Who currently uses Linux?

[Tiago]

Harrison:
I installed yesterday the Ubunto 7.10 from CD.

i only manage to do it at 2nd try. In the 1st time i installed it and when he was finnishing, he try to access internet (update/verify something...) he give an error saying he could not access certain server (my wireless router has password), but i could do it later, and say reboot the system, but i wasn't able to do anything, he blocked the screen, ctrl-alt-del didnt work, i had to make a turn-off-on. He was not able to boot or do anything....
so, i have to connect the laptop directly to cable to avoid password from router and install Ubumtu again, then he worked fine!

Know i want to now, where can i get good software, any site?
What do you use as firewall and anti-virus?

[Harrison]

A firewall is already installed as part of Ubuntu so you don't have to worry about that, and no known Virus infections exist for Linux, so currently you don't have anything to worry about. Can you see why people like Linux instead of Windows?

But if you did want a more advanced security setup them you could install clamAV & firestarter. Firestarter is a more advanced firewall than the built in Ubuntu one, but only install this if you really are worried about attacks. And clamAV is useful if you are going to link Linux to any WIndows systems as it will detect any infected Windows files, so while no virus exist for Linux and Ubuntu, if you download and Windows files using Linux you might want it installed to check them for viruses before you copy the files to Windows.

It is strange that you had such problems installing the OS. I installed it without it connected to the internet and it installed fine. It only asked for a network connection when I tried to enable something that required proper graphics card drivers and it needed to download them before it could enable the feature.

As for downloading additional software. The first place to look is on the Ubuntu site itself as they have a section dedicated to partner software companies who directly support the OS. And also have a look in the Ubuntu forums. They have many language sections include a Portuguese area which I think you will find useful.

[Harrison]

Also as you are just starting out with Ubuntu I highly recommend you visit http://ubuntuguide.org/

It has a great guide to the basics, as well as adding and configuring everything.

[Tiago]

well i do not need any special security so i will not put anything, if it has allready a firewall that's fine for me.

I will try to install the VMPLayer for Linux and use the image of XP i did last year....

I think i can used.... it was made on XP but i think VMPlayer in Linux will read it...

I am not playing a lot on PC, but for Linux do we need to do anything special to run games? Do linux have anything like opengl or Direct X that needs to be installed?

OD you know any good games for Linux?

[Harrison]

Linux isn't really for gaming as most people use it for business, server or stability reasons. Direct X doesn't exist in Linux because it is a Microsoft and Windows technology, but OpenGL does, and this gets installed with supporting graphics card drivers in Linux.

Some PC games do have a Linux installer included with them, or available for download. The original Half Life and Quake for example. There are also lots of smaller games developed for Linux. Have a look at http://www.linuxgames.com/ for more information.

Also don't forget that there are also a lot of emulators available for Linux too, include the Linux version of UAE.

[Tiago]

yes, UAE it wil be my priority.
But i would like to test so linux FPS, just to see how they manage.
Some years ago, it was quite difficult to put anything acceptable with good frame rate and good graphics in Mandrake.... i hope thing got better.
Yes sure Linux is for work, not for games.

[Harrison]

You can also install WINE, which then allows many PC games to run under Linux. Normally if a game supports OpenGL then it can be made to run using WINE.

BTW, two recent games that directly support Linux and have Linux installers are Doom 3 and Quake 4.

[Bloodwych]

Interesting thread. I like how more and more people are considering Linux. The spoken word is a powerful force and as easier front end distros become available Linux's free status is bound to grab more of the market.

Coming from Workbench, I've never been afraid of scripts and command prompts, but I just haven't had the will to learn a new operating system - yet.

XP will probably be my last Microsoft product, which I'll continue to use for older games and emulation. Vista really has no appeal to me whatsoever and Linux seems like the route I'll take.

Yes it'll be a steep learning curve, but it's good to be constantly learning new things and I think I'll enjoy the challenge, even though it'll be frustrating at times. It means taking control of my PC back form Microsoft and into my own hands, like it used to be.

As others have mentioned above, I'll start with dual boot, then slowly make the transition. Consoles cover my gaming needs now and Linux, with firefox, open office etc, really has the rest covered.

Here's to change!

[StuKeith]

I use Knopixx as my rescue cd for use on non booting pcs etc, to check the drives. And also to copy files to usb discs in the event of windows not loading.

This last month I have tried

Mandriva 2008
Suse 10
Fedora Core 8

I liked most of them, Suse gave me the most problems getting my wireless to work next to FC8 (Wep64) and M2008 was my easiest setup.

However non of them allowed me to access my windows server shares with ease and after 2-3 hours of trying to work it out, I gave up and went back to windows!

[Harrison]

To use Linux on a Windows network you need to run Samba. You can then create shares to all of your networked PC drives.