What Can Ubuntu Do That Windows 7 Cannot? - Hardware & Software

Hey, I'm considering dual booting xUbuntu on my laptop and was just wondering whether there is anything I can do or do easier on Ubuntu that I cant do on windows 7.

Multiple desktops without third-party software is nice. :c00l:

Here's something that's true for all OSes. You can do all of the same things. You can browse the web , check your emails, do work (spreadsheet/word processing, etc.), listen to music, watch videos, etc. Generally if you would compare Linux to Win7 you could say that it's easier to customize your desktop. I also find that under linux coding doesn't become a pain in the ass. The Windows API is pretty horrible. It's also easier to work with libraries. Xubuntu is generally faster than Windows 7. The real appeal of Linux is to have complete control over your system. [editline]05:40PM[/editline] One thing you have to consider is if you have to use very specific software that only runs on Windows. You could use wine to run such software but it might not work or give a good result. Linux is also "safer". Of course there are exploits but these are fixed very quickly. On windows, exploits can stick around for a long time. Try it out and pick the one you like more.

Just how open and editable it is Most people who prefer Linux to Windows or Mac is because of how constricted and unwritable they are

Linux beats Windows for common tasks, such as office software, web browsing, etc. It is usually faster and more secure (don't think there aren't any vulnerabilities, just fewer). Many people like it for the easy customization as well. Windows, however, has a lot of software Linux doesn't, including most games and applications such as iTunes (there are alternatives, but they just aren't the same). It is possible to run Windows programs through a compatibility layer like WINE, but the results are mixed. Really, just look at what you usually do on computers and see if you could do it on Linux. Also, keep in mind that it is possible to dual-boot.

running photoshop properly [editline]11:03PM[/editline] wine is really annoying for what it is tbh after you configure and all dis stuff there are still always some weird holes and crashes everywhere

I have never had such an issue in WINE. I am beginning to think I have very good luck.

yes you are lucky

Advantages of Windows(I have used up to vista, but 7 should be similar) [LIST] [*]Native software runs faster with less bugs [*]More support in general as more people use the OS [*]Nice default settings(Ubuntu has nice ones too, so this point does not really count) [/LIST] Advantages of Ubuntu [LIST] [*]Tends to be faster(due to the ability to disable everything you don't need) [*]WINE tends to at the very least run most windows software [*]Respitories make getting software and updating very easy [*]Very easy to customize [*]Install tends to take up less space than a windows install [*]Free (not really a point for laptops as they mostly come with Windows already installed [/LIST] NOTE: If you plan on running Gmod, it will work in directx8.1 mode(look here to see what you are missing [url]http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/DirectX_Versions[/url]) without a hitch in WINE, but you WILL lose FPS(I went down from 130-110)

They both have their ups and downs. Ubuntu can do pretty much anything/everything Winders can and then some. [editline]09:56PM[/editline] [QUOTE=ASmellyOgre;22169045]Linux beats Windows for common tasks, such as office software, web browsing, [/QUOTE] How are those any different in Windows than Linux?

Panda its not that Linux's version of the software is better in those areas, its that Microsoft's software advantages don't show in that area, allowing Linux's other advantages to be more valid.

1. speed i think the speed is matched with windows 7 now, but i'm not sure. it's always taken exponentially longer to do certain task with windows as compared to ubuntu(saving .blends to a flash drive takes up to 30 minutes on windows, never took more than 30 seconds for the same file here). 2. aesthetics compiz. that is all to be said on that subject. 3. customizability open-source, obviously. even without the knowledge to code your own programs, it's still has a bit more freedom to customize. 4. the terminal depends on your preference really, but the linux terminal is fun. makes you feel like an absolute nerd, in a good way. other than that, you can do pretty much everything that windows can. i'd mention the gaming problem(no directX, harder to run proprietary games), but you're dual booting, no problems here.

[url=http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=943847]KVM[/url] /thread

The main appeal of Linux is that it's generally free and is more programmer friendly.

[QUOTE=killman;22173134]Panda its not that Linux's version of the software is better in those areas, its that Microsoft's software advantages don't show in that area, allowing Linux's other advantages to be more valid.[/QUOTE] I'm not saying you're wrong but what advantages change web browsing and office work?

[QUOTE=Panda X;22176060]I'm not saying you're wrong but what advantages change web browsing and office work?[/QUOTE] With a basic task like that I'd say the fact that Linux is generally free would be an advantage.

Only use Linux if you know what you're doing, and if you don't you're going to be swearing for hours on trying to remove GRUB... it's also harder to install stuff since you gotta do everything through the console and it's a pain if you're new to the linux scene.

If your reason for using Linux is because you want to get away from Windows, I would suggest not bothering. I switched during Windows ME and had good reason to do so - I use Windows 7 at work and it's not too bad now. However, if you want to switch for freedom purposes, definitely go for it, but learn all about UNIX if you can and do it properly, don't just install Ubuntu and hope for something comparable with Windows. You can do the same things but you'll need to learn a different way of doing them. Some people can't cope with that because they get stressed that they "knew so much before" and now "can't do it".

[QUOTE=ph:lxyz;22176611]Some people can't cope with that because they get stressed that they "knew so much before" and now "can't do it".[/QUOTE] I can relate to that. Coming from heavy Linux usage, I feel like a retarded person going back to Windows.

[QUOTE=ASmellyOgre;22169045]Linux beats Windows for common tasks, such as office software, web browsing, etc. It is usually faster and more secure (don't think there aren't any vulnerabilities, just fewer). Many people like it for the easy customization as well. Windows, however, has a lot of software Linux doesn't, including most games and applications such as iTunes (there are alternatives, but they just aren't the same). It is possible to run Windows programs through a compatibility layer like WINE, but the results are mixed. Really, just look at what you usually do on computers and see if you could do it on Linux. Also, keep in mind that it is possible to dual-boot.[/QUOTE] Rhythmbox does just about everything iTunes can do, with the exception of iPod restoration (But I keep Virtualbox around for that with a Mini XP installation).

[QUOTE=stablemist;22176110]Only use Linux if you know what you're doing, and if you don't you're going to be swearing for hours on trying to remove GRUB... it's also harder to install stuff since you gotta do everything through the console and it's a pain if you're new to the linux scene.[/QUOTE] Everything this guy says is wrong. Completely ignore it. [editline]07:36PM[/editline] [QUOTE=killman;22172848]Advantages of Windows(I have used up to vista, but 7 should be similar) [LIST] [*]Native software runs faster with less bugs [/LIST] [/QUOTE] Native software runs equally in either os, unless your particular application makes use of something which doesn't work well in the other. Like forking is slow as balls in Windows. [QUOTE=killman;22172848] Advantages of Ubuntu [LIST] [*]Free (not really a point for laptops as they mostly come with Windows already installed [/LIST] [/QUOTE] It's still a point for laptops, you're actually legally entitled to have windows refunded if you so desire. Also updating from xxx to Windows 7 is going to cost a lot of money, updating from xxx to Ubuntu 10.04 is going to be basically free.

It can reboot with forcing you to wait +5 minutes.

Ubuntu just gives you freedom... Windows.... Restriction!

Personal taste.

[QUOTE=blankthemuffin;22177908]you're actually legally entitled to have windows refunded if you so desire[/QUOTE] that doesn't mean that the OEMs aren't going to fight you to the death over it.

Here are some hard quotes people from Dell itself. So, they have to give you the refund [QUOTE] Application software and operating systems that have been installed by Dell may be returned only if installed on a returnable system, and only if you return that system within the applicable return period.[/QUOTE] source: [url]http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/policy/en/policy?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~section=018[/url] But, they can give you less for the software [QUOTE]At Dell's discretion, credit for partial returns may be less than invoice or individual component prices due to bundled or promotional pricing.[/QUOTE] source: [url]http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/policy/en/policy?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~section=012[/url] So, you can get the refund, but they can give you only something like a couple of bucks. I would assume its different with other manufacturers, but someone would have to check it out themselves.

I did a windows refund on an HP laptop a few months ago, I got $60 for it.

I just put the OEM Windows keys up for sale online.

[QUOTE=killman;22186807]Here are some hard quotes people from Dell itself. So, they have to give you the refund source: [url]http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/policy/en/policy?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~section=018[/url] But, they can give you less for the software source: [url]http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/policy/en/policy?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~section=012[/url] So, you can get the refund, but they can give you only something like a couple of bucks. I would assume its different with other manufacturers, but someone would have to check it out themselves.[/QUOTE] Just because they write that does not mean it's what is legally required to happen. There's a whole lot of crap especially in TOS agreements that can never hold water if you were actually to question it.

Oops forgot to put the microsoft quote, which is pretty clear they have to return it. [QUOTE]YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS EULA BY INSTALLING, COPYING, OR OTHERWISE USING THE SOFTWARE. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT INSTALL, COPY, OR USE THE SOFTWARE; YOU MAY RETURN IT TO YOUR PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND, IF APPLICABLE.[/QUOTE] source: [url]http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/eula/home.mspx[/url] Previous quote shows it is applicable.