How Stable is it?

hello zahira..
Ubuntu 7.10 iss the latest operating system in ubuntu and definitely it is stable for a desktop and a server installation... (though there are few compatibility problems and bugs...) So we are there to help you out in the community...!
A couple of things:
1. What is your system configuration?
2.Which program would you like to run?
Please provide us with more info:
Meantime, you can dual boot xp and ubuntu; ref:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=56723
or you can switch to ubuntu from windows also; Ref:
http://doc.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/switching/C/index.html and
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows

br,

Bhavani Shankar.

Thank you for your wonderful reply. I do have a bit more confidence. I have a Dell 786 something (sorry - I have done a lot of work with computers but some details escape me :) ) I only slightly upgraded the memory, otherwise everything else is the manufacture set up.

I have Windows XP SP2 Home Edition with all the latest updates.
Processor - Intel Celeron 2.00 Ghz
384 MB Ram
80 GB hard drive

** the hard drive space was the deciding factor on not dual booting because when I tried to load Ubuntu without replacing windows, it repartitioned at 74GB which didnt leave much space left for anything else. I would need to add a couple of plug-ins and messengers so I know that would not be enough space left. Especially considering future updates and stuff for both programs.

So I have to decide to run either Windows XP for the remaining time it is supported and then switch to Ubuntu, or to just go ahead and take the plunge now while I have a backup. I am more inclined to go ahead with the switch but with as many responsibilities as I have daily that are related to my computer, I have to make sure the change will go smoothly. Otherwise I can be in a lot of trouble.

The program I would like to run is Unbuntu.

Hi again..
The system requirements for gutsy is same as fiesty but a minimum RAM requirement of 384 MB for the changes from the previous version ref the release notes here:
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes/710

For partitioning and other details of installation.. Refer the links to the guides in my above answer.. Or again here is a nice guide; ref:
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/installing

now depending on these answers I hope you will be able to take a decision........:)
Keep us informed......:)

br,

Bhavani Shankar.

Hello Again,

I did it and everything seems to be working just fine. I still have to make the updates but looks great from over here. I did run into the media problem. I cannot access any live streams that use the wmv or ram. Havnt tried the videos yet but the pages do load with the video choices. I'll do the updates first and keep you posted. I loaded Ubuntu as stand alone, no windows.

Thanks again for all your help.

Ziza

I give up... There isnt anything compatible with MSN messenger with video conferencing that works, audio and video is also not working except in google video and places like that. As much as I hate it - I have to go back to Windows XP. This really did not work out. I spent all of this day until now trying to get some workable solution but I didnt find any. Very sad and disappointed.... Salaam, Sr. Zahira

Have you tried aMSN? I think it's one of the few MSN clients that supports webcams.

Note that your webcam may not be Linux compatible, that is something you are better off suggesting to the manufacturer of your webcam, it's up to them to collaborate with Linux developers when it comes to drivers.

However, if you specify the model of the webcam you have, we may be able to help you make it work under Ubuntu, depending on the model.

Yes you can try amsn.. Install amsn from following command in a terminal:
wget -c http://internap.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/amsn/amsn_0.95-3.ubuntu.deb
sudo dpkg -i amsn_0.95-3.ubuntu.deb
and please mention your webcam make for better support from us..........:)

Cheers,

br,
Bhavani Shankar

I did try the amsn. but that was a real mess. I would suggest putting it in a package so that it is much more convenient and easier to install. I got everything installed except - the instructions said I have to find tk/tcl files, and that took forever because I had to search for them. Then I got the tk-dev files working, but the tcl-dev -I was struggling to keep my patience with it. The tcl didnt work right for some reason. I did it many times over again with other downloads that I found because I thought maybe the file was corrupted, and still did not function properly. This is a very important part of my internet connection. I use the 'msn' to keep in touch with family overseas. So it is necessary for me to have this option available to me.

I looked up the SN# and it says its Lenovo. It's not passed windows security thing yet so maybe it is ok to use it with linux. I had to tell it to continue the install anyway. Just in case, I'm not sure if this is a part number or serial number - SN9C201&202.

BTW guys I'm still quite impressed with this program Ubuntu. I am going to run it as an alternate on my system. I would really love the chance to see this up and running with big competition for Microsoft. In my opinion, really the only thing thats missing is the messenger, audio and video stuff, and media players that work. Thats it! The graphics are wonderful, especially the backgrounds and screensavers. Those would be fun projects for someone to enumerate on later. That would give us guys a chance to add our own bit of personalization and share it to. Another really nice fact is that the program does not take a lot of space in the hard drive or the memory. So even as an alternate program on my computer, I'm lovin it - and hoping that everything gets smoothed out real soon.

I noticed that ya'll do offer the Arabic version of Ubuntu. My husband is native Arabic speaker and teaches Arabic in the University here in our location. I mentioned to him this may be a good opportunity to help, and he seemed interested. Is there a need for translating or something and how would my husband go about finding more information about it?

Thanks,

Ziza

Thanks Bhavani Shankar, that solved my question.