Recommendations request

[WhitePhoenix]

I am looking for Linux counterparts for the following programs. I am considering Mint, Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Kubuntu and Mandriva.

MSXML Parser and SDK
Karen’s Directory Printer
Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (if functionality not already incorporated in Linux)
AutoHotkey (to create an AutoCorrect file that may be accessed by all programs that have text editing)
file renaming utility

Add to the list Advanced System Care / WinCleaner

[metropoli10]

Of the OSs listed, I would consider Mint or SuSE. SuSE KDE is better than Gnome IMO but try them both...

For the replacements, I'm not sure what you're needing with some so I will answer what I can...
Directory printer - Cups? Try localhost:631 from your browser to configure.
WinCleaner - BleachBit is good. You will find that there is no registry and not many left over files but BleachBit takes care of what is there...
As for the others, sorry I couldn't help...

[rokytnji]

I am looking for Linux counterparts for the following programs. I am considering Mint, Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, Kubuntu and Mandriva.

MSXML Parser and SDK
Karen’s Directory Printer
Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (if functionality not already incorporated in Linux)
AutoHotkey (to create an AutoCorrect file that may be accessed by all programs that have text editing)
file renaming utility

Add to the list Advanced System Care / WinCleaner

The Linux Alternative Project

DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD.

Look through the Linux Alternative project first to see what is available.

Most major Distros Like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian based distros should have those available through the package installer of the distro you choose.

The Linux Alternative Project

[WhitePhoenix]

The distros are not an issue. I have ordered Live CDs of each and will try them out. I only listed them in case there was a difference in which Linux applications worked with specific distros.

Karen’s Directory Printer creates a customizable print out or file of what is in a directory/folder. However, I don’t think there is a Linux version. I use this to organize files within a project that I work on when there are a lot of them.

WinCleaner does more than just cleaning the registry. It has a function to move/rename folders without causing problems and it is able to reverse the process if there is a problem. Other than that Advanced System Care did the same thing a little better: cleaning out junk files, defragmenting, file shredding, uninstalling, system optimization depending on use, browser optimization and security, cleaning out unauthorized cookies, memory optimization, etc.

Although, some of this may not be needed with Linux. I will check out the Linux Alternative Project.

[metropoli10]

WinCleaner does more than just cleaning the registry. It has a function to move/rename folders without causing problems and it is able to reverse the process if there is a problem. Other than that Advanced System Care did the same thing a little better: cleaning out junk files, defragmenting, file shredding, uninstalling, system optimization depending on use, browser optimization and security, cleaning out unauthorized cookies, memory optimization, etc.

Although, some of this may not be needed with Linux. I will check out the Linux Alternative Project.

The distro won't matter. Just look at each as a different flavor... Some wrap it in a file like deb, rpm, etc but you can always make from source, which is best IMO. As far as the Adv Sys Care, that's what I used when I used Windows but like I said, you won't need it. Software isn't like it is in Windows. Look at it like referencing a script and writing back to a file. When your drive doesn't fragment, you don't need optimization. I will say ASC is only good for removing junk. More than a few times, it left functions of programs disable, until I installed it again.

BleachBit cleans out junk files and deeper browser cleaing and tmp cleaning but as for the browser optimization, I think ASC is garbage. I ran several benchmark tests to truly optimize my system before I converted and I saw no benefit from any of the software that advertised that. I will also tell you it creates security holes because when programs write values and ASC or other programs clear them out, you are at risk. I've also tried all the network optimization crap too and it's just that.

Load a distro onto a flash drive if you have to and boot it up. I think everything you are looking for can be found in Linux, you will find much more stability, your security will be greater, and you don't need to look at it like you have to "help" the OS's efficiency by way of another software program....