Ubuntu Question

[Charles L. Cotton]

I have an old HP laptop running Vista Business. Actually, it's not running it because it's unusable. "Slow" doesn't begin to describe it! I was going to format the hard drive, but I can buy a new one for $28, so it's on order now.

I've downloaded Ubunto 16.10 and I plan to load it on the laptop as soon as the new hard drive arrives. I'm only going to use it only for Skype interviews for podcasts (Skype has a Linux version available) and occasionally for Google Voice/phone interviews. Are there any pitfalls I need to be aware of before tying to load Ubuntu?

Thanks,
Chas.

[TexasJohnBoy]

While Ubuntu isn't windows, it is pretty good about "just working"
It's quite different from Windows, but if you're patient you'll be able to use it no problem. I've got a good bit of experience running Ubuntu (at work and at home) so I'll be happy to lend a hand if issues pop up.

[TexasJohnBoy]

I haven't used the skype client for Linux either. If you have a Windows 7 installation disk it might be a better route but I don't think you can buy them anymore unless you're an enterprise customer...

[Charles L. Cotton]

This old computer is not compatible with Windows 7.

Chas.

[The Wall]

I'm still using Windows Vista Home Professional and it works great. No speed issues. Maybe it's the computer.

[rtschl]

Charles,

I would recommend Linux Mint https://www.linuxmint.com/ over Ubuntu. It is based on Ubuntu but it is more "friendly" in that it is much easier to install 3rd party proprietary software (like media CODECS etc.). Mint has been the most popular Linux desktop for several years running. http://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-mint ... op-period/

I have not used Skype on Linux but I just installed Skype my Linux Mint machine and it looks to be running well. I only use Skype at work so I do not have any contacts to test it.

Ron

[bmwrdr]

No, there are no pitfalls with Ubuntu as long as the hardware isn't faulty and the camera / audio hardware isn't too exotic. Instructions can be found here https://www.linuxbabe.com/desktop-linux ... untu-16-04

[rtschl]

Charles,

I also meant to add that you can test it now before you decide to install it on that device. If you install Oracle Virtual Box https://www.virtualbox.org/ on a computer now you can then run Linux (or almost any other OS) as a virtual machine. There are a few caveats with it (space, cpu, memory, etc.) but the main thing is to make sure you have hardware virtualization enabled in the BIOS of your computer so that it can run a virtual machine.

[G.A. Heath]

Also it is important to note that like windows Ubuntu does occasionally break compatibility with older hardware. If that is your case an older version of Ubuntu, a different Linux distribution, or a different OS might be your only options.

[extremist]

Charles,

I would recommend Linux Mint https://www.linuxmint.com/ over Ubuntu. It is based on Ubuntu but it is more "friendly" in that it is much easier to install 3rd party proprietary software (like media CODECS etc.). Mint has been the most popular Linux desktop for several years running. http://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-mint ... op-period/

I have not used Skype on Linux but I just installed Skype my Linux Mint machine and it looks to be running well. I only use Skype at work so I do not have any contacts to test it.

Ron

Agreed. Linux Mint is great, as is Zorin.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your help.

Chas.