Ubuntu

[lisalover1]

I know. Let me know if you find anything, though. I know how to use the shell [Command Line] in Linux, so even if it doesn't have a GUI, I should still be able to do some things in it.

[bacteria]

Ok, i've installed Ubuntu 10.4 and had it running for a couple of days now. I must say i'm very impressed with it.

I'm using Opera and Thunderbird as they have Linux versions; tried to install Paint Shop Pro 9 and also Ashampoo Officer 2008 via Wine and neither install properly/work properly. Tried installing Spotify, and it worked for a while but when I rebooted and tried it again, I got "problems with soundcard", even the "emulation" mode on the Wine config, that previously got it working, didn't. The only Windows program I tried that worked is PhotoFiltre (an excellent graphics program) which runs from its .exe file so doesn't need all the .dll files, etc.

So my views of Ubuntu is that is is excellent, fast, stable, very nice.

Downsides - barely runs Windows programs so you are stuck with the (excellently large database) of Ubuntu programs.

Workaround? Anyone got Paint Shop Pro working (I have a CD version of PSP 7 and that doesn't even get to the install menu on Ubuntu), and how please?

Tips for getting Spotify to work properly? (I am using www.grooveshark.com at the moment - excellent, free, no ads; but limited tracks; but I can live with that!)

Also, the image quality of my screen isn't as crisp visually as via Windows - using Nvidia 7900GTX 512Mb graphics card; looks fine but not as good as before - tips?

Also, installed one of the MS font packs for Ariel, etc; however there are other fonts I want that I used on Windows; any way I can import specific fonts into Ubuntu and use them?

[Ziggy]

Also, the image quality of my screen isn't as crisp visually as via Windows - using Nvidia 7900GTX 512Mb graphics card; looks fine but not as good as before - tips?

Yeah, I have the same problem with Ubuntu and I'm also using an nVidia card.

[Hatta]

tried to install Paint Shop Pro 9 and also Ashampoo Officer 2008 via Wine and neither install properly/work properly.

Did you check the App DB? There are often workarounds posted there. Also consider using the GIMP instead. For troubleshooting, what do you see on the console when you try to run PSP?

Tried installing Spotify, and it worked for a while but when I rebooted and tried it again, I got "problems with soundcard", even the "emulation" mode on the Wine config,

Wikipedia says there's a Linux version.

Also, the image quality of my screen isn't as crisp visually as via Windows - using Nvidia 7900GTX 512Mb graphics card; looks fine but not as good as before - tips?

Don't know what to tell you there. My GUI looks better in Linux than Windows. Are you using the proprietary driver? Try playing with nvidia-settings.

Also, installed one of the MS font packs for Ariel, etc; however there are other fonts I want that I used on Windows; any way I can import specific fonts into Ubuntu and use them?

The only thing I've ever done with fonts is 'apt-get install msttcorefonts'. I'm sure there must be a way to add arbitrary fonts to Ubuntu, I'd ask on their forums.

[lisalover1]

If you're having trouble with the graphics, go to "System->Administration->Hardware Drivers", and check if there are any drivers for your graphics card.

Also, I found out about a really cool Compiz plugin recently. It's called Anaglyph, and it allows you to use 3D on your desktop without a special graphics card or monitor. You need a pair of Anaglyph [Red & Blue] glasses, but it works really well, and I'm impressed.

[bacteria]

There is a trial version of Spotify for Ubuntu, but only for "premium" users not free users. Grooveshark is excellent, so i'll use that.

The "workaround" on PSP9 is an issue, even if works - using text crashes the program in Wine; and text is what I use as well as graphics.

Tried PhotoFiltre in Wine, no files to install, but it leaves wierd colour lines as you move boxes about - obviously there are issues.

Updated the graphic drivers, make no visible difference.

Installed "Fonty Python Font Manager" and that works nicely at installing fonts, .ttf ones anyway. Thing is, you can change fonts for the title bars, etc with System>Appearance but not the font or font size for the internet pages (?) - you can increase the size of webpages in Opera in Preferences, which resolves the problem though!

What's the best Ubuntu forum for quick and knowledgeable replies, and nice members on it please?

One more quick question - how do I backup all my permissions, bookmarks, etc, etc in Opera for Ubuntu? I can't find a way - ideas, links please?

[Hatta]

User specific application preferences are kept in "dot files" in your home directory. There's probably a directory ~/.opera with all that stuff in there.

[GSZX1337]

Downsides - barely runs Windows programs so you are stuck with the (excellently large database) of Ubuntu programs.

Hate to nitpick, but WINE is separate from Ubuntu and you'll probably have the same problems in any other distro.

Maybe you can try CrossOver Linux?

[bacteria]

I've found a couple of excellent graphic editors which run in browsers:

http://www.sumopaint.com/app/

http://www.pixlr.com/editor/

and audio in http://www.grooveshark.com

not tried the video editor yet in Ubuntu, that will be interesting - the Windows one is often unstable. If the video editor is excellent, then Ubuntu is all I need from a computer. Still learning stuff, but making good strides.

One other thing I wanted to do was Opera backups - looks like "sbackup" might be the answer? Any other method for backups/restore for Opera known?

[GSZX1337]

The best free video editor (that I'm aware of) is KDenLive in the repositories.