At 11/3/09 04:51 PM, funkycaveman wrote:
thanks for all the info a few things:
first i know some programming languages and can use the cmd, but im guessing it wont be needed?
Using the CMD is almost nothing like using a Terminal Emulator and using bash. If you don't use Terminal or Bash in Linux, you are missing out on an awesomely powerful tool.
also by using a linux based operating system and using a windows emulator in it aparently runs programs better than in windows itself, with the 3d stuff i doubt the actual 3d graphics would be better but it gives you the choice.
I have no idea where you got that information. It is complete bullshit I'm afraid. Unfortunately I don't have Wine installed at all (and cannot be bothered), but Photoshop for me worked fine, but you couldn't read any of the menu text.
3D will be slower (if the applications use DirectX to render the graphics) as Wine will have to translate DirectX calls into OpenGL calls. This also can cause artefacts and other odd behaviour.
the new internal hdd would be blank, is it easier installing unbuntu from the get go or try windows then ubuntu afterwards?
It's easier to run the Live CD, honestly.
Ubuntu may install quicker than Windows (although Microsoft did a better job with 7, taking almost exactly the same amount of time), but you will likely need to do a lot of manual configuration of things that you take for granted in Windows.
At this point in time I see you more of a user than an administrator (in terms of knowledge / skill), and as I say with almost ever user: Get Windows. Simple as.
Also, regarding 3D you will of course need the drivers, which can be a pain in Linux.
9200's and older are not supported by ATi on Linux anymore, and you can only install the drivers up to 9.3.
HD graphics cards (like my main computers HD4870x2) have limited support, although the proprietary drivers can use 3D on them they really are shit compared to the Windows drivers.
The open source drivers "radeon" support everything up to the HD series in both 3D and 2D and the new "radeonhd" drivers support a limited number of cards in 3D and 2D and more only in 2D. 64bit can also cause issues as well with the proprietary drivers that Ubuntu "recommend" you install, I have failed several times to install it through the driver wizard without it causing my computer to seize after booting into GDM (login screen).
SiS cards are pretty awful anyway, but I've only been able to get 2D running on an old computer of mine.
Intel have limited support for specific cards for 3D, but most are happy with 2D.
3DFX are obsolete and shit, so frankly if you have one you should throw your computer out.
So if you do have ATi / SiS / Intel / 3DFX graphics, be prepared for a headache. Nvidia seem to be the only ones who are pro actively supporting Linux drivers at the moment.
I cannot stress enough, that at this moment in time people who simply use computers to do work should NOT install Linux.
Disclaimer: This is not a rant at you.
However, I still love the idea of Linux (and especially Arch Linux) mainly because it is keeping retards out right now.