New to Linux

[LunarWolf]

I am new to this topic. In the matter of speaking, I don't even use Linux before. I am suing Windows XP. But I would like to know a few things :
a) Where can I get Linux OS? I can't find it on the Linux webite.
b) If I were to use Linux, were my existing softwares files be incompatible?
eg, revo, orbit, KIS and other stuff. Does the installation file works for Linux or do I need to download a new installation file?

I am quite interested in Linux but if my computer will to crash, I would like to give Linux a try.

Thanks.

[hellnoire]

1) Linux's website isn't where you could get it, you'd get it from the dedicated distros' site, like Ubuntu or Red Hat

2) Damned likely. Unless you're using all open source programs, your programs will be incompatible. That being said, files such as music or text files will still work since they do not rely on a standard program (sometimes). If you have MP3s and WAV files with DOC and TXT files, even DOCX files, they can run under Linux after installing some extra codecs.

Revo and KIS are unneeded, since Linux comes with it's own uninstaller, and it's secure enough that nearly no viruses are in the wild (if you ever find one, you're insanely unlucky). Orbit will not work either, but you can replace that with DownThemAll! add-on for Firefox, works very well.

If you need any more answers, continue asking. I'm well versed in how to use Ubuntu, but I'll try to answer any Linux questions you've got.

[LunarWolf]

1)
Revo and KIS are unneeded, since Linux comes with it's own uninstaller, and it's secure enough that nearly no viruses are in the wild (if you ever find one, you're insanely unlucky). Orbit will not work either, but you can replace that with DownThemAll! add-on for Firefox, works very well.

If you need any more answers, continue asking. I'm well versed in how to use Ubuntu, but I'll try to answer any Linux questions you've got.

Woohoo!!! Finally someone who can answer my Linux questions. How can I don't need a antivirus? You got to be insane. After the last attack by Conficker B. , antivirus are at the top of my must have list. Pendrives carry viruses and things. So what will happen if I plug in an infected pendrive?

Can Windows Live Messenger works with Linux?

[heart reaper]

there is no need for an av in linux as it never ever gets affected by virus.

there is something else in linux. i guess there is no wlm for linux

[hellnoire]

Conflicker.B, let alone nearly any virus, is written for Windows. Since Linux holds such a small market share, it has no viruses. If you plug in an infected pen drive, nothing will happen, because the virus is not compatible with Linux!

If you really want to, you could run an antivirus, but it's not needed.

As for WLM, take a look at what it's called. Sadly, it's Windows only. But we have aMSN, Mercury Messager, Pidgin, Skype, KMess, all of which work with the MSN service.

[LunarWolf]

Conflicker.B, let alone nearly any virus, is written for Windows. Since Linux holds such a small market share, it has no viruses. If you plug in an infected pen drive, nothing will happen, because the virus is not compatible with Linux!

I really love this part. Haha... Seriously, I didn't know that. I thought all virus is the same no matter what OS you used.

So, I have a WLM account. The stuff you mentioned, can it be used with my account or do I have to open a new account?

What about Microsoft Office stuff? What do I use to replace Words and etc...? What about the compatible issues with Microsoft Office? (Just in case I need to work with my friends computer who is using Windows).

The players all?

[Sai Charan]

No need to create a new live account. You can use old one..

Use Open Office instead of MS Office.

[YuMeng]

my brother fren liked ubuntu very much and easy to work as he is an IT user

[brayden]

lol best part is heaps of open source softwares like all the essential software such as open office and firefox.

[YuMeng]

Ubuntu uses alot of open source software!!!