im currently building a new pc and would like to get into linux.
ive looked at dif distros and like ubuntu as a beginning distro.
My questions are...
how well is linux with games, hardware, etc.?
it seems that ubuntu is similar to windows. how easy was it to get used to linux?
How secure is linux?

i am a gamer for life and am getting into programming for various reasons, including going into computers for college.
once my pc is built, im going to put windows on it and dual boot with linux.

thx for the advice in advance guys

Well dual booting would be a good idea but i use Ubuntu and i have to agree it is very nice and isnt like windows, but has some similar features. Im not sure how it is with gaming b/c i dont play PC games. Would any members like to comment on the gaming experiance with linux distro's ? but yes, Ubuntu is great for beginners and also for advanced people. I would however stick with XP for something since you saif your a
"n00b" at this stuff. Or vista or w/e your using now.

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I'm with Ghost on this, I kinda threw myself in at the deep end with Linux. I formatted my whole computer, and put on Ubuntu, and I had never used it before.. took me ages to get used to it that way!

But yeah, Linux is very secure compared to Windows.
And gaming, hmm,You would still be better of with windows for this, as Windows progrrams don't work on Linux - Unless if you use a program called Wine

This supports many games - can be a bit of bother to get some to work, but I guess its worth it.

Overall, I'd keep your windows on one partition, and have Ubuntu on another

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i have 2 pc's at my house. one has xp and one has vista. the one im gunna build in about a month will have xp for gaming and linux for programming and stuff.

You must get Wyne to work if you want to play windows games (windows emulator). I've never gotten it to work right, but then, i'm not that good (just good). Dual boot is the best option for gaming. Mass Market games are NOT written for Linux, not much for MACs either.

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If you install wine:
You can then also install a very useful application caleld wine tools:
Using Wine-Tools, It gives you the options to install many of the common games, like Half life. Some of the games you can install via the internet (through the application) and some you will need the CD/DVD. Its really easy to use, as if you need any extra applications for Wine to get the game to work, it will install them for you.


Jam

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are there any known probs with running certain games on linux. like counter-strike, wow, crysis.

This is the place to check out what games and applications Wine will run: Wine AppDB - Wine Application Database

I had a quick look for that game, but I couldn't find it. I'm sure it will be there though.

Jam

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I am thinking hard about building/buying a computer with linux. It seems ubuntu seems to be the way to go for ease of use. I have used Microcrap before and hated it! I now use a powerbook g4 and it is hard to kill. I have beat the pi*s out of it though and I am expecting it to quit at anytime. I do like my MAC but work has stopped so $$ is tight!!! I like the idea of a Linux computer because of stability/lack of viruses/decreased $.
I would like to use it to watch some TV over the net and word processing/Resume also a lot of net surfing. Some pictures a little music.
What do you folks think I know nothing about it and I am just trying to learn.
Thank you!

Next time, please could you post this as a separate thread?
And also I've just answered something very similar to this in a PM you just sent me. You only need to post a post/thread and we will do our best to help you, there is no need to PM everyone about it.

Jam

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Yes- sending PM request for help is not allowed

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