

Baby steps Jipstyle, baby steps.

And this:

Windows XP Release (Just FYI)
Still about 10 years, though...

Just sayin... iz pretty sweet app.

But seriously, the only bit of software I can really recommend is for Video editing: http://www.kdenlive.org/

MP3 encoding? There is ffmpeg and lame... but those are both available in Windows too... not sure about how good the GUI front ends are... but the ones I have used for Windows get the job done.

Other than that, it has been my experience that the FOSS components are inferior in every way to purchased windows software I have. Granted I can understand not everybody can buy the software... but it depends what you really want to get out of it.