So, I have downloaded the Ubunto Linux .iso and I've burned it onto a CD and I gave the demo feature on it a try, I really like it. It's fairly fast and looks pretty clean in my opinion. The reason I wanted to try Linux was because I have a non-validated version of Windows 7 on this and I'm not planning on cashing out £65 for a key when I may even be replacing this soon. So, back into the question. When I want to use Windows programs on Linux (MSN, Photoshop and so on) will I need to emulate them through the Wine program? Or are there Linux variants for these programs. Like I know there's a MSN Linux version called aMSN, so im guessing I won't need Wine to run that. Reason I'm asking is because through all the FAQ's and guides I can't find a damn thing about how the whole emulating certain programs works and what will and won't work. If someone is willing to explain how Wine works and if all my previous windows programs will still work on this, I will love you forever.
There isn't a Linux version of Photoshop (yet), so you'll need Wine for that - but check compatibility first. aMSN works as a substitute for MSN, but there are plenty of other native apps that will also connect to Live. Instead of Photoshop there is GIMP. You can also download GIMPshop which rearranges the functions in GIMP to a more "photoshop-like" order. Instead of adobe camera raw, I recommend UFRaw or Rawstudio For garish HDR images you can use QTPFSGUI - a great program, but the name won't win many awards...! I've tried Office 2003 with Wine and it works fine. I'm told Photoshop CS2 also works fine. The emulation works by providing the Windows apps with tweaked versions of the libraries it needs. I've been able to get Oblivion working in Ubuntu through Wine by adding a DirectX dll or two as per the instructions on the Wine website. I will warn you though, if you install Ubuntu or any linux distro and assume it is going to work like Windows it will be a very frustrating experience. I recommend dual-booting for a while to ease yourself in. Get used to looking for and adding repositories to install programs rather than looking for exe files (although you can use .deb files) and also get used to looking for free software to do the things you need to do. It is quite rewarding and enjoyable and when you consider it asks for no money, it is remarkable what can be done, but it's a whole different world to Windows. Sorry if that comes across a bit condescending, was not intentional.
http://appdb.winehq.org/ should give you program specific information on whether or not it works and how well. As for free linux equivalents, there's a ton of links in this fairly recent thread here: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=183301 As a general guide, there's Pidgin or aMSN or a plethora of others which will work for all your IM apps, and The GIMP for Photoshop equivalence. Past that use both links above or ask specific programs
MSN -> I like Pidgin but there's no webcam support. Alternatively aMSN Photoshop -> GIMP or GIMPshop Office -> Openoffice Paint -> Kolourpaint or others, I could go on forever or you could click on this list of FOSS Linux alternatives.
