hi from kelvin, i never used linux before..

[sinaicrafts]

Hi and thanks. I wish to try to put linux on my lenovo g550 to make photoshop faster for my work restoring antique photos. Any ideas as to which one is best? i am not a programmer - it seems like a system for programmers, although i can manage windows well and efficiently. i am confused as to if i install a linix distribution in my machine, how i will get drivers, as lenovo doesnt seem to have any, and if i will need them for intel graphic, chipset, wifi, audio, etc. Can anyone offer advice? I am very grateful, all the best

[Peter D]

Hi Kelvin,

Welcome to the forum.

Before you install Linux to your Lenovo it's probably a good idea to try out one or two live OSes which run from a CD without affecting your current system. Ubuntu, Fedora, SUSE, Linux Mint and most others offer this as an option. That will allow you to check that everything works before you install to your machine. Generally speaking things work "out of the box" as most drivers are included in the kernel.

If you want to run photoshop on Linux you will need to do so using Wine (which allows you to run Windows programs). It might not work - I don't know I don't use Windows software on my Linux box at all. There are Linux alternatives such as GIMP which may or may not offer you everything you want.

If you've never used Linux before there is a learning curve but it's a great system. Just remember - it's not Windows and come on here to ask for help when you need it.

[sinaicrafts]

thanks, i will try what you said. i'd also like to be in the future a bit more ... off matrix... so i really hope i can learn it, although i have little time right now. in the beginning i may have to post as lot of questions! which do you recommend for easy install of wine, then other programs, and a fairly broad chance of the wireless drivers working. i tried suse but uninstalled it straight away as it had a low screen resolution. many thanks again, kelvin

[MikeTbob]

Hello and Welcome to the forums, Kelvin.
In my opinion, Linux Mint is the Bees Knees for new to Linux people. It's basically "Ubuntu on Steroids" (not my words), everything usually just works right out of the box. If you have a Wired connection available then you can install any extra drivers that you may need, from the Mint "Control Panel". Give it a shot, I think you'll be impressed. Also, and this is just an opinion, don't mess with Wine right now. It's not easy to deal with for one and it's only going to make things seem more complicated while you're trying to learn how to use a new OS. Later on, when you get more familiar with Linux then you can install Wine.

[jayd512]

Welcome to LinuxForums!

I'm with Mike on this. Mint is an outstanding distro if you're just making the switch. Most of your drivers will already be loaded and running.
I also agree with the idea of using the LiveCD first. Not only for testing hardware compatibility, but you'll also see how the system looks, and get a chance to play with the apps and system layout.

Let us know what you decide!

[stgo]

Ubuntu it's the best and before install you need a DVD+R for Lenovo rescue system and burn like in 3 discs with Cyberlink Lenovo have.
I don't see any problem for install Ubuntu Linux but you need to understand what it OS/2 and USB NTFS extra memory.
Wubi Ubuntu installer need it through windows or download Ubuntu and burn it on a CD-R and boot following instuctions.
Ubuntu have only one software for buy and it Fluendo Complete Playback Pack at Ubuntu shop but nothing for Photoshop and Gimp maybe can do what you need with effects Gimp have and with time you can learn how use it. Gimp full program it need it not basic because your going to see how many programs together Gimp have for install. may be have the effects photo you need or for making by your self by one and one until you see the restoring picture effect.
In short,SUPER OS it's like modify version of Ubuntu so if you install wine for install photoshop after install Ubuntu you need maybe a windows desktop gamer or with a big graphic minds big power supply box.
go to distrowatch.com and click on last 7 days ranking and see where it Ubuntu and see Ubuntu base distribution distros.
Ubuntu studio have drivers most for music....maybe for Gimp to because it's moving programs very nice smoothly.
Who knows?

[Mudgen]

Another welcome from an old grey haired systems guy. Gimp is the Linux answer to Photoshop, as has been mentioned. The interface is somewhat different, but if you're skilled at Photoshop, you'll know how to use the tools, you'll just have to re-learn how to find them in the toolbox. Good luck, and keep coming back as you need help or are ready to help others.

[MASONTX]

I agree that Ubuntu or Mint would be a good first distro. Ultimate is ubuntu with a bunch of extra drivers, apps, etc thrown in, but you can download them yourself from the synaptic package manager. Gimp, available through synaptic if not included in the distro, is a good photo program and will probably meet your needs. Distrowatch.com is a good site to see different distro's, but I would recommend the 6 month view instead of the 7 day view. The 7 day view can be skewed by a recent release that everyone rushes to try out, while the 6 month view reflects a better overall popularity of a distro. Have fun and enjoy.

[scutiform]

No body has mentioned that you can "Dual boot" both Linux and Windows from the same computer. Check on this forum for instructions on preparing a windows machine and adding Linux. I use Ubuntu and Gimp for a lot of graphic work, but I also have PaintShop pro 8 available for certain filters and affects that are not available or easy on Gimp Gimp has a good forum and news letter for how to get the best from it - well worth using). Mint is the better choice for migrating from Windows as it's not such a culture shock. Drivers for most chip sets are available now on most Linux distributions, and you will be amazed on how quickly you can install printers on Linux (just plug it in, answer one or two questions, job done - Windows 3/4 of an hour) Graphics pads are still a pain. When I upgraded to Ubuntu 11.04 my graphics pad worked perfectly for about 2 days, one reason to keep windows as a backup. I keep my working files in a folder that is available to both Ubuntu and Windows.

[Paulteacher]

No body has mentioned that you can "Dual boot" both Linux and Windows from the same computer. Check on this forum for instructions on preparing a windows machine and adding Linux. I use Ubuntu and Gimp for a lot of graphic work, but I also have PaintShop pro 8 available for certain filters and affects that are not available or easy on Gimp Gimp has a good forum and news letter for how to get the best from it - well worth using). Mint is the better choice for migrating from Windows as it's not such a culture shock. Drivers for most chip sets are available now on most Linux distributions, and you will be amazed on how quickly you can install printers on Linux (just plug it in, answer one or two questions, job done - Windows 3/4 of an hour) Graphics pads are still a pain. When I upgraded to Ubuntu 11.04 my graphics pad worked perfectly for about 2 days, one reason to keep windows as a backup. I keep my working files in a folder that is available to both Ubuntu and Windows.

As an ubuntu/mint user for 6 years, can safely say this: Lots of good advice above there. I have that exact notebook and have it triple booting with win 7 (wiped the vista crap off of it) and loaded both mint and ubuntu on it.

Not sure who it was who mentioned that there is a learning curve with Linux and maybe "test drive" with some live versions first. Sage advice.

Did not see it mentioned so will do so now: As there is a learning curve, expect about a year or more to get used to the operating system(s) that you choose. Over the years have seen many come and go over the learning curve. For the record, the curve is simple enough that my mom and my kids happily run linux on their machines and have done so for years now. In fact, my high schooler admins her own machine.

GIMP is a wonderful alternative to photochop

As was stated somewhere above there, ask questions here and we will give the best answers we can. If I may say: Keep track of what you did and the outcome of such, as it may help to resolve the problems faster/ easier.

------ NEVER run rm -rf unless you know exactly what you are doing and why -----------