At 8/13/08 01:48 AM, cellardoor6 wrote:
So... here's some questions:
1) Anyone here dual-boot Vista and Ubuntu, with Ubuntu as the secondary OS?
I'm running a dual boot with XP and the latest Ubuntu. Ubuntu is technically the secondary OS, however I used to run only Linux on this box. My dad is using Linux on his computer and he's had no problems.
2) How easy is it to go from one OS to the other? Give me a summary of how you do that exactly, like does the computer start in Ubuntu or Vista every time by itself, or can you pick which OS boots up in the console every time you start your computer?
Whenever you start your computer you are given the choice between booting into several Hard Drives and modes, most of which are recovery and safe-graphics modes for Ubuntu. At the bottom I choose XP Pro by using the arrow keys. There's a 10 second window before it auto-boots into Ubuntu.
3) Did you get any performance problems in either of the operating systems? Did you lose files or fragment programs in the partition?
I only noticed that I got an increased performance while using Ubuntu, as it manages ram much nicer than windows ever did.
4) How much is a reasonable amount of harddrive space to reserve for Ubuntu? I have a 250GB harddrive with about 120GB free, and I still plan on using Vista for basically everything other than some light internet/email/media stuff on Ubuntu, basically as a novelty. Would like... 15GB be reasonable? If I wished to uninstall Ubuntu, is it easy to do so?
I believe I have a ridiculously huge partition for Ubuntu. I'd say anything over 20GB is more than enough. 15GB is accepted as an absolute minimum.
5) Is the Ubuntu desktop/interface very easy to personalize? I've seen some sweet customized Ubuntu desktops with all kinds of wacky animations when you move or close windows and stuff like that, but how much effort is required to get that?
My first day with Ubuntu I took some pretty eye-catching screenshots. I got loads of PMs asking how I did it. :P
6) Is it easy to load new skins and get rid of the hideous gray and orange combination toolbar and background Ubuntu comes with?
Very easy. It's all manageable through a graphic interface other than a few minor things that you'll have to download through the terminal, etc.
7) What other programs does Ubuntu have that makes it worthwhile? What can you do with Ubuntu that you can't do with Vista?
YOU CAN HOST A SUPERIOR SERVER LOL.
Seriously though, I really enjoyed making my desktop look nice. Every few days I'd reskin the whole thing and take a snapshot. I don't think there's any real programs that only run on Linux that you would use. It's supposed to be more of a free alternative.
8) How is compatibility with programs for Ubuntu that you usually use for Vista? Are the rumors true that Ubuntu will install and play some games that are supposed to only work on Windows?
I had WoW, CS:S, and Ventrilo working fine. That was enough for me, but I wouldn't count on a lot of other things working.
I'd recommend it as a replacement for windows, rather than a separate tool. Unless it's strictly for learning, you'll find yourself in Windows 98% of the time.