A few questions about linux

[TravisMoore]

I'm seriously considering making the move over to Linux from windows. I just need to ask a few questions before I make any concrete decisions. The main one is there are a few programs I need to run (or use Linux equivalents).

I need to use:
-3D Studio Max
-Photoshop
-Flash
-Logic
-CuBase
-Video editting software
-Video capture software (for my webcam)
-Burning software (such as nero)
-Winamp
-MSN? Or equivalent that will connect to msn?

Also hows the compatibility on games?

Does Wine run slowly when "emulating" windows?

One of my main questions is my main problem with windows is it just gets worse and worse the longer you have it and eventually dies where as mac seems to run almost as good as the day you bought it. Is there any benefits in the respect with Linux?

Thanks,

Travis

[Cabhan]

The way I see it, you may not be able to find the exact same program on Linux, but you can find programs that fulfill the same purpose in almost every case. I can't speak on all of yours, but some specifics:

Photoshop ==> GIMP
Burning Software ==> k3b
Winamp ==> Audacious, XMMS, MPlayer, xine, Rhapsody, etc.
MSN ==> Pidgin, aMSN

As for games, very few games are released for Linux. If you're a hardcore gamer, you might find it easiest to just dual-boot with Linux (this is where you have both Windows and Linux installed on your system, and choose which to run when you startup).

Having said that, there are two main projects for running Windows games under Linux. WINE is a general Windows compatibility layer, while Cedega is a fork of WINE specifically geared for gaming. Both of these have databases of apps:
Wine Application DB - Wine Application Database
Cedega Games Database

There is not 100% support from either of these (though Cedega does have games that it specifically tries to support), but I have seen the whole range from flawless to complete failure. But always worth a fiddling with.

As for your last question, this depends a great deal on how you run your system. A well-maintained Windows system will run perfectly fine. The main problem with it is that with Windows, a lot of stuff gets installed that is hard to track, and there tends to be a fair amount of unnecessary bloat. With Linux, you have a lot more control of your system, so this tends not to happen. But there's no guarantee (and the same applies to Mac OS X, for the record).

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

[TravisMoore]

Thanks for the quick reply.

My pc doesn't run slow in day to day use as i try to keep it from running unnecessary programs in the back ground but it is sluggish when gaming (maybe just because its not that great).

I'm not really a hardcore gamer (mainly because my pc can't handle it) but I do like to play multi-player games with my friends on ocation. Dual-boot sounds like it might be for me because i can live without most windows programs but I do use 3Ds Max, Photoshop and Logic a lot and do like to game every now and then.

Another question is which version of windows would you recommend as there are quite a few to pick from I've had a little search and Gnome and Ubuntu look pretty good.

Oh just thought of a good question are the keyboard short cuts the same i.e ctrl+c ?

thanks,

Travis

[Jonathan183]

I agree dual boot is probably best for you given your application list - it works quite well for me too. I spend most of my time using Linux but there are one or two Windows applications I still need to use.

I assume you meant which version of Linux ... nobody can tell you which is the best distribution - there are pros and cons for each. I suggest you have a quick look on distrowatch.com but pick one of the major distributions because you will usually be able to find someone who can help with problems. Also check the distribution you intend using has a forum and look at some of the posts.

The keyboard shortcuts are application specific ... applications like OpenOffice (Linux and Windows versions available) use similar keyboard shortcuts eg Ctrl+c, Ctrl+v etc.

[Cabhan]

There is no "best" Linux distro. Ubuntu is very popular these days, and I would probably suggest that, just because it is very easy to use and install, and has a great community and documentation available. It also has a fantastic package manager (the way you install additional programs). Once you're more familiar with Linux, you can start playing around with other distros.

As for keyboard shortcuts, Jonathan183 is rather correct. Most applications use the same keyboard shortcuts, but some (Emacs and Vim, the two main text editors (note: not word processors) on *nix systems, come to mind) do not, for various reasons.

Overall, you should find things pretty similar.

[TravisMoore]

Thanks guys im definatley leaning towards Linux now i just need to get an external HD first as my HD is not very big and it will be usfull for backing up my stuff.

thanks,

Travis

[elija]

You can also install Windows as a "virtual machine" and run it from within
Linux or so I'm given to understand. I have no idea how easy or hard this
would be as I haven't tried it myself yet.

I'm thinking about having a go with virtual machines so I can experiment with
different distros and things without worrying about breaking my "real" install.

[Hoth]

For MSN, kopete has more to offer than pidgin -- namely custom emoticons and I believe webcam support.

If you don't find GIMP covers all you want, have a look at Krita and Xara.

Wine is a pain with inevitable little problems cropping up, it amazes me that people can stand to use it on a regular basis. Look for native equivilants until you're absolutely sure none exist.