SE4, SE5 and Vista?

AMF · #1 April 9th, 2007, 01:42 AM

Ok, So, can I ask some advice, then, for the linux guru types out there? If I were to buy a totally new computer, with the intention of running Linux on it, and I wanted to be able to do everything I can do with a new XP machine, what would be the best system/linux version/etc... to get? I've used linux boxes in the past, and even once set one up on my own, but I am only moderately wise to the whole thing, and would love any and all advice on pitfalls etc...

The only time I set up a linux box, I had lots of problems setting up the DSL connection, video and audio drivers, and installing new software...so I guess I'm sort of an idiot when it comes to all that...but I retain a perhaps vain hope that I could run a linux machine at home to entirely replace my Windoze one...

So...anybody know of a good website for linux quasi-newbies like myself?

Thanks,

AMF

Atrocities · #2 April 9th, 2007, 02:03 AM

I wonder if you can buy a system already set up with a Linux OS?

Fyron · #3 April 9th, 2007, 04:15 AM

Ubuntu is a good distro. For any hardware you are thinking of getting, some Google searching will turn up compatibility issues. Its usually better to buy your own hardware, rather than get a prebuilt system. Some PC manufacturers use some screwy parts that have less compatibility. Sometimes you can be fine; just make sure to do some research.

Don't buy anything ATI; their *nix drivers blow.

You aren't going to be able to do quite everything on linux that you can on XP (probably mostly gaming). Dual booting always works though.

AT:
Yes, there are boutique vendors that will sell you a system with linux pre-installed, but it'll cost you. Interestingly, Dell is currently floating the idea of selling systems with Linux, though they haven't settled on a distro yet, to my knowledge.

Its not that hard to install linux these days, however. Provided you go with a distro geared towards ease of use rather than elitism, of course...

AgentZero · #4 April 9th, 2007, 04:46 AM

If I managed to install Linux, anyone can. Of course, I quickly abandoned the whole linux experience after discovering that my sound card isn't supported. I needs my sound!

Baron Munchausen · #5 April 9th, 2007, 10:13 AM

You can get machines with vendor-installed Linux, but what I have seen aren't all that good compared to roll-your-own.

http://store.madtux.org/index.php

AMF · #6 April 15th, 2007, 04:31 AM

Ok,so, I've sort of made up my mind that when I get back I'm going to get an empty box from Dell, and install some version of Linux on it.

Is there any consensus on the best releaseof Linux to use for a quasi-newbie with a new machine? I'm concerned about drivers (I always seemed to have hardware that was lacking linux drivers...) and I'd rather not have to compile it all, just buy a version that I can install (*just* until I get smarter at linux!)...

Also,given that I want to play SE4 (and maybe SE5) on it, what is the best emulator to use?

Sorry for all the questions. I just trust and value the opinions of people on this board more than I do others. It's also hard for me to do lots of research at the moment...and maybe I'm a leetle bit lazy...

Thanks in advance...

AMF

se5a · #7 April 15th, 2007, 06:14 AM

ubuntu is good for a beginer, you won't be able to play se5 on it though, might be a good idea to have a duel boot and have windows on it too.

Fyron · #8 April 15th, 2007, 03:35 PM

I'd second the recommendation for Ubuntu. The Ubuntu people will mail you free installation disks, IIRC. You can also just download the CD images for any distribution for free.

Be aware that you won't be able to play SE5 under Linux. SE4 can be played with Wine or Cedega, but not SE5 at this point. You can always create a small partition for Windows though, and boot into it to play SE5. Assuming you have a Windows install disk, of course..

Ragnarok · #9 May 4th, 2007, 02:51 PM

So what is the scoop on Vista Ultimate? Has anyone here used it before?

I am thinking of buying a new laptop with Vista on it. It comes included with Vista Business, with Media (whatever that means) and will only cost me $50.00 more to upgrade to Vista Ultimate, with Media (again, whatever that means).

So what are the pros and cons with Ultimate?

Note: I am not looking to start an XP vs Vista argument.

Edit: I'm dumb. I know what "with Media" means. Gees, one of those days...