Leopard vs. Ubuntu

Well I don't know to much about the Ubuntu system, but I hear it is great. If you get a new computer that isn't mac, definitely get a dell or sony. All other PCs kind of suck. Although I had hp and it wasn't TERRIBLE. Still though...

If you saved up some more though, GET A MAC. They just made new macbooks and I feel it is totally worth it.

 

leopard

because it's mac

and i'm a mac fanboy

 

Can't go wrong with mac. Due to my lack of knowing anything about ubuntu, i wouldn't risk going for something i know nothing about.

 

I looked at Ubuntu.com, and I would have to say get the Mac.

 

Do not worry, child. I am always with you.
Except for in bed.

My experiences with Apple has not been too great.

(flashback to grade school with computer lab loaded with iMacs)
"NO! ****!!! I DON'T WANT TO REBOOT! I WANT TO SAVE MY ****ING DOCUMENT!"
"WTF CORRUPTED MY FLOPPY"
"WHERE'S THE RIGHT CLICK GODDAMMIT!"
"OMG WON'T READ MY MS WORD DOC FILE ON APPLEWORKS WTF"
(/flashback)

Yeah, well, I realize that most people these days are used to proprietary OS. If you are actually considering switching to Linux, here's a few pointers I should tell you.

1. There isn't a really good way to install applications except for the software repository (more on that later) and using a .deb Debian install package. If you somehow manage to get to a tar.gz file, my advice is to stay way back from those. They contain source code that require you to compile it yourself. If you don't know what you're doing, it gets really confusing.
2. After Vista, Linux has a horrible time with hardware drivers. Most manufacturers don't even bother making a Linux version of a driver, so you'll have to hunt down for them, ranging from trivial stuff like Bluetooth and webcams, to more integral stuff like NICs, Wi-fi cards, and graphics cards.
3. As a fair warning, THERE IS NO PHOTOSHOP. You can get CS2 to work on WINE (an app that lets you run Windows programs on Linux), or you could virtualize Photoshop CS3 in Windows on VirtualBox (an app that you can download that lets you run Windows on your machine virtually, provided that you have the install disk and stuff). Or, you could use the free alternative and use GIMP, but it's pretty weird if you've been used to Photoshop.
4. Similar to the above, there are few good games in Linux. This is enough to deter many would-be Linux users. You can use WINE to run a few games, (I've had great experience with Halo PC and Custom Edition, as well as Half Life and Counter Strike.), but the majority of high-end games won't work. Virtualization will not work for plenty of games. 3D doesn't work through vitrualization.
5. If you are a complete newbie to Linux, like I am, start off with a LiveCD before installing. These can be downloaded (700 MB might not work well for you) or ordered for a few dollars (just to pay for the CD itself and shipping; the actual software is free). With the LiveCD in your computer's drive, restart your computer and boot off the CD drive. It should let you fool around with the OS without actually having to install it. It simply runs off your RAM, and when you're done, all the data is erased off the RAM.

Anywho, I would probably say for you, if you can afford it, buy Leopard. It was pretty hard for me to get used to even Ubuntu for a long time. If you're not interested in debugging your own software every one and a half weeks, you should probably stick to Apple so you can go ask one of their (snicker) Geniuses at the Apple Store.

 

I would recommend Leopard. I gave linux a whack, and wasn't too pleased.

I realized, that all I do is use Digsby, PS2/3, Firefox occasionally Word.

 

Leopard is a much easier os to use.Heres a deal on a macbook on amazon for $869:
Apple MacBook 2.1GHz 13" Laptop - dealmac.com

Amazon.com: Apple MacBook MB402LL/A 13.3-inch Laptop (2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive) White: Computers & PC Hardware

 

Well, you could always dual boot. That's what I do for Windows and Mac and Linux, and they all get along.

 

I'm not an expert on Linux my any means (and CERTAINLY not Macs), but I think that everything you try has an adjustment period (yes, even Macs are not instantly intuitive).

Saying that, I think if you can afford a MacBook, go with it.

But also, I enjoy Ubuntu (I use Vista Ultimate as my main machine, but I also use Ubuntu) and think that most people would like it. The one thing you have to be is committed. The first week or so, you'll be adjusting to the differences, but after that, you'll fall into the familiar routine you have. I assume that you, like most people use your computer for word processing and browsing the web, of which both are easily doable on any OS.

If you go with Linux, I would definately go with Ubuntu. They have a great support community and it's the easiest to use distro I've tried. (Plus Gnome>KDE)

You won't get the most you can out of Ubuntu (or any Linux distro), unless you're willing to get your hands a little dusty (not dirty, just dusty). For instance, sometimes you may want to follow a tutorial to modify your desktop in some way. You will (most likely) have to cut and paste commands into the Termianl. It is not a big deal.

So, in summary:
-Try Ubuntu using a Live CD (knowing that a real system will be faster)
-Get a Mac if that's what you want (and can afford)
-Only use Linux if you can get your hands dusty
-Know that the initial installation/configuration is the hardest part

If you go the Ubuntu road but really don't want to deal with the initial installation, go with a pre-configured one from Dell (or any other computer manufacturer that will install Ubuntu for you). For me (on my hardware), installing Ubuntu wasn't hard at all, it "just worked" without installing any extra drivers, etc.

Sorry for the long message, but I felt I had to backup my ideas with evidence.

Hope you reach a good decision,
Brian

 

Why not just use Bootcamp?

Won't that run it along with Windows? (Someone back me up)