Ubuntu for 64 Bit?

[itzpaul]

Hi,

I'm currently interested in running a ubuntu's 64 bit version. I also want to test out all the cool effects, 3d box, etc.

I'm guessing I need to install Beryl.

My computer specs are:
CPU: Intel Quad Core Q6600 @ 2.40ghz
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Video Card: NVIDA GeFOrce 8800 GTS 512mb
Monitors: Dual 24" Monitors
Motherboard: ASUS Striker II Formula

I also use the following windows programs:
Photoshop
Dreamweaver
Evernote
Call of Duty 4 & 5
iTunes
LimeWire
That's about it.

My Questions:

1. Is Ubuntu Linux 64Bit good for what I need?
2. Is there a NVIDIA Driver for my driver.
3. Will it work with dual screens?
4. Will I have any problems with my hardware?
5. What other distros could I try in the future?
6. I eventually want to take my RHCE test. What's needed to learn more about linux?

I don't plan on overclocking my pc. Not yet at least, don't want to ruin things.

Please help, I'd like to get a linux version installed on my PC instead of vista.. Those 3D boxes would be cool

I'm also moving towards Cent OS. If everything can work fine with Cent OS. I'd like to run Cent OS, because I have a web server running on centos. It would help me get more familiarized with it.

[L4Linux]

As for the programs you want to use, you can try running them through WINE.Some alternatives:
Photoshop Alternative: GIMP (also in Windows)
Dreamweaver. Some alternatives: Eclipse, Netbeans, Ajunta...
iTunes. Mozilla Songbird=iTunes+the extension capabilities of Mozilla! And it is a decent browser as well!!(a lot faster than IE!)
LimeWire: Azureus, Vuze, μTorrent

1. It is a good choice.(as long as WINE does the trick for you, or you decide to use the alternatives.If for example Dreamweaver does not work for you and you can't live without it...)Even in this case though, you could run Windows inside Virtualbox or VMware,
2.I haven't read anything about Nvidia 8800 not yet supported, so the driver should work.
3.Ubuntu and other distros have dual monitor capabilities.
4.You can try Ubuntu without installing it to see if everything works ok. Usually the only driver you ever need to install is for the GPU and wireless.
5.See Distrowatch. Some distros that I have tried and liked are Fedora, OpenSuse, Mandriva, gOS, Mint. Currently I use Ubuntu and Fedora. Try some distros and see which one you like.
6.CentOS is by far the best choice if you want to take RHCE test, because it is ...well it is Red Hat, without the brand name and support from Red Hat.

[itzpaul]

Thanks for the reply. Does Beryl and that 3D Cube happen to work with CentOS?

I think I'm also going to try multiple OS's. I'll probably start off with CentOS, Ubuntu, then play with the others.

Thanks for the help. I just wanted to know I wouldn't have any problems with my PC.

Nice tip on the SongBird. Cool program!

[bigtomrodney]

Beryl is now dead. It was a community fork of Compiz, but since then it has remerged into Compiz completely (with a stopover as Compiz Fusion for a few months). It comes by default in Ubuntu. If you run the installer and have your network up and running it will prompt you to install the nVidia driver automatically. After that you can just turn it on (it will be initially disabled due to the lack of 3D drivers).

I run an almost identical rig to you (I have the 8600GTOC) and haven't had any problems yet. The very latest Ubuntu didn't detect my graphics card, though earlier ones did so you might consider having the Alternate CD on hand just in case.

If you want full control over all of the plugins you can install CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM) through Synaptic.

[itzpaul]

Cool. Thanks for the tip. Will definetly come in handy.

Glad you haven't had any problems Downloading Ubuntu now.

I'll also be installing the CompizConfig Settings Manager (CCSM).

How do I get the icons on the top of my desktop like an APPLE computer? What is that called?

[bigtomrodney]

The dock? Haha I run that too. I use one called Avant-Window-Navigator. It's also available through Synaptic so you'll have no trouble getting it. Just select the few add-ons/plugins too so you have the full choice. You can add icons to it by dragging them down onto it, and you can add applets like the Trash bin by right-clicking on it and selecting preferences. Just make sure to click the edge of the dock away from any icons. It's very straightforward, but it depends on Compiz so it'll need to be running or else it won't appear on-screen (it will run in the background until Compiz is running).

Good luck

[itzpaul]

I just installed Ubuntu 8.10.

I went to the hardware to install nvidia. Although it will only install 173 or 177.
Won't install both.

I can't seem to get this to work. So my video card isn't really working 8800 GTS.

Anyone know what I can do?

[L4Linux]

Although it will only install 173 or 177.

Only 1 driver can be installed.(Unless you meant that you expected a newer driver). First try the 177 and go to System->Preferences->Appearance and to Visual Effects tab and choose "extra". Then click another desktop (the bottom right part of the taskbar)
and see if any effect is shown. The default is to see a sliding motion between the desktops.
If it doesn't work, try the 173 driver and if it doesn't either, post again.

[Bemk]

Let's get back to the LimeWire thing.

The best alternative for LimeWire for windows in Linux is LimeWire for Linux.

Yes, that's right, there's also a native Linux port.

[bigtomrodney]

Let's get back to the LimeWire thing.

The best alternative for LimeWire for windows in Linux is LimeWire for Linux.

Yes, that's right, there's also a native Linux port.

After what Limewire have been caught doing in the past I wouldn't trust it, even if it is open source

I'd stick to GTK-Gnutella, aMule or eDonkey. They all (including Limewire) connect to the Gnutella network so don't think that Limewire is something special.