Who else 9.04 ing? - Page 3

entwisi · 06-05-2009, 12:51

heh, who'd want to use one of those

Neil · 06-05-2009, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

heh, who'd want to use one of those

People with no choice because I can't program several different PLC's with Linux

mattylad · 06-05-2009, 22:37

One program I'd want is "Cadstar for Windows" and thats not available on Linux (PCB program).

Although the other tasks the laptop does is mainly web browsing so dual booting would be fine.

Oh and detecting when an SD card is plugged in & moving the images to the HDD.
I can use th installed Gimp instead of photoshop.

Can it dual boot and still use the NTFS C: drive normally (without boogering it up) ?

mattylad · 06-05-2009, 22:41

Hmm, I think it's a case of start with.
Backing up.
Then shrink the volume to create space for Ubuntu.

THen follow [urlhttps://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot]thisi[/url] or this guides.

Problem will be in finding the 10gb to free up in the first place

mattylad · 06-05-2009, 23:01

quick, you almost have a new convert here

would I need something like AVG/spywareblaster etc?
what about reading PDF's ?

I have found my printer driver, do I want a "Debian Linux" or "RPM Linux" driver?

what about CD writing etc?
I currently use Nero 8.

this is sounding too easy.

Maybe I'll start to backup stuff soon

Neil · 07-05-2009, 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattylad

Can it dual boot and still use the NTFS C: drive normally (without boogering it up) ?

Easiest way is to resize C: drive making space to add the Linux partitions after the Windows partition.

entwisi · 07-05-2009, 07:13

OK, in turn.

CADSTAR may work fine under Wine or crossover Office even under Linux. If you have a copy I'll happily try it on mine.

mounting memory cards works just fine unless you have some really weird card reader.

The Ubuntu disk can do all the shrinking/Dual boot/ etc for you even with NTFS. And yes, its now fully read/write safe from Linux.

AVG nope, Spyblaster - nope, no need for any of these things. If you want to be really friendly to your mates etc you can install and AV to scan so you don't accidentally forward an already infected email that you have received ( but obviously had no effect under Linux)

PDFs there are a number of PDF readers under Linux installed by default or you can run Adobe acrobat under Wine if you really must

Are you certain your printer driver isn't there by default? One of the differences is that Linux uses modules that can be dynamically loaded when you plug a printer etc in so you may find that its supported already without the need for 'drivers'. You may find them offered for download for the geeks that compile their own stuff from source code for everything.

For reference though Ubuntu uses the Debian .deb format for binary packages. but you are better using the Synaptic Package manager to install stuff as it will then automatically check and upgrade it when new stable versions are released.

CD writing - K3B is my personal tool of choice but there are others as well. 9.04 has Brasero as default. You may need to install the non free MP3 codecs if you want to burn Mp3s to Audio CD or to rip CDs. This is purely a licensing issue in that Linux won't install non free stuff by default and you have to do it yourself.

One thing of note is that under Linux you usually have a choice of tool very much like under Windows but without the need to install dodgy copies to see which you prefer. If you really want to you can usually do a lot of stuff very easily from Command line if you are happy with typing text.

e.g. I downloaded a load of pictures from my DSLR and wanted a 'smaller' copy for use on web pages. change to teh directory the files were in

convert -resize 800x600 *.jpg

wait 30 secs or so

done.

Happy to help if you have any more Q's either here or on MSN(details on my profile page) etc.

Neil · 07-05-2009, 07:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

Happy to help if you have any more Q's either here or on MSN(details on my profile page) etc.

It always makes me smile that you actually use MSN

You can't get more Microsoft that using their IM network

entwisi · 07-05-2009, 08:00

Why? I don't use any Microsoft software to do it? its just a protocol to me. like speaking French or Spanish. I may be British through and through but I'm still as equally happy with the result of "deux bierres si vous plait" as I am with "same again". plus teh other choice involves teh letters A O and L and I'd even say that thats worse!!!!

Neil · 07-05-2009, 08:17

MSN id not just a protocol, it works by using Microsoft servers

entwisi · 07-05-2009, 08:28

but you don't need an msn or hotmail accouint to sign on, I just use the one I've had for ~ 10 years from when I used to occasionally use Windows.

IIRC Hotmail used to run on Unix till they were found out and Bill forced them to move them.

mattylad · 07-05-2009, 08:40

OK cheers Ian.

Now I'm armed with the info I'll leave it till I can make the space needed.
I think I'll have to do some archiving first.

I'm also checking if my Freecycle tool runs well under Linux etc, should do as it uses Firefox & Java. I have the guy who wrote it to help with that though.

Cheers.
Matty

entwisi · 07-05-2009, 10:56

Java is platform independant ( I should know, I'm a java Developer by trade) and as is firefox so I don't forsee any issues unless teh java has itself been written to tie to Windows ( i.e. using windows file paths etc )

Well, let us know when you are ready to take teh plunge.!

K.S.H · 07-05-2009, 14:36

Heres a good list of alternative programs to use Windows and OS X Software Alternatives | Linux App Finder

For back ups I use Quickstart QuickStart • Index page

Less · 07-05-2009, 16:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

Java is platform independant ( I should know, I'm a java Developer by trade)

No, No, No, I can't resist, which trade? Mechanic? Chef? I.T.? Cellar Man? Etc, Etc?

I only learnt one, and I didn't think I came top of the class at that one but...

Sorry entwisi, I tried not to be tempted!