Can you convert me?

[nlmorgan09]

A online friend of mine suggested I try Fedora 15 but, I have absolutely zero experience with Linux. Needless to say I have a ton of questions and concerns.

Let me start of by saying I have had the same computer for almost 8 or 9 years now. I'm running Windows XP Pro. Here are some basic specs:

Processor: Pentium 4 3.20GHz
RAM: 2.5 GB
Hard drive: 150 GB(with 1.5 TB of external space as well)

Ya know, your basic outdated Windows PC. Honestly, It runs well for what I do. Anyways, back to the point. I am tempted to install a Linux OS but is my PC too outdated? I like the thought of it being open sourced and I hear about many programs that are comparable to Windows progams. My main concern is can I get Windows programs to run on it like Photoshop CS4? My wife is a photographer so thats a big deal to us. Also, we have The Sims 3 with a no-CD crack(hate putting in the CD every time)... would a program with a crack or a fix be a problem? Lastly, would there be any issues recognizing my peripherals(external hard drives, card reader, router)?

I'm sure ill have plenty of questions but the important one right now is... where do i start?

I've been a Windows guy my whole life and I'm not afraid to learn something new especially if it opens me up to opportunities that Windows can't.

[oz]

I'm sure ill have plenty of questions but the important one right now is... where do i start?

Hello and welcome to the forums!

Check the link in my signature for lots of good info on getting started with Linux. The info provided there should answer the majority of your questions.

Best of luck to you with whatever distribution or OS you should decide to use.

[jayd512]

Welcome aboard!

First of all, that computer should have no problem running a fully featured Linux OS. Linux is typically easier on resources than Windows.
Also, since you ask about comparable programs, check here: The Linux Alternative Project

[nlmorgan09]

Welcome aboard!

First of all, that computer should have no problem running a fully featured Linux OS. Linux is typically easier on resources than Windows.
Also, since you ask about comparable programs, check here: The Linux Alternative Project

Hi jayd512!

Thanks for the warm welcome! I loved the link you provided. I gave it a quick once over. I noticed there are alternatives to uTorrent... so that means uTorrent will not work with Linux? Not that its a big deal really... I used Bittorrent first then switch to uTorrent because most all information I researched made mention of it specifically.

I also saw the alternatives to Photoshop on there as well. This could be just what the doctor ordered seeing as how my wife has not installed Photoshop on my PC...yet. I have heard of GIMP before on the Kim Komando Show. As long as she could take her photoshop files, work on them in GIMP, and back to photoshop I see no issues with that.

I do a lot of research before I jump into something new like this so thanks to everyone and anyone who offer help and advice.

[Jonathan183]

I'd try a couple of live CDs and see which you like, and which work with your hardware - but keep in mind things will run slower from a CD than a hard drive. This thread has recommended distros for new users ... could be worth a look.

When you have made up your mind which you want to try I suggest you setup a dual boot and see how you get on with things ... if you find some things better on Linux and others better on Windows you can just reboot the computer to use whichever OS you want.

Don't forget to backup data before you do the install

[jayd512]

I noticed there are alternatives to uTorrent... so that means uTorrent will not work with Linux?

I've never had reason to try it, honestly. Transmission works flawlessly for me, everytime. And it's installed by default on most distros.

[nlmorgan09]

Yeah Jonathan183, I figured if I gave it a try I would go for a live CD. I have also thought about doing a dual boot but, I have never attempted something like that. I am certain I can do it... its just a matter of following a tutorial. I know for a fact that is what I would prefer to do!

[nlmorgan09]

I've never had reason to try it, honestly. Transmission works flawlessly for me, everytime. And it's installed by default on most distros.

I just did some light skimming on google about Transmission. It looks good but I noticed there is no RSS downloader funtionality. Really that is not a big deal seeing as I would choose to dual boot. I also got on youtube and watched some demonstrations of Ubuntu and Fedora 15. That Ubuntu OS in the video looked AMAZING!

[nlmorgan09]

Hello and welcome to the forums!

Check the link in my signature for lots of good info on getting started with Linux. The info provided there should answer the majority of your questions.

Best of luck to you with whatever distribution or OS you should decide to use.

Thanks ozar! I read through every single link there was. Some of the info seemed foreign to me but not enough to deter me from trying. I can;t really go wrong when I choose to help myself and know I would have a community of users to back me up... which I must say is very inviting!

[oz]

Some of the info seemed foreign to me but not enough to deter me from trying.

There is definitely a learning curve when moving from Windows to Linux, but it's not too bad if you give it some time and you focus on just one issue at a time until you know what you are doing. Nobody here was born knowing how to use Linux, and most of us started out in pretty much the same place that you are starting from. It just takes a while to get some momentum going.

Try to have fun with it!