Moving to Linux & have a few ?zz

[JonnyRock]

Hi

I am busy looking at changing my spare PC (it’s basically my internet PC) to Linux but have a few questions.

I am looking at use Ubuntu Linux, just because it seems to be a good start for a Linux noob.

Can I use skype with this distribution of Linux?
What about MSN, google talk and xfire?
I currently use zone alarm. Is there a need for a firewall and an antivirus package?
What about spyware, malware, nasty cookies and scripts coming down from websites? Do these little buggers affect Linux PCs?
Is there an email client similar to Microsoft Outlook?
Will utorrent work?
Can I still use download managers? I currently use Free Download Manager.
How good is open office?
What is a good media player to use with Linux? I play DVD’s on this PC aswell.
Will my usb flash drive and my usb external 80gig HDD still work? Can I more files from my windows PC to the Linux box using these 2?
What software can I use to burn DVD’s?

Thx

PC spec of the Linux box:

AMD 2800+
MSI motherboard n-force2
80gig western digital HDD
ATI 9600pro VGA card
1 gig Kingston Hyper-x memory
Benq DVD writer
Sound in the onboard

[devils casper]

Hi !!

first of all check this list Windows Alternative Packages in Linux. all those packages are available ( or you can install ) in Ubuntu or any other Linux distro.






Casper

[JonnyRock]

wow thx

[Skrud]

I am going through the same process. Tried a few live CD's first just to get the feel. After many unsuccessful installs and screw-ups and a couple of meltdowns,
I think trying a few live CD's is a good way to start. With a live CD, you can torque and tweek without any fear of screwing anything up, because every time you reboot, you start from scratch. I sampled Dam Small Linux, Byzantine, Linspire (same as Freespire) and finally Ubuntu. Sounds like you are using dial up. If so, Ubuntu will mail you a CD for free. That's how I got mine. It and the others can be downloaded but are often more than 300 MB which can take a long time on dial up.
Am now running Ubuntu and it seems pretty friendly and helps increase the confidence level to the point where it doesn't seem like linux too complicated to handle. I think that no matter which distro you choose, dial up configuration will be a real job but there is a lot more help around now than there used to be.

As far as apps go, phone, chat, torrent come w/ Ubuntu. I don't use anything but gedit (notepad) so don't know about open office. A word processer is a word processer. Other stuff like fire wall & download manager can be obtained through Synaptic Package Manager. Most apps are available in multiple versions, flavors and colors and you can keep them all up to date w/ the latest revisions and patches using Synaptic. Also, as a Debian derivitive, Ubuntu can also use the apt-get command to get a gazillion things you want but don't have room for. Eventually, you can download source code for the app you really want, put it in a Deb wrapper and install it your self. But that is not necessary at this point when everything you need is easily available without any degree of expertise.
Check these out. Good luck
http://www.nongnu.org/synaptic/
http://www.debian.org/distrib/packages