Where can I get Linux?

Question

Also, can I get games to work on Linux like Harry Potter or sumtin bought from WalMart. Ya Know wat i mean. Does a lot of software work on it? Is it fun? Etc.

Answer 1

I tried to install Ubuntu Linux to my notebook computer a couple weeks ago. You can download it here: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download Ubuntu is considered one of the most popular versions out these days.

Be sure you understand the installation instructions, especially that you must burn the download onto a CD/DVD as an .iso image. It's not as straightforward as installing Windows software. Also, heed the commonsense warning to back up all your essential programs and files to CDs/DVDs before doing any sort of major installation like this--you don't want to lose your data. Read up thoroughly online about installation, including possible problems and their solutions, before you begin so you don't get strung up by some unforeseen problem. A botched partition install could cause you to lose all data on your hard drive. Don't do this without backing everything up first.

I didn't have much luck with Linux. I'm pretty smart, and I can handle most problems in XP and Vista, and my friends call me when they have hardware and software problems. But I had problems with Linux immediately. They included problems with the installation and initial startup, and then big problems with drivers for my wireless internet. I never did get WiFi to work on my computer, and it's the only way I have to connect to the internet. This was a deal-breaker for me, and so I gave up.

When I went online looking for Linux answers/help, I discovered that there are about 2 dozen versions (or more) of Linux being used these days, and they aren't all 100% compatible with each other, so you have to be sure you are getting answers for the right version--the one that you have. I also learned that many people were having problems with the WiFi card I have, and they weren't getting answers--there were a lot of dead threads in forums where nobody replied to their questions.

Linux is a programming-type software, meaning that you have to write all your own instructions into a programming line or screen, which is different than the point-and-click and occasionally type something of Windows. The programming instructions often get quite complicated. Some of the instructions I found were incorrect, and some didn't make any sense because they were poorly explained. One problem I found everywhere was that people who use Linux do poorly at explaining Linux to new users, and in newsgroups and forums, if you ask a question, others are as likely to insult or attack you as they are likely to help, especially if you dare mention the obvious fact that using Linux is more difficult than using Windows or Mac. The final frustration was that the Ubuntu website was seriously lacking in detailed and useful help files. I didn't find Linux fun, but I will give you the option of discovering your own opinion on this.

The final rub--for you--is that most games don't play well, or at all, on Linux. This is a well-worn topic that is discussed and argued endlessly online. There are various Linux programs called "Windows emulators," that will allow you to run some Windows programs in Linux, in a sort of program-within-a-program interface. It's complicated, and the emulators don't work with every type of Windows software, only certain titles or types. I'm told that emulators have to be custom designed to run each individual game, if it can be done at all. And this begs the question, if you have to go to all this trouble to use Linux, why not just stay with Windows?

From what I've told you, the learning curve with Linux is steep. If you have a separate computer, or enough hard drive space to install Linux to a partition; AND you have the time and patience to endlessly research problems; AND write and tweak your own code, then maybe Linux is for you. Honestly--you may find learning how to program Linux enjoyable, in which case, go for it. If you don't, be realistic, and keep in mind that consensus is that Linux does not run games well. Whatever you do, do not install Linux alone on a machine that you rely on for frequent use, because depending on your luck, it could be hours to weeks before you ever get it running properly.

Answer 2

I might say Ubuntu, It could be very practical to make use of for a beginner, however it nonetheless has the potential to do very complicated matters Also GNOME is a laptop atmosphere, like KDE. Ubuntu comes with GNOME. If you wish a extra Windows-like atmosphere you should utilize Kubuntu that is Ubuntu with the KDE atmosphere as an alternative than GNOME. A well factor with Ubuntu is that you'll be able to difference among the types very readily, simply utilizing synaptic kit supervisor (a application you're going to use plenty for those who get Ubuntu or Debian) you'll be able to difference laptop environments and upload the elements of each and every variation with only a few clicks. Also Ubuntu is founded off debian, so they're identical however ubuntu is designed to be extra person-pleasant.

Answer 3

there is a windows API implementation called wine you can install on modern distros like fedora and ubuntu which allows running some windows games on linux. there are also a lot of free games available on linux.

Answer 4

Best distro to download is Ubuntu.
For info about Linux go here and ask
http://pressf1.pcworld.co.nz/index.php

Answer 5

you can get many distros of linux online. windows programs do not run on linux.

Answer 6

haha..go to linux.com and u can download from there...umm games..its nto really meant for games..its meant more for progamming but its a good OS

Answer 7

I have a friend who i'll ask about it.

i'll let ya know