My first REAL USE experience with Linux

[kevin.carbonaro]

Been a long time since I last tried Linux. I always had to turn back to Windows though as there are a couple of software that I cannot stay without.

This time round there were some differences to the situation. I have a laptop which I use mostly for Internet based services, web development, learn to develop for android devices and experiment with arduino. At the same time listening to streaming or local mp3 media.

I went ahead with installing Linux Mint and it's been a pleasure using it. I found it easy to install and when I had problems it was easier to find solutions on the Internet. The community is very helpful.

Unfortunately there are still times when I have to switch to Windows so I cannot call myself a 100% Linux user.

The below is my experience so far:

* Internet based service - not a problem (installed Chromium to be able to synchronize all my settings with Google Chrome on my desktop)

* Web development - use Komodo IDE (Windows and Linux versions are available - this is great as I can work on my projects with all the settings intact)

* Android development - not a problem. It is also easier to install Phonegap and/or Cordova on Linux than in Windows.

* Arduino - not a problem although not tested yet. I found a lot of articles explaining how to set it up on Linux.

* Audio - Audacity is great for audio editing and streaming/playing media files is not a problem. VLC is great and never had any problems with it.

* Graphics - Here I have a bit of an issue. Although Gimp is a great application no doubt, in my opinion Photoshop wins hands down. I am quite skilled in Photoshop use and am used to a lot of advanced techniques when editing any image. I did try Gimp hoping it would satisfy my needs, but after a couple of weeks I was back where I was. When I need to edit an image I will have to either use my desktop computer or reboot my laptop into Windows.

* Sohodox (Document Management System) - This is my Linux killer. I have a lot of electronically/physically organized documents which are all scanned/indexed/OCR'ed into Sohodox. There is no Linux version and in this case there is no real option for me.

* Gaming - the laptop is not a good gaming machine, however being a flight simmer, I do not find a problem as my flight sim of choice is X-Plane which has a Linux version as well.

Note: Wine is great for running some Windows application but it is not easy to set up and not all Windows software works with it.

All in all, I am very happy to finally be using Linux and looking forward to learn how to use it well. For normal home use Linux has become the most cost-effective solution without a doubt. For power users, Linux might not be a complete solution unless the big companies are somehow convinced to provide versions of their products for Linux as well.

[Dupo]

Hi,

with wine, you can try PlayOnLinux, it is a GUI which allows to easily install software for Windows under Gnu/Linux (games, software, etc.).

See it.
Check supported database software here.

[The-Wizard]

Welcome to the Mint family forums

wizard

[Crewp]

Welcome to Linux Mint, and the Mint forum.

[RonanC]

I am also new to Linux.
Around 2 weeks now and I love it

I'm dual booting because I need Visual Studio for making Windows Apps.

[vrkalak]

Welcome to LinuxMint

Read everything you can -- Forums - Wiki - IRC

Linux: Tricks of the Trade > http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=38355
What works for Ubuntu, usually works for Mint > http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/
Linux Alternative to Windows > http://www.linuxalt.com/

Remember, all OS-Distro, Apps, DE/WM are Open-Source and have a Help-Forum

[kevin.carbonaro]

Thanks for the links. I also installed a Linux reference app on my Android smartphone - helps me to learn on the go.

I have also installed Linux in a virtual machine as well so I can have the advantage of saving a snapshot before testing some things which might mess up the system. I do not know yet if there is a snapshot/recovery software just in case I mess up my Linux.

[DrHu]

Glad you like it

As to windows, XP expires support on 08Apr this year
--and for win vista, 7x (haven't looked at 8x yet)
Some things bother me

• Forced indexing (windows search)
• odd network setups
  -home, work, public
  doesn't make it seem any easier, just adds extras to a normal network setup of LAN devices or internet
• IE any version
  --what is the reason for zones
  also doesn't make it easier
  Nether Opera, Firfox nor Google's chrome or chromium need zones
  Seems to me the only zones needed are local or internet, and the Internet already manages zones or domains via their dns functions, I shouln't need to repeat the process locally on my own computer..

For gameplay, Microso wins that one
--for the rest ??

There is a gimpshop toolset which makes gimp function (menus) ike photoshop, you could have a look at that program..
http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/20070 ... pshop.html

[Previous1]

There is a gimpshop toolset which makes gimp function (menus) ike photoshop, you could have a look at that program..
http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/20070 ... pshop.html

Maybe I'm running blind, but how do you install it? It only seems to link to GIMP 2.8 (and some tutorial from 2005 without working links). Is it integrated in newer GIMP versions?

[jesica]

Good day and welcome to the family

[killer de bug]

Hi! Welcome in the Linux Mint Community. Hope you will enjoy the journey