XP To Linux

[Taniel]

I wanted to install Win7, but something went wrong and I couldn't do it. So, I'm thinking about switching to Linux. I've only had Linux once and couldn't get used to it so I switched back. The only reason why I want it now is because I'm tired of Windows XP. It's so tasteless and boring.

However, I still want to keep some of my Windows programs.

For example, I have several bots that I want to keep but I doubt that they would run on Linux. Also, I know for a fact that LogMeIn does not work on Linux and I use that A LOT. Those are really the only things I need. I can use Pidgin and Google Chrome so there's nothing else I really need.

Can anyone help me out? (Don't say dual-boot because I HIGHLY doubt my computer can handle TWO operating systems)

EDIT: I installed Ubuntu on my computer, I love it so far.

[Guest]

You can run a lot of programs on Linux through Wine.

[Taniel]

You can run a lot of programs on Linux through Wine.

Yeah, I'm thinking about exploring some distros before I jump right into it.

[ndee]

HELL. YEA.

I switched today and I must say, it's epic.
You can still dual-boot, or use WINE to run Windows applications/games. Linux has way more stuff!

However, if you don't like compiling everything yourself, and having to deal with a few bugs every now and then, don't use Linux. Stick to windows.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

[Shades]

I'm using dual-boot on my desktop right now, although I only really use Ubuntu when I know I'm just going to be browsing the internet, or when I want to play some awesome Quake 3 arena mods.

[Zoidberg]

Dual booting will not affect your PCs performance, it just means that you will not have as much space on your HD, as for logmein, there are Linux alternatives, mentioned here: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-logmein-a...es-ubuntu/

To people recommending WINE: You shouldn't persuade someone to use a Linux distro using the false claim that WINE will run most of their software, the fact of the matter is it probably won't. WINE is a great project and I support it all the way, I'm just saying that it is impossible to tell if the software is going to work under WINE, it depends on the System, the Operating System, configuration, Wine version etc. Even if the software is given a high rating on WineDB there's still no guarantee it will run. So, if there is software that is exclusive to Windows that you absolutely cannot live without then you should consider dual-booting or not switching, beforehand however you should check if there is a Linux alternative for your software, you can use Google or osalt.

[cheeseburger]

install linux inside windows using wubi: http://www.wubi-installer.org/
you could also install it on another partition and duel boot, or you could just format windows and install linux. i have linux with windows xp in virtual box.

http://distrowatch.com/
http://www.virtualbox.org/
http://gparted.sourceforge.net/

[tomynho]

I don't know why you are trying to avoid dual booting.
You are not going to run both operating systems at the same time, so your computer is going to have the same performance as if you wouldn't have a dual boot..

Anyways, welcome among Ubuntu users.

Oh and by the way, I had EXACTLY the same problem, except for the fact that I have 3GIGs of RAM and you say you "HIGHLY doubt your computer can handle TWO operating systems".
After installing Windows 7, it was terribly slow & uncompatible & showing me the most bizzare errors ever.
Now I'm dual booting XP + Ubuntu and both work really amazing.

Oh, and the CPU's a Core2Duo here.

[domz]

I have no idea how to use linux lol
But i tried it once and was satisfied with it

[Buffy]

There's an Open Source, Linux oriented alternate version of whatever you need or want to use while you're on your Linux box. If you Google, you shall find.