Trying to DUMP Windows.... But

[Bart Silverstrim]

Richard wrote:
> Been watching Linux for the past few years, and have wonder "if" its 
> ready to replace my Vista Desktop.
> There are a few factors, that would need to be address, before I can 
> change my Desktop OS.
<snip>

You seem to have some very specific needs and have a routine set up 
under which you may be comfortable...why are you looking to switch?

For our purposes, by and large, Linux...Ubuntu in particular...meets our 
needs and workflow. When you're asking about video formats, ripping 
audio, photo editing...well, I've been able to do things well enough. 
But when you have a list so specific then changing the OS may mean 
changes that you'd be uncomfortable with, so telling you, "Sure, XYZ can 
do that..just use ABC!" may just lead you to be mad at the person giving 
the advice if for some reason you can't adjust to the changes or the 
software doesn't meet your expectations.

You are obviously very concerned about these issues since you spent a 
lot of time crafting your questions and concerns in the post. I didn't 
see *why* you want to dump your current platform, though, if you have a 
system in place with which you were comfortable.

My advice is to see if you can get an inexpensive second system and 
install Ubuntu on that. leaving your current system intact in case, and 
you can see how well Ubuntu fits your workstyle.

If you can't do that, try installing a backup program like "Macrium 
Reflect" and create an image of your system to an external drive from 
which you can restore and you can then install Ubuntu on your main 
workstation. It's free for personal use.

Alternatively I believe you can try Wubi to run Linux in your Windows 
environment. I don't know the details, you may have to google for info, 
but it will give you a safety net while seeing if the move is what you 
really want to do.

Anyway, that's my advice on the issue. If you don't have a compelling 
reason to leave the environment you're already comfortable in, I'd 
really encourage you to give a lot of thought to it, especially if you 
depend on your computer for income of some sort...