Changing the Big Picture Environment AWAY from but INCLUDING some MS Windows

[FreeCat]

Howdy - OK, I have a need/dislike relationship with MS Windows, and I see there is so much more to explore out there in computer-world and applications-world.

 

I need MSW for some software vendors I use. This handful of vendors will NEVER convert away from MSW.

 

I dislike MSW due to the rat's nest of code that it is --- with problems that take weeks and months to fix even with paid support from people who can't really know it all. I am not going to say anything about the vulnerability of the OS or MS apps. I am not going to say anything about the mismanaged, micro-managed, top-down run organization or about the overcharging for products or about the pointed headed ownership's progressive politics that thinks it knows how to run your life better than you. These things would be irrelevant to my point. MSW is very dis-likable by itself.

 

The real point is that, although I have purposely kept my head in the sand for a long time, I have taken it of the sand for a breath every couple of years to be aware that there is a big, beautiful world of Linux (and other environs) out there that I must explore. To do this I must loose Bill's heavy Mother's Club, Lakeview shackles that limit and bind me while keeping a thin tether-line to those apps that can only breath MSW air.

 

Here is my half hatched plan: My current Dell Precision has W7U-64b and a good deal of installed software that I really do not want to install again (will take months). Dell is better on support than most with limited problems and decent support.

 

Side note: Until about 10 years ago I would only use a machine if I "built" it --- bought all the best CPUs and stuff and put it together --- "my" machine. lol. But, I got tired of all the spec changes, part availability with new CPUs and gizmos changing all the time; it was exhausting! I switched to a pre-made and supported machine and was able to get work done instead of being having my head in a machine most of the day. HP might have been just as good, but I choose Dell and I am sticking with them. Plus: Support in the US from US speaking people that I can understand without slowing them down all the time.

 

Back to my plan: I just bought a Precision T7500 with dual quad 5570 chips at 2.9 GH, 64 GB RAM, 4 2TB Hitachi Deskstars and two graphics cards to support 8 monitors. This will be called my "new" machine. Yes, the T7500 is a few years old, but to get a brand new box with a dubious 20% improvement and this amount of RAM would have cost 500% more dollaros-bearos.

 

Current machine: W7U64b with the c and d drives as RAID1 so each has only 2 TB. C only has W7 and d is for backup. No data on C --- only OS and programs; all data on NAS, things inadvertently placed on desktop are swept into NAS as night to save housekeeping.

 

I had been using the MSW backup (c drive OS and programs is about 435 GB so the d could take a cycle of 4 backups to the d drive), but about a month ago I tried the Acronis image backup for about a hundred bucks; but, so far the restoring to a boot-able 5th drive that I added for the test has not worked; so I may not stick with Acronis. Plus, there may be some other things wrong with Acronis and my plan which I will get to later.

 

I have not yet installed W7U64b on my new machine yet, as I want to work out and desk-check-test that my plan is solid using some older machines that I have around. For instande. I may replace the c drive with a SSHD (hybrid) which has 8GB of solid state memory. Right now it is about $120 for a 1 TB. Might improve speed a good deal. It arrived today and is waiting in the box for me to develop my plan further.

 

So, where is the "away from MSW" world I was talking about?

 

In Summary, a base linux with VirtualBox running W7 (maybe several) and a main linux OS (maybe several) with ALL the MS Office-like software than runs in linux --- plus every other product that I can use that runs on linux (transferring data from W7.

 

In looking over the possibilities, I have picked SUSE Linux (not sure about the open version --- paid version sounds better with support since --- today --- I know zero about Linux).

 

On that SUSE, I am planning to put VirtualBox. And, on that VB I am planning to put my main W7U64b and XP and SUSE plus another other OS that I want to play with or explore.

 

And, on one of these Linux instantiations I intend to put an entire suite of office and desktop tools and pick the best ones to wean me off of MS Office and all the other MS dependent apps that I have.

 

OK, that's the plan. Poke holes in it it you will. Any suggestions are welcome. I am open to learn where my thinking is "weird". Right now I am still trying to get SUSE installed.

 

I intend to post my progress and the main things I learn here.

[Winapp2.ini]

"Only" 2TB

[Nergal]

I'd actually suggest (if you've not already) getting a bit familiar with your chosen linux flavor in V-box first. (Live CDs are well worth it).

2nd you have to buy a new w7 license as the Dell one will not install on a V-Box machine (it's an OEM copy that came with the Dell and can only be installed on a dell).

Similarly (legally) you will have to purchase a DIFFERENT copy of W7 per V-Box.

I may have missed some bits of the post as it was sooooo long so maybe you've already mentioned those things. Remember to be concise as you continue, so members like me can follow along. Look forward to seeing your progress so don't be discouraged by this though.

 

 

[hazelnut]

Use live cd's first to test out how comfortable you feel using Linux. It is pointless to jump from Windows to Linux only to find that it isn't something that you are comfortable with.

 

They come with most things on the iso disc. If you need help with finding which iso's to try etc, just shout. We have a couple of iso-a-holics as members here

[FreeCat]

Howdy Nergal and hazelnut - Thanks for your suggestions. I did not know I have to purchase another copy of W7. OK, well maybe I will only have 2 W7s going in this box (main and stable for new installs and updates); but, in the long run it will be well worth it

 

Because: Last year I spent a little over a week (plus plus) with W7 machine repairing. I was repairing what MS could not repair; and, this year, I spend two weeks (plus) without a machine connected to Internet or NAS until I found OMGtechhelp.com who worked with me and called me back over a dozen times till W7 was fixed and updated.

 

That is well over three weeks of my life I will never get back [not to mention the frustration and getting very little sleep those weeks]. Bottom line is this is all due to some Windows update and some Apple crap that I installed. I have Malwarebytes and I understand it to be highly rated over e-set and all the "free" anti-virus programs; but .... dunno.

 

Here I am long winded again, but I feel I have to respond to what you all said. Sorry, I will get to the point.

 

I have had great difficulty downloading these live-DVDs. Download happens for a while then cuts off sometimes at 10% and sometimes at 70%. I finally got something from a Russian site (steel linux) that downloaded completely, but I have not been able to make it boot-able. I use BurnAware for this, but have not gotten any help on what is wrong. I tried some other burning programs, but all I wind up with is one giant ISO file on a DVD. I am new at this ISO image stuff. So, help would be appreciated. I am not stuck on SUSE or OpenSUSE or anything. I just want something onto which I can place regular office tools, picture tools, audio tools and run with a GUI like MAC or Windows. Any suggestions here are fine also. I have no trouble paying for these if price not unreasonable.

 

I do have a spare machine (actually two - both Dell - blank hard drives) with 4 GB RAM that I can use as a test machines.

 

Re: V-box. The only V-Box I know about is a car testing box. http://www.velocitybox.co.uk/ Surely, you do not mean that. So any suggestions on which virtual box to use would be good. I understood that the VirtualBox software has to have a linux system under it; but, maybe I am incorrect.

 

Best to you all.

[Alan_B]

I never have a problem burning ISO's with freeware ImgBurn

http://www.imgburn.com/

 

I find CD's are better than DVD's

 

For VBox try

http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/server-storage/virtualbox/downloads/index.html

[FreeCat]

Grateful for those links, Alan.

Do you have a link for the linux CDs also?

I only have DVD links.

Thanks.

[Nergal]

many linux flavors are too large for cd and require DVD sized ISO files, but they well mount just as well in V-box.

Also many can be turned into bootable USB sticks with apps such as these http://www.portablefreeware.com/index.php?sc=262

 

I second Alan's oracle suggestion, or if you have W7 ultimate you can use the included (from XP Mode install) Microsoft virtual machine (to test the linux's I mean)

Edited June 12, 2013 by Nergal

[hazelnut]

To burn the iso file that you download just right-click on it and select 'burn disc image'. Windows 7 has this ability built in.

 

I don't usually bother to verify it (tick box option) as it takes time to do that.

 

You will also have to insure that your pc is set to boot from cd/dvd first so that the Linux live cd will boot before Windows starts.

 

http://www.wikihow.com/Boot-a-Computer-from-a-CD

 

You can leave the setting like that once you change it.

 

Remember when you do load your livecd and it comes on screen don't select the 'install' option as you are just trying it out. It's best to use an Ethernet cable for internet connection at first so that you don't have to fiddle about inputting wireless connection details.

[login123]

Fwiw, I use BURNCDCC to burn .iso files. That's all it does, burn iso files.

Its small, doesn't require installation, just unzip it and run the exe. Here:

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/downloads-free-software.htm

 

Rridgely usually points out that Linux distros are not (yet) well enough developed to be full replacements for windows, but he isn't here right now, so I'll say it. The same kind of bugs and glitches you contend with in windows are present in Linux, but experienced users who can explain things are harder to find, at least thats my limited experience.

 

You obviously know your way around a computer, so you might not need as much help as I usually do.

 

Keep posting up how it goes if you have time.

[FreeCat]

login123, Nergal, Alan and hazelnut - Thank you all for your suggestions. I will try them all and report my progress back here

[FreeCat]

OK, I have spent all day on links browsing and comparing Linux OSes and now I got so much in my head I feel very weird.

 

Can anyone who has an opinion give me the answer to two questions for two distinct Linux OSes.

 

1 - I need a Linux that is totally fast and stable which I will use to put the VurtualBox on (I have plenty of RAM)..

 

2 - I need a Linus that is totally friendly (maybe with some kind of basic file sharing) with desktop tools, easy to operate, etc that willo be a guest inside the VirtualBox.

 

I would appreciate ANY ideas you experienced people have for 1 and then for 2. FWIW, my server where I keep all my data is a Synology DS1010+ with a 510x extension. It is a Linux server; I do not know much about it except that it has been running for five years and has never had a problem; I just booted it up and plugged in my CAT5 cable (more or less).

 

Thanks.

 

(BTW, I have Ubuntu 11.3 going just for experimenting with loading the VirtualBox --- my next task. But, I am prepared to throw all this breadboard experiment away and reformat the drive as soon as I feel I have gained some experience with VirtualBox.)

[hazelnut]

Linux Mint is one you should definitely try

 

http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2366

 

and for kicks give the smallest iso a run... Slitaz

 

http://www.slitaz.org/en/

[login123]

I've tried these from a live CD/DVD or USB, never have installed one yet.

- ubuntu-12.04.2, pretty good, has LibreOffice already in

- Slitaz, runs in RAM, fast, topic about it here:

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=32263&st=0&p=191828

- Puppy Linux, runs in RAM, fast, topic about it here:

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showtopic=38610

- Mint, but it was a while ago, don't remember it, downloading the latest now at a blistering 31.7 kb per second.

 

Slitaz will run off a camera card and DennisD did a remarkable job of ferreting out how to make it "persistent", that is, will save changes. I have it installed onto an old 256 mb USB stick. Runs perfectly on a 32 bit system, never tried it on a 64 bit.

[Alan_B]

Runs perfectly on a 32 bit system, never tried it on a 64 bit.

I am not aware of ANY 32 bit Windows Application that would have inferior operation on a 64 bit machine,

the only consequence is that only half of the 64 bit data buss is used, and it is restricted to less than 4 GB of address space.

 

I really doubt that Slitaz on your 256 MB USB stick would even realise that it was running on 64 bit hardware - it should work the same as on 32 bit hardware.

N.B. I assume that Linux developers are more user friendly than Microsoft, and do not go out of their way to incorporate WGA and DRM etc pitfalls.

[FreeCat]

I LOVE this Linux Mint. I decided on Cinnamon. Thanks much hazelnut!

 

I did not try Slitaz; it seems hard to believe that anything could surpass Mint --- plus Minta is VirtualBox "conscious."..

Who could ask for more? and I am trying to stay focused.

 

I am wondering if you can direct me to the best video (and other-ways) tutorials on Linux and especially Linux Mint.

I have collected dozens of links and many are disappointing in their ability to get through my thick head.

 

My background is that I know Windows pretty well going back to version 1 --- the version in which BG gave the Windows idea to Steve Jobs ..

I knew CPM and DOS before that but I see none of that is relevant as Linux is a different Universe.

 

Any help would be appreciated. I have a lot to learn about Linux and Mint.

[login123]

Probably the best source for help is the relevant forums.

About all I have done is run those Linux distros from a live DVD or USB stick, don't have much depth of knowledge. Sorry.

But when you have lots of free time . . . . . . it might be fun to put Puppy or Slitaz onto an old usb stick and see how fast they are. Mint and Ubuntu are more full featured, and window-ish, but those 2 are fun also.

[login123]

On here now using Firefox in Mint 15 Cinnamon from a live DVD.

Looks like Mint 15 has the full LibreOffice suite, also Gimp, lots of admin tools, VLC player and a ton of other stuff.

This one is gonna be fun. There goes the weekend.

 

Fwiw, most of the files from LibreOffice open OK in microsoft office apps.

 

Edit:

Youtube just pops up and plays, don't have to struggle with plugins, etc.

So does my favorite oldies channel.

I bet'cha the microsoft guys are looking over their shoulders pretty often these days.

 

Great OS, thanks, Hazel, for the reminder.

Edited June 14, 2013 by login123

[FreeCat]

Hi Hazelnut! Thanks for your getting me started on Mint

 

I have question for you or anyone who knows:

 

When you first told me about Mint I had just loaded Ubuntu 11.x onto a blank box (Dell Optiplex 620 4GB RAM 500GB C drive). I looked at Ubuntu for about 30 minutes before downloading the Mint.

 

Since I saw that Mint could be loaded in W7, I loaded it on a W7 machine closer to my desk and so I got to play with it for several hours (mostly just exploring apps.)

 

But, on Friday I got serious and wanted to install it to the box with Ubuntu on it and tried several times, but could not get the graphical interface to work. I booted up the DVD that I made from the ISO and it booted ok but there were several erros. Anyway I got it loaded and was at a command prompt. I am not yet ready for a command prompt --- don't know enough commands, yet.

 

The errors were about the "X" interface. I know it has to do with graphics (GUI), but I do not know where to get the fix and how to use it. I went to the Wiki.x.org but could not do or understand much there.

 

I have" Welcome to Linux Mint 15 Olivia (GNU/Linux 3.8.0-19-generic X86-64)" then the command prompt.

 

ERRORS:

 

"Failed to start the X server (your graphical interface). It is likely that it is not set up correctly). Would you like to view the X srver output to diagnose the problem?"

 

YES brings:

 

x.Org X Server 1.13.3

 

Release Date: 2013-03-07

 

Build Operating System: Linux 3.2.0-37-generic x86_64 Ubuntu

 

Current Operating System: Linux mint 3.8.0-19-generic #29-Ubuntu SMP Wed

 

Kernel command line: file=/cdrom/preseed/mint.seed boot=casper initrd=/c

 

Build Date 17 April 2013 10:43:13PM

 

xorg-server 2:1.13.3-Oubuntu6 (for tehnical support please see http://w

 

Current version of pixman: 0.28.2

 

Before reporting problems, check http://wiki.x.org

 

to make sure that you have the latest version.

 

Markers: (--) probed, (**) from config file, (==) default setting,

 

(++) from command line, (!!) notice, (II) informational,

 

(WW) warning, (EE) error, (NI) not implemented, (??) unknown.

 

(==) Log file: "/var/log/Xorg.0.log", Time: Sun Jun 16 21:07:38 2013

 

(==) Using system config diretory "/usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d"

 

Initializing build-in extension Generic Event Extension

 

[i see Kernet and xorg-server lines seem to be incomplete; but, that is all that is on the screen.]

 

In viewing the detailed X server output, more of less the same lines appear.

 

After that I get:

 

"The X server is now disabled. Restart MDM when i it is configured correctly."

 

Past that, I get the Welcome to Linux Mint message with the "mint@mint ~ $ " command line;

 

and, the screen has a whole bunch of "U" on it, but I can issue commands and get a response, but at this point I do not know what I am doing.

 

Can you give me some guidance?

 

Also, is there a Mint forum; I was on the Mint site but can not see a forum.

 

Also, is there a very fast RTF editor. I use RTFs like paste it notes and want something fast and simple like Wordpad in Mint (LIbre is OK but slow with a big frame arounnd it taking up screen space.)..

[login123]

I can't help much with the boot errors.

 

The Firefox home page using mint is

http://www.linuxmint.com/start/olivia/

In the bookmarks toolbar on that page is a link to the mint forums. It goes here:

http://forums.linuxmint.com/

 

As for notes, have you tried gedit? In other Linuxes text files by gedit can be read in windows.

Also there is something called Tomboy Notes. It looks like some sort of post-it note type of thing. Tried it, couldn't see how to save the file anywhere else than the default folder.

Both those are found in the menu under accessories.

 

Edit: Just opened a gedit file in windows notepad and it doesn't work just right, but ms word and ms wordpad open it just fine.

[hazelnut]

I have never had this issue but I see others have

 

http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=105156

[login123]

This is a bit off from your last posted question, but . . .

I just installed & ran Mint 15 from a usb stick, using Linux Live USB creator (LILI). Its here:

http://www.linuxliveusb.com/

This is a win xp machine, fairly fast processor, 4 gb RAM. Have not tried it on a win 7 machine.

 

You may already know this, but . . .

LILI has a feature that will allow you to include Virtualbox for Mint 15 in your USB stick. Using that feature, you can plug the usb stick into a running windows machine, and run Mint 15 within Virtualbox without shutting down windows and restarting.

That worked very well on this machine for Mint 10, hardly works at all for Mint 15.

I get a popup that Cinamon is running without hardware acceleration, may use much CPU. And it does, about 50% of the available CPU. Mint 15 in Vbox freezes then proceeds at a crawl.

 

Booting straight from the USB stick runs OK.

 

Don't know why this issue occurs. Doesn't matter much to me right now, just thought I would post it in case you decide to try the same thing, IE boot from vbox on a running windows system.

[FreeCat]

Thanks login123. Very happy to find the Mint forum and I will try gedit and tomboy.

 

The info re USB stick will be something I will try also right now to get around this problem.

 

Re booting VB / Mint from Windows, I am making note of this also as I will do a good deal of experimenting.

 

However, the main thrust of my journey into Linux/Mint/VirtualBox is to get away from using any MS product whatsoever, especially Windows. That is why I want to use Mint as a base for VB; then, I will find other apps that will replace as many as possible of my W7 apps running in another Mint within the VB [along side of W7].

 

Now, I know that some apps I will always use will never convert from Windows and I have accepted that fact and will always have one W7 running in my VB for that.

 

But, the feeling of freedom in being away from W7 (as much as possible) will be great and make up for all the sidestepping I have to do to be free. Windows [from the very beginning when BG gave the idea to SJ ] was a rat's nest of code that has-been/is so broken that it can not be supported without agony on the part of users. [speaking from my experience. If I were brash, I would impugn the motives of the chief pusher behind windows and use words like arrogant and ignorant and greedy and dishonest and uncaring-of-others; but I am not going to do that.]

[login123]

You're most welcome.

I'm a Linux newbie, and sort of on the same mission you are, want to find a Linux for a main OS on a laptop.

Still looking, sort of leaning towards Mint 15 right now, but still looking.

[FreeCat]

Login123 - Thanks, I checked out the live USB (http://www.linuxliveusb.com/) and was about to make one, but they only do Mint 15 in 32 bit. If you run across anything like this that does 64 bit, please let me know.