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OT linux

Sfariah DSfariah D Posts: 26,260
edited December 1969 in The Commons

I want to convert my old xp box into a Linux box. I hear that xp is being discontinued in 2014. Which version of Linux would be good for beginners? Are there good programs for linux for graphic artists?

This topic is for discussing Linux.

Comments

  • ChoholeChohole Posts: 33,604
    edited December 1969

    Your XP box will keep on working, it is just that XP will no longer receive any updates.

  • mjc1016mjc1016 Posts: 15,001
    edited December 2013

    Good for beginners...most would say some flavor of Ubuntu, but I disagree. Mint is probably better....

    http://www.linuxmint.com/

    Now as to what do with it...

    Of course there is a Linux native version of the GIMP, which if you aren't familiar with it is a complete image editing (think Photshop....but better :-) )

    Then there is Blender...a complete modeling/rendering/animation suite.

    If you run Studio with either Luxus or Reality, Luxtender comes in Linux and can be easily set up for network rendering. There's also a native Linux version of the standalone 3Delight.

    And with WINE installed, even Studio, Hexagon and Bryce will work.

    chohole said:
    Your XP box will keep on working, it is just that XP will no longer receive any updates.

    And the problem with running XP, after April, is that if it is connected to the internet it becomes an instant breeding ground for malware...unless you have it nailed down so tight, you really can't do anything useful with it...

    Post edited by mjc1016 on
  • daveleitzdaveleitz Posts: 459
    edited December 1969

    I like Linux Mint. It comes in several configurations. The Xfce desktop version is pretty fast and easy to use in my opinion. The installer ISO does a good job recognizing hardware and installs the most popular software like VLC media player, Firefox, and GIMP. I use it on an old netbook and a laptop.

    However, it might be a good time to buy Windows 7 which in my opinion is a big improvement over XP. Get it now before Microsoft stops selling it in favor of Windows 8.

  • wizwiz Posts: 1,100
    edited December 1969

    How appropriate. It's already December 28 in Europe, so...

    Happy birthday Linus Torvalds!

  • SimonJMSimonJM Posts: 5,980
    edited December 1969

    I'd be inclined to suggest you try a couple of flavours of 'live' Linux - where you boot Linux off CD and it runs all in memory (so nothign you do is saved) just to see what style of interface you like.
    I run Ubuntu 9 (yes, it's waaaaaay behind the curve and no longer supported) on my little netbook, and have never upgraded as I really do not like the interfaces of the later versions.

  • Sfariah DSfariah D Posts: 26,260
    edited December 1969

    I am trying puppy linux but having problems using firefox. So going to try knoppix on cd. That would be my last cd until I can get more in January. I am not finding any other dvds. And the old computer cannot run bluray discs.

  • rk66rk66 Posts: 438
    edited December 1969

    Hi
    or OpenSUSE:

    http://www.opensuse.org/en/

    rk.

  • daveleitzdaveleitz Posts: 459
    edited December 1969

    Kulay Wolf said:
    I am trying puppy linux but having problems using firefox. So going to try knoppix on cd. That would be my last cd until I can get more in January. I am not finding any other dvds. And the old computer cannot run bluray discs.

    Can your computer boot a USB flash drive? That's all I ever use anymore. Linux Mint and the Ubuntus come with apps to create bootable USB sticks. The four year old Dell mini netbook (Intel Atom cpu, 1GB RAM) I'm using today runs great under Linux Mint Xfce. I also just installed it on my Dad's old Toshiba laptop which used to run Windows Vista.

  • mjc1016mjc1016 Posts: 15,001
    edited December 2013

    daveleitz68 said:
    Can your computer boot a USB flash drive? That's all I ever use anymore.

    Actually, most any that come with/as a 'LiveCD/DVD' can be or come as a bootable USB device image.

    And there's many flavors out there to try...my favorite and the one I've been running for years, is Slackware, but it isn't exactly 'new user' approved. (not really something to cut your teeth on...)

    Post edited by mjc1016 on
  • Takeo.KenseiTakeo.Kensei Posts: 1,303
    edited December 1969

    Check Distrowatch.com

    There are a links to reviews of Linux distributions there. You have a search filter which can help you choose a distribution if you look for something special.

    There are a lot of good distributions to start with. It all depends on what you're looking for

    For beginners I can recommend Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Sabayon, PCLinuxOS

    If you want a distribution aimed at art creation with some tools like Blender/Gimp/Inkscape out of the box you can try Dreamstudio or ArtistX

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