I want to get a new laptop. I am thinking about getting Ubuntu. Do programs that run on Windows like MS Office and Firefox automatically also work on Linux? Or do such programs have Linux versions? Am I making a good decision going with Linux?

I want to get a new laptop. I am thinking about getting Ubuntu. Do programs that run on Windows like MS Office and Firefox automatically also work on Linux? Or do such programs have Linux versions? Am I making a good decision going with Linux?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

great decision; i myself just put it on my laptop. The latest version of Ubuntu (8.04 Hardy Heron) comes pre-loaded with firefox and open office and a huge range of other apps. Because Linux is open source every app you can get is free no matter what. Paying for an app is against Linux’s code of ethics! Although i must warn you that for new linux users its a big jump from windows to linux. Installing apps on a Linux OS is more complicated than double clicking on an .exe file. You may require some command line skilled but any skill you need is easily found on an online forum and guide (or just ask ask-public). so yeah overall go for it and if you change your mind, who cares its free.
by

Related questions

"I am thinking about getting a mini laptop like an EEE PC. Should I get it with Windows XP or Linux?"?

Description : "I am thinking about getting a mini laptop like an EEE PC. Should I get it with Windows XP or Linux?"?

Last Answer : I have a mini laptop and I use it for basically the same things you are wanting it for. I love it. It’s not an EEE I guess tho. I have windows xp home on mine and it works fine, it’s acutally faster than my desktop which I haven’t touched much since I got the laptop.

Should I switch from Windows to linux such as ubuntu?

Description : Should I switch from Windows to linux such as ubuntu?

Last Answer : What do you use your computer for?

Can you comment on the latest version of MS Word? especially in comparison with pre-Windows 7 versions?

Description : Can you comment on the latest version of MS Word? especially in comparison with pre-Windows 7 versions?

Last Answer : answer:I just upgraded to Windows 10. If I'm not mistaken, on Windows 2003 still had functions like saving under the file tab. Windows 10 you find that under the Home tab. For me, I had a ... 10 software for a half an hour? Call ahead and make sure a computer or laptop has the right version.

Can you run Ubuntu Linux Server under Parallels on a MacBook Pro?

Description : Can you run Ubuntu Linux Server under Parallels on a MacBook Pro?

Last Answer : answer:I believe that server support on parallels is only available in beta right now. Ubuntu Server v8 works in Fusion though.

I want to install Puppy Linux on an old laptop that is otherwise useless. Will uninstalling Windows make it faster?

Description : I want to install Puppy Linux on an old laptop that is otherwise useless. Will uninstalling Windows make it faster?

Last Answer : Did you actually install it to the hard drive or are you running it from a CD/DVD?

Ubuntu Linux question! Details to follow.

Description : Ubuntu Linux question! Details to follow.

Last Answer : The model number of the computer would help – it’s difficult tio see if the bug has been reproduced without that information, especially the model of the graphics chip.

What is Linux and Ubuntu?

Description : What is Linux and Ubuntu?

Last Answer : That completely depends on you and what you want and expect from your computer. Your best bet is to try out Ubuntu, which is easy since you can install it without touching your current Windows stuff.

What's wrong with my wireless connection (Ubuntu Linux Q)?

Description : What's wrong with my wireless connection (Ubuntu Linux Q)?

Last Answer : I’m sorry, this is a simple-minded answer, but I have more than once left my wi-fi- switch on my computer off. Are you sure it’s enabled?

So I've gone and installed Ubuntu on the family computer. How does one go about installing Linux software that he finds on the Web?

Description : So I've gone and installed Ubuntu on the family computer. How does one go about installing Linux software that he finds on the Web?

Last Answer : answer:To get windows software to install you will have to get wine. Its a type of emulator (but not really) that lets you install windows programs and run them through it. As for tar.gz format compression ... to find the software rather than from the site. It'll find it 95% of the time I'd say

How do you replace or modify an application's icon in Ubuntu Linux, running GTK2 and Gnome?

Description : How do you replace or modify an application's icon in Ubuntu Linux, running GTK2 and Gnome?

Last Answer : I thought the icon would have to be in /usr/share/icons/Humanity/apps/ or something like that, but apparently it isn't. However, there is an Abiword icon in /usr/share/pixmaps, so you should be ... also drop yours in /usr/share/icons/Humanity/apps (and then in the folder for the correct sizes).

Where are application files on Ubuntu Linux?

Description : Where are application files on Ubuntu Linux?

Last Answer : most are in /usr/share. It’s not like Program Files though; the executable is somewhere under /usr/ , but the profile/settings for that application (or any app) is in the Home folder, hidden. To show the hidden files, hit CTRL+H.

Ubuntu/Linux newbie - lost scrolling functionality on IBM Thinkpad?

Description : Ubuntu/Linux newbie - lost scrolling functionality on IBM Thinkpad?

Last Answer : I’m not sure off the bat, but you may very well find the answer on thinkwiki.

The Difference between UBUNTU OS and other Linux Distro that uses Gnome too? I dont get it...

Description : The Difference between UBUNTU OS and other Linux Distro that uses Gnome too? I dont get it...

Last Answer : They are all different in subtle ways, although they also have a lot in common. For instance, Fedora uses RPM files for package management, while Ubuntu uses .deb files. I don't know what ... with them, some are likely to be better or worse than others in terms of administration and maintenance.

How do I use Windows programs on Ubuntu?

Description : How do I use Windows programs on Ubuntu?

Last Answer : There are many different ways; the free one is to install wine however if you’re wanting better support and more stability look into programs like VMware.

C can be used on A) Only MS-Dos operating System B) Only Linux operating system C) Only Windows operating system D) All of the above

Description : C can be used on A) Only MS-Dos operating System B) Only Linux operating system C) Only Windows operating system D) All of the above

Last Answer : D) All of the above

Find the odd one out A) MS -Excel B) Windows XP C) Linux D) DOS

Description : Find the odd one out A) MS -Excel B) Windows XP C) Linux D) DOS

Last Answer : Find the odd one out   MS -Excel 

Which of the following is an open source software? (A) MS Word (B) Windows (C) Mozilla Firefox (D) Acrobat Reader

Description : Which of the following is an open source software? (A) MS Word (B) Windows (C) Mozilla Firefox (D) Acrobat Reader

Last Answer : Mozilla Firefox

When I press the apostrophe key on my computer while using Firefox it automatically goes to the 'Find' function (equivalent of CTRL + F). How do I turn that off?

Description : When I press the apostrophe key on my computer while using Firefox it automatically goes to the 'Find' function (equivalent of CTRL + F). How do I turn that off?

Last Answer : answer:When typing in a text box, it's going to not bring up the find function , however when not in a text box, hitting certain keys bring up the find function. This is, I think (based on ... does this (as well as turn it off entirely): http://nic-nac-project.de/~kaosmos/index-en.html#searchkey

How do I make firefox automatically open downloaded files rather than save them?

Description : How do I make firefox automatically open downloaded files rather than save them?

Last Answer : Automatically opening files you download from the web is potentially very dangerous which is possibly why there isn’t an option for it. I’m not on a terminal with FF3 but I’ll check what my options look like when I get to one and see if I’m able to do it to be sure.

I need 64-bit windows to run MS publisher. What's the cheapest option?

Description : I need 64-bit windows to run MS publisher. What's the cheapest option?

Last Answer : Is there any reason why you don’t want to use Open Office or Scribus?

Hmm...should I install Ubuntu over linux xandros system? I just got a new eepc and I'm not quite clear on how to manage. would that be convenient?

Description : Hmm...should I install Ubuntu over linux xandros system? I just got a new eepc and I'm not quite clear on how to manage. would that be convenient?

Last Answer : I would say yes, if only because it has excellent documentation whereas everything I can find on Xandros only appears to tell you to use the command line. Most people seem to like Ubuntu best. Also, they have a special netbook version (be sure to check whether your system is supported).

So I’ve been rocking the Adobe suite on work macs for a while, and am running Ubuntu on all my computers at home so I want to get invested/familiarized with GIMP. What’s the best place to start?

Description : So I’ve been rocking the Adobe suite on work macs for a while, and am running Ubuntu on all my computers at home so I want to get invested/familiarized with GIMP. What’s the best place to start?

Last Answer : http://www.gimp.org/tutorials/ Alternatively, you can try GIMPshop, which is a derivative of GIMP with GUI modifications to make it behave more like Photoshop.

I want to make the blower on my furnace run on high!It now runs on medium speed.Can I do this myself?I am pretty handy and know how to kill the power first!Also I was thinking about putting an inline fan in the duct!Anyone have any experiences?

Description : I want to make the blower on my furnace run on high!It now runs on medium speed.Can I do this myself?I am pretty handy and know how to kill the power first!Also I was thinking about putting an inline fan in the duct!Anyone have any experiences?

Last Answer : answer:I poked around the net for a bit and figured your best resource on this will be youtube. There are a TON of how to videos! I don't know if this is the right one as I don't know the ... m sure you can find it on youtube nonetheless. I hope this helps! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDF4Ce4XjVc

How do I automatically add the date to a MS Excel cell?

Description : How do I automatically add the date to a MS Excel cell?

Last Answer : You would want a macro, or if you hit Ctrl+; it automatically puts in the current date in the selected cell, and you can add the called left message afterward If you want to do a macro, you can record ... need to edit the macro to work for each line. So it might be easier to use the Ctrl+; shortcut

What's a good free e-journal software program for Ubuntu / Linux?

Description : What's a good free e-journal software program for Ubuntu / Linux?

Last Answer : answer:If you want a blog, it's easy to make one. Certainly if you wish a private blog this is easily done by installing WordPress or similar. If you are looking for a native (i.e ... them. You might try asking the Ubuntu forums. There are literally thousands of Ubuntu users sharing knowledge there.

Resources for learning how to administer Ubuntu Linux servers?

Description : Resources for learning how to administer Ubuntu Linux servers?

Last Answer : answer:I dont know of any tutorials online. But I do highly suggest keeping a close copy of this cheat sheet http://fosswire.com/post/2007/08/unixlinux-command-cheat-sheet/ I would say the most important thing ... port to be open and try to ssh in to your box), and 3306 for MySQL. hope that helps

Where can I download a different-color version of the Humanity icon theme for Ubuntu/Gnome/GTK2 Linux?

Description : Where can I download a different-color version of the Humanity icon theme for Ubuntu/Gnome/GTK2 Linux?

Last Answer : Perhaps you could find someone that could write a script that would recursively read through the directories of the theme and runs some ImageMagick or similar command on it that will colourize it to ... has created alternate colour versions of it like with the Shiki (or GNOME Colors) icon themes.

How do you make an audio CD on Ubuntu Linux?

Description : How do you make an audio CD on Ubuntu Linux?

Last Answer : I think the app I was trying to use to burn the CD was brasero.

can I mail my USB drive to anyone to put either ubuntu or Linux on it?

Description : can I mail my USB drive to anyone to put either ubuntu or Linux on it?

Last Answer : answer:There are places to download linux for free like here where you’ll need to choose a distribution to download. The top one on the site is pc linux You could probably go to your local library and download the file onto your usb stick if bandwidth is a problem where you are.

What is difference between Ubuntu and Linux?

Description : What is difference between Ubuntu and Linux?

Last Answer : 1.Linux is a generic term which is a kernel and has several distributions, whereas Ubuntu is one of the Linux kernel-based distribution. 2.Linux started its journey in 1991, whereas Ubuntu took off in ... is one project or distribution. 6.Linux is secure, and most of the Linux distributions do not

How do we get my daughter's (they/them) new computer to stop thinking they are French when using MS Word?

Description : How do we get my daughter's (they/them) new computer to stop thinking they are French when using MS Word?

Last Answer : I found this page with a similar question. Seems One Note may be the issue or the keyboard is set to french. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_onenote-mso_win10-mso_2019/onenote-2019-changing-the-display-language/075c2992-4625-49f9-95c7-8a24894d314c?page=2

How can I safely transfer my files and switch from Windows 7 Ultimate RC2 to Ubuntu across 2 hard drives attached to the same motherboard efficiently?

Description : How can I safely transfer my files and switch from Windows 7 Ultimate RC2 to Ubuntu across 2 hard drives attached to the same motherboard efficiently?

Last Answer : Burn a DVD with the files. Then copy the DVD.

I installed Ubuntu, but how do I switch back to Windows 7?

Description : I installed Ubuntu, but how do I switch back to Windows 7?

Last Answer : answer:Umm, if you really installed it in Virtualbox then it can not launch when you start the computer because you would have to run Virtualbox in Windows first to launch Ubuntu. So there are 3 possibilities. 1 ... and then reinstall windows. 1. is the least likely of the 3, 2. is the most likely.

How can I safely remove Ubuntu 10.10 from my PC / or How do I access Ubuntu files from inside Windows 7?

Description : How can I safely remove Ubuntu 10.10 from my PC / or How do I access Ubuntu files from inside Windows 7?

Last Answer : answer:I'm used Ubuntu a couple of times, but it's not my distro of choice so some of this may be a bit off. I had thought Ubuntu already had what it needed to read from a Windows partition (these ... to boot from the CD in Recovery mode, I think it's called, and re-write the MBR from there.

Is there a good antivirus working on Ubuntu (or debian) that one could use to scan a windows partition on a dual boot PC?

Description : Is there a good antivirus working on Ubuntu (or debian) that one could use to scan a windows partition on a dual boot PC?

Last Answer : Check out http://www.clamwin.com/—it’s primarily a windows program, but there is a linux commandline version of it. I used it for a while on backup servers to scan the windows files to make sure nothing hinky was getting missed by the windows server.

Is there an easy way to run Rosetta Stone on Ubuntu?

Description : Is there an easy way to run Rosetta Stone on Ubuntu?

Last Answer : Wine? But I doubt it would work smoothly.

Can I run Ubuntu?

Description : Can I run Ubuntu?

Last Answer : You might be happier getting a copy of VMware and running Ubuntu in a virtual machine.

I am getting into the programming world, why is linux so important for programmers?

Description : I am getting into the programming world, why is linux so important for programmers?

Last Answer : From what I understand most servers are run on a linux based system due to ease of use.

Software quality is very important especially for commercial and system software like: a) Microsoft Office b) Microsoft Windows c) Linux d) All of the Above e) None of These

Description : Software quality is very important especially for commercial and system software like: a) Microsoft Office b) Microsoft Windows c) Linux d) All of the Above e) None of These

Last Answer : d) All of the Above

I recently installed Ubuntu on my laptop, and now I can't connect to the Internet. How can I fix this?

Description : I recently installed Ubuntu on my laptop, and now I can't connect to the Internet. How can I fix this?

Last Answer : uninstall the program and reinstall it with the os system

I just got a Sony from best buy and am thinking about returning it. I paid 800 for the laptop. What should I exchange it for? I need to get a PC because it’s for work.

Description : I just got a Sony from best buy and am thinking about returning it. I paid 800 for the laptop. What should I exchange it for? I need to get a PC because it’s for work.

Last Answer : I would go with a Dell; reliable, fast, and great customer service when needed.

Which of the following is not an example of Operating System? 1) Windows 98 2) BSD Unix 3) Microsoft Office XP 4) Red Hat Linux

Description : Which of the following is not an example of Operating System? 1) Windows 98 2) BSD Unix 3) Microsoft Office XP 4) Red Hat Linux

Last Answer : 3) Microsoft Office XP

As you know, this is a new programming-director position. We’re thinking about having the person in this position also handle promoting our programs. Is that something you can handle?

Description : As you know, this is a new programming-director position. We’re thinking about having the person in this position also handle promoting our programs. Is that something you can handle?

Last Answer : My primary responsibility as program director at the Art Council was program development. However, we had a very small staff, so I was usually responsible for promotion as well. I wrote press releases, ... of this job. If it turned out not to be, would this candidate be disappointed and quit?

How can one improve on logical thinking and decision making using head rather than heart?

Description : How can one improve on logical thinking and decision making using head rather than heart?

Last Answer : Sign out a critical thinking book from your local library

FireFox 3 on SLED 10 (SuSE Ent. Linux Desktop)

Description : FireFox 3 on SLED 10 (SuSE Ent. Linux Desktop)

Last Answer : Nope, sorry. This is why I use Debian-based distros. “apt-get install firefox…”{

Which one of the following is not an Operating System ? (A) IBM AIX (B) Linux (C) Sun Solaris (D) Firefox

Description : Which one of the following is not an Operating System ? (A) IBM AIX (B) Linux (C) Sun Solaris (D) Firefox

Last Answer : (D) Firefox

Do you like Windows 7, Mac OSX or any distro of Linux the best?

Description : Do you like Windows 7, Mac OSX or any distro of Linux the best?

Last Answer : I’ve only owned a PC, so I wouldn’t be able to make out any differences. However, the Macs seem like something i would be happier with, just somehow.

I accidently set firefox to automatically open music files with vlc player?

Description : I accidently set firefox to automatically open music files with vlc player?

Last Answer : answer:At least on a Mac. Firefox—> Preferences—> Applications Windows should be similar.

How can I configure Firefox so it automatically refreshes a page after I hit "Back"?

Description : How can I configure Firefox so it automatically refreshes a page after I hit "Back"?

Last Answer : I’m not sure if either of those is possible at all. Unless you’re a l33t h4XX0r and you’re a bad enough dude to go rewrite the whole program.

Linux users: Do you run without a GUI (such as X)?

Description : Linux users: Do you run without a GUI (such as X)?

Last Answer : While I may be nostalgic for the CLI, I’m too lazy to relearn all the syntax properly, and I get tired of MAN every 10 minutes, so I use a GUI. Of course, some things you have to do from the terminal, so I just run an instance of the terminal when it’s necessary.