Is Ubuntu most like Windows or Mac in it's ability to run applications?

Question

I need a new Hard Drive, so I need a new operating system. I was planing on Ubuntu because it's free. Could all my exsting applications run on it like Windows Media Player? And when you donload something thats for windows could Ubuntu run it?Is it like window's functionally or mac's limited software runability? So the next time I download, should I pick the Windows version or the Mac version( Theres usually never a Linux option)?

What about hardware? Can most new TV Tuners, Video cards, and drives work with it?

Answer 1

It is possible to run some windows software on linux using a programme called wine which usually comes with most linux distros, or it's commercial counterpart, Crossover office available from codeweavers.

It is possible to run windows media player but you would need the linux version of this.

Having said all that Ubuntu / Linux will not natively run a windows .exe file. it doesn't need to anyway there are enough linux programmes with similar functionality to their windows counterparts. Ubuntu comes with about 2000 programmes if you connect to the internet & download them using the repositories.

I would suggest you look at OpenSuse as a Linux operating system, although Ubuntu is very popular Opensuse 10.2 is in my opinion much easier to use, better hardware support and more programmes available during the initial install, also it's yast admin tools are much better than Ubuntu's admin tools. To download it go to:
http://en.opensuse.org/Welcome_to_openSUSE.org
make sure you get the addon CD

There are a huge amount of open source programmes which are free, just google linux programmes most are excellent pieces of software.

I moved to Linux completely about 3 years ago and think it's a much better system than windows, you must remember it isn't windows or mac and there is a learning curve with Linux but once you get used to things like how the file system is set up and how install programmes, no virus' , no defrag, no need to reboot after a programme install etc you'll wonder why you ever used windows.

Answer 2

NO. Your windows and/or mac applications will NOT run on Ubuntu, unless you install a 'emulator'. As to hardware, check to see if it is 'linux compatible'. You might have to look around for some of the drivers.

Why not get a large enough HD to load BOTH. (Like 80GB+)

When you format it for the Windows OS leave several GB 'unallocated' for the Ubuntu.
ALSO, use more than 1 partition for Windows.
For a 'Multi-Boot' system load windows FIRST. MOST Linux loaders, including Ubuntu, allow multiple OS's.

EXAMPLE: On 80GB, I use 5GB, 'primary partiion', "C" for Windows OS; 40GB, 'extended partition' with 'logical drives' of 2GB, "D" for Transfers, 5-10GB, "E" for Applications, rest of partition, "F" for games and/or data.

That way I can save backups, updated regularly, of the OS on another partition and lose NOTHING if I ever have to Format "C" and reload the OS.

I use the rest for Linux versions.

I have 1 with Win98SE, Unix, and 5 versions of Linux ALL on 1 HD.

Answer 3

no u cant run windows programs on Ubuntu. u also cant buy software 4 it. and Macs can open the same files Windows computers can. Mac doesn't have limited software runability, u just cant put windows programs on it. u cant put windows programs on anything but windows and u cant put mac programs on anything else besides macs. See its real simple. Just go out and buy Windows XP while u still can or Vista Basic if u have 2.

And to the post above me:

Well actually Ubuntu is easy to use, heck even my grandparents use it.

Answer 4

Ubuntu is more like windows 3.1 which was one of the first program from windows. So beware unless you have a very good computer knowledge.