New Home Computer...Windows or...?

[penfold]

My home computer has finally died on me, and being nearly 6 years old, I've decided to replace rather than look at repairing it. I always told myself that when it died I would go with Linux rather than MS(currently had winXP on) However, before I make the jump, I would like some feedback regarding the options I have. My old machine was specifically aimed at being able to do some photo/video editing using Photoshop & Premier (albeit now very old versions) but recently I have found myself using MS Photostory (after someone recommended it on here). Now I am happy to learn new software if it is good, but now my girlfriend is a different matter, and as she will be using the new computer also I need to ensure any software is easy to pick ip.

 

I know the GIMP can be used for photos but what about video? Is there anything else available? I dont play any FPS games, but I also understand that I can try any games I do have through WINE? So has anyone got any suggestions or considerations I have missed before gonig the OS route?

[featured_spectre]

you cannot try any games through wine, you can try a select few games.

 

Windows 7 would be the step forward if you want to keep the same software as you have been running.

[localzuk]

For a database of WINE-able applications/games you can look at WineHQ - Wine Application Database

[penfold]

nephilim: we dont use Windows 7 here, which is why I am considering it for home, so when we do move over I have got some experience of it....But with that comes the cost, and updating all of the software I have is going to come at a cost. Which is why I was looking at OS in the first place.

 

jinnantonnix: Thanks for those links, some food for thought.

 

One thing I am tempted to do is try OS first and if I dont like it/ doesn't have what I'm after then I can try and get the money to move over to MS in the future. My Girlfriend isn't very patient when it comes to technology so I dont want to deal with the hassle of things not working at first

[powdarrmonkey]

nephilim: we dont use Windows 7 here, which is why I am considering it for home, so when we do move over I have got some experience of it....But with that comes the cost, and updating all of the software I have is going to come at a cost. Which is why I was looking at OS in the first place.

 

With my severely biased hat on, of course I'd recommend Debian. But if you don't use a Linux system by habit, I would tentatively suggest Ubuntu - it does sacrifice some principles, but it's much easier for a beginner (and of course it's important to remember your GF here too).

 

I've heard good things about Ubuntu Studio, though I don't know if it will be updated for the next release. Which, incidentally, is due in a few days time so I would sit tight until then - that's unless you detest its new interface layout, which you should investigate before being surprised. Additional information.

 

 

One thing I am tempted to do is try OS first and if I dont like it/ doesn't have what I'm after then I can try and get the money to move over to MS in the future. My Girlfriend isn't very patient when it comes to technology so I dont want to deal with the hassle of things not working at first

 

This is a Good Plan ™.

[computer_expert]

Which, incidentally, is due in a few days time so I would sit tight until then - that's unless you detest its new interface layout, which you should investigate before being surprised. Additional information.

 

That purple theme looks nice, but the close/minimise/maximise button position are enough to put me off especially after the problems i've been having with 9.10.

[Sarconia]

I upgraded my OS recently and in the end I went for Windows 7. Firstly, it's easy to use and it looks nice on bigger monitors, virtually all software I'd tried when I was using the RC build of it worked without any issues. I do like using Linux as well... I've got a few VM's floating around with various flavours installed but being a gamer, I find that trying to get a fair few games to run on Linux can often be like trying to push a 2ft wide sofa through a 1ft wide door.

[kmount]

the close/minimise/maximise button position are enough to put me off

 

Easily fixed

 

ALT + F2

gconf-editor

Apps, Metacity, General, Button Layout to ":minimize,maximize,close"

[tmcd35]

I'm tentitively looking at Ubuntu again. I think once the new version is released (couple of days?) I might spring clean my lappy with a Ubuntu install. I'll probably keep WinXP and/or Win7 running in VirtualBox VM's for work/legacy (itunes) reasons. It's looking like the closest I can get to OS X without shelling out on a new mac

[powdarrmonkey]

I think once the new version is released (couple of days?)

 

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LucidReleaseSchedule

[JJonas]

but the close/minimise/maximise button position are enough to put me off .

 

Im running the Lucid beta and very quickly got used to them(less that a week to adjust)

[danbuntu]

ubuntu lucid also includes pitivi for movie editing. Openshot is also very good

also as well as the gimp there is paint.mono which is a linux version of paint.net

 

I recommend giving Ubuntu or possibly Linux mint ago if you're new to Linux as they are very user friendly and have lots of support on the web. it's very girl friend friendly.

 

Don't be put of by the buttons - you'll adjust to them (or move them as someone else suggested)