DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Obstacles in shifting from Windows to Linux

29 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/obstacles-in-shifting-from-windows-to-linux.172641/

harshilsharma63
harshilsharma63 Original post #1
Apr 12, 2013 at 9:18 PM
Hi, I was thinking what all could be the problems in making a complete shift from Windows to Ubuntu? I know games don't work in Linux (as of today), but is that it? Is that the only problem? Are there any other problems that one may face?
topgear
topgear #2
Apr 13, 2013 at 3:34 AM
some windows games really works great on linux using apps like Wine, GameTree Linux ( formerly known as Cedega ), CrossOver and they not only help running games but you can run most of your favorite windows apps as well but if you do have some special software which only works on windows OS be sure to find an alternative first ( but most of the app have do alternative linux version - you just need to get used to those ) or you can use Virtual Machine apps like VMware, Virtual Box to run windows OS into linux.

So apart from some* game and apps linux now has everything ( wifi, multimedia, instant hardware detection without the need of any special drivers * etc. ) and sometime even may be better - you just need to chose the most appropriate version for you.
W
Apr 13, 2013 at 8:51 AM
^^not so sure about driver availability/compatibility especially laptops/atypical hardware:
*www.thinkdigit.com/forum/networking/171987-micromax-mmx-400r-not-working-ubuntu-12-10-a.html
root.king
Jun 23, 2013 at 9:42 AM
u won't get (right click and 'refresh') button like in windows :p ;-)
Flash
Flash #5
Jun 23, 2013 at 9:54 AM
For Graphics card, We need to download the drivers separately right?
harshilsharma63
Jun 23, 2013 at 10:29 AM
Well, I'll have to switch to Linux (preferably Ubuntu 12.04) for using GPUocelot. Lets see what issues will I face.
root.king
Jun 23, 2013 at 2:41 PM
For Graphics card, We need to download the drivers separately right?

yes its popsup the drivers version and also download link when u connect to internet
sharang.d
Jun 25, 2013 at 12:13 AM
Run Windows in VirtualBox inside Linux :D
Anorion
Anorion #10
Jun 25, 2013 at 12:48 AM
dependency hell, initial configuration (setting up net, installing sw)... still a problem with many good distros

choice - there are too many questions, using lunix means you can customize everything, and you have to go around making those choices, desktop environment, file system, packaging, boot loader, distribution...
G
Jun 25, 2013 at 2:54 PM
Well
1. some developments tools available in windows is not available in linux...VBOX is good option but has issues...
2.Drivers are issues but nowadays newer hardware are mostly supported without any install.I got a wacom tablet
and surprised it worked on plugging in without installing driver from cd like win7.

So i use linux only for browsing and movies...if games and tools come to linux it will be great.
Flash
Flash #12
Jun 25, 2013 at 3:07 PM
I once deleted a partition with GB of songs, while installing Ubuntu.
From that time on, i stay away from installing it.

Though, i boot it with live-usb whenever i want to check the new distros that came along with Magazine DVDs.
harshilsharma63
Jun 25, 2013 at 4:37 PM
I'll most probably run Ubuntu in virtual machine, VMware or virtual box.
topgear
topgear #14
Jun 26, 2013 at 6:12 AM
dependency hell, initial configuration (setting up net, installing sw)... still a problem with many good distros

choice - there are too many questions, using lunix means you can customize everything, and you have to go around making those choices, desktop environment, file system, packaging, boot loader, distribution...

if you have a stable net connection using modem/lan able then it won'be a very big issue nowadays .. I've faced such issues with dependency and initial config for net connection using a Nokia 2112 DKU5 cable but back on 2006/2007 may be.

I really like the choices one make during installing linux but there's easier method always available from pre selected option .. actually this starts from the very begining .. choosing a distro that suits one's needs best .. for me it's Mint, Open Suse, Fedora and Knoppix.

Well
1. some developments tools available in windows is not available in linux...VBOX is good option but has issues...
2.Drivers are issues but nowadays newer hardware are mostly supported without any install.I got a wacom tablet
and surprised it worked on plugging in without installing driver from cd like win7.

So i use linux only for browsing and movies...if games and tools come to linux it will be great.

talking about driver I've similar experience with a D-Link modem ( USB cable connection ).
Anish
Anish #16
Jun 26, 2013 at 5:48 PM
You have alternatives for almost all softwares, I am very much satisfied with Linux and even forgot my windows password (dual boot). Its just a matter of preference. If you are just starting, try mint / Ubuntu / suse.
harshilsharma63
Jun 26, 2013 at 7:15 PM
Try wubi.

You have alternatives for almost all softwares, I am very much satisfied with Linux and even forgot my windows password (dual boot). Its just a matter of preference. If you are just starting, try mint / Ubuntu / suse.

Thanks for the advice(s).

@Anish; gaming is the only reason I'm sticking with Windows.
Anish
Anish #18
Jul 4, 2013 at 9:53 PM
@Anish; gaming is the only reason I'm sticking with Windows.
Well, most of them do. Why do you think I have a dual boot :p ?
But things are changing as you blink......
harshilsharma63
Jul 5, 2013 at 9:33 AM
Well, most of them do. Why do you think I have a dual boot :p ?
But things are changing as you blink......

Yeah. many games are already available for Linux. And Steam for Linux is another major breakthrough. And now Alienwares are shipping with Linux too.
R
Rajesh345 #20
Jul 5, 2013 at 10:08 AM
For me issue with Linux Ubuntu was if I install graphics driver via Auto(via Option in Ubuntu(Restricted / property hardware enable wizard

or using terminal way to download and installl latest. ATI graphic driver (hd5750). Unity will fail to load. and I am presented with blank screen

Did try many methods to install the driver but same result

Us there any ubuntu users who using latest or semi latest ATI HD 5000 series card and working properly ?
deadcode00
Jul 5, 2013 at 11:36 AM
Well i was using Ubuntu 12.04 with my HD 6850 without any problem.. If anybody want to switch from windows to Linux I will suggest zorin os .. Because u can change its appearance to windows 7 and many other os type like xp,Mac,unity.. Its based on Ubuntu and stable as well..
topgear
topgear #22
Jul 6, 2013 at 3:43 AM
zorin sounds very impressive and thanks for sharing. Anyway, there was a distro Linux XP a long time backbut it's discontinued now and Vixta which has changed to Open Xange.
skeletor
skeletor #23
Jul 25, 2013 at 1:17 AM
Us there any ubuntu users who using latest or semi latest ATI HD 5000 series card and working properly ?
Running everything fine here with HD 6950 and HD 6470M.

Try these instructions for running Catalyst - *www.thinkdigit.com/forum/open-sour...ould-i-choose-queries-here-7.html#post1981390
aaruni
aaruni #24
Jul 25, 2013 at 1:40 AM
Us there any ubuntu users who using latest or semi latest ATI HD 5000 series card and working properly ?

Using Ubuntu with fglrx on HD7670M, and working fine. For me, Additional Drivers(gtk-jockey) app never works (I have Ubuntu on a system with HD5470M too).
I just download the .run file from AMD website, and manually install. The only downside to this method is, in case of a kernel update, you have to re-install your drivers.
skeletor
skeletor #25
Jul 25, 2013 at 1:43 AM
The only downside to this method is, in case of a kernel update, you have to re-install your drivers.
No, if you have dkms installed, you don't have to do this.

dkms makes the module again for the new kernel (automatically) when the kernel gets updated.
aaruni
aaruni #26
Jul 25, 2013 at 1:56 AM
No, if you have dkms installed, you don't have to do this.

dkms makes the module again for the new kernel (automatically) when the kernel gets updated.

I knew dkms does this for virtual box modules, didn't know it does so for manually installed drivers as well.
harshilsharma63
Jul 25, 2013 at 9:10 AM
Btw now I'm running ubuntu in vmware player
aaruni
aaruni #28
Jul 25, 2013 at 3:18 PM
Whatever is comfortable to you. I now use Ubuntu as my primary OS, and dual-boot into windows only for gaming.