Before start to use Linux, I need some answers :)

[DennisDee]

Hi @ all.

This is my first post and also its my first time to work with Linux. Well I will start in few days, just need to get some answers first, hehe.

So, my questions will be connected with MS programs. I work as graphic/web designer with programs like Adobe PhotoShop, CorelDraw, Macromedia full tool programs and so on. Also Im digital music producer and im using Reason 4, FL sudio, Adobe Audition 3, Sony ACID and sometimes im using Virtual DJ.

I will need also installed Office 2003 on Linux sys, not because of me, its because of my mom (she cant work with OpenOffice lol).

I did read about Wine and/or Crossover Office programs, wich works as emulator. Also i tested Crossover office once with Adobe Audition 3 (unsupported software), but I didnt make it to work, hehe.

Anyway, first of all i would like to know, wich of these two programs is better (more programs support). Also i read a bit about distrobutions of Linux and tested few of them (OpenSuse, Ubuntu/Kubuntu, Debian). Somehow i see myself with Ubuntu/Kubuntu (depends on next answer, hehe).

So my next question is GNOME/KDE, wich one is better and why?


And on end, i know there are many programs for Linux, wich are allmost same as Windows programs, but i will need some time to learn them full, thats why im asking all these questions .

Regards,
Denis

[coopstah13]

if you're tied to so many windows native applications and can't find a reasonable linux alternative, youre just better off sticking with windows

as for which is better, nothing on linux is better, its about choice and preference, you have to figure out which you like more

[DennisDee]

Thats why im asking here about experience with Wine/Crossover. I allready found for example ardour, wich is simillar to cuebase/audition and i belive there are many alternative applications, but in time when i learn all apps from 0, i would like to use win apps. I had once before Linux Slackware, but it was only as web server - command line only, without gnome/kde...

[L4Linux]

I totally agree with coopstah13. If you can't work without all those windows application, you'd better keep using Windows. It is the exact opposite of many users that use Windows and only run Mozilla Firefox, ThunderbirdOpenOffice, Gimp, VLC which are available in Linux!
You can dual-boot, or start using Open-Source equivalents in Windows to get used to them before leaving Windows. Gimp, Inkscape, openoffice...

[coopstah13]

you should set up your computer as a dual-boot system then, and run windows and linux side by side, wine/crossover aren't foolproof, I find that it is ok if you have maybe one or two windows apps that are holding you to the OS, then it might be worthwhile to stick with linux and tweak wine and/or deal with crashes, but with a list as long as yours I can't see a good reason why

[rokytnji]

So my next question is GNOME/KDE, wich one is better and why?

Both have their strong and weak points. It's kind of like asking somebody which ice cream tastes better. Strawberry or Chocolate. Whatever a user feels more comfortable using is usually the best one. I use gnome because my mind synchronises with it better than KDE. Although I also use KDE 3.5 in NimbleX. Hard question to answer on which is best.

And on end, i know there are many programs for Linux, wich are allmost same as Windows programs

Have you checked this out ?

The table of equivalents / replacements / analogs of Windows software in Linux. (Official site of the table)

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

You should definitely strive to free yourself and learn a bit about Linux. The dual-boot alternative as suggested by the others above is probably your best option at this point.

Regarding whether KDE or Gnome is better, KDE is certainly better than Gnome if you like it better. If not, Gnome is without a doubt better than KDE, but only if you like it better.

Have fun with Gnome, KDE, and Linux, and/or with Windows should you decide to keep using it.

[Chris_C]

I've always found gnome to be much more stable than kde (kde 4.0 was particularly dire!)
[DUCKS]

But then I think Gimp blows photoshop out of the water for ease of use, and scripting your
own plugin is a lot easier than using the ps api

Many people just use the default setting for open office without realising that annoyances can be
reconfigured! I'll bet your version of ms office has a number of configuration changes!

Check out LMMS which is getting close to FL studio - but like any other new app research how
its used before throwing up your hands in disgust and giving up forever...

Linux app's tend to change and develop a lot more rapidly the commercial apps, this can be a
two edge sword bugs V's new features but then windows apps are far from bug free, and the
speed of improvement is nice

it is rather a matter of personal choice and you'll only get out of Linux what you are prepared
to put into it. However once learnt to a reasonable level you wont miss windows...