Is Kubuntu my solution to use instead of Windows XP, Vista, etc?

[Guest]

Just found Kubuntu and OpenSource Office Suite. I've spent an hour of reading various articles on using the Kubuntu OS. I am an Independent Technical Recruiter running my own business and I would love to be able to stop using any and all Windows OS---NOW and in the FUTURE. I have not found the answers to the following questions/concerns I have:

It sounds as if I can install the Kubuntu OS and keep the Windows XP OS on the same laptop...is this so?

If I decided to install Kubuntu, will it have to be a clean install? (of course, this question may be part of my first question) Or will I need to back up everything on my laptop and re-install it after installing Kubuntu?

I play Stratomatic baseball with my laptop; will games that work on the Windows OS work on the Kubuntu OS?

Thanks and you may send me a response to blakelym@comcast.net if you like.

JM Blakely

[bmccosar]

Re: Is Kubuntu my solution to use instead of Windows XP, Vista, etc?

It sounds as if I can install the Kubuntu OS and keep the Windows XP OS on the same laptop...is this so?

If I decided to install Kubuntu, will it have to be a clean install? (of course, this question may be part of my first question) Or will I need to back up everything on my laptop and re-install it after installing Kubuntu?

I play Stratomatic baseball with my laptop; will games that work on the Windows OS work on the Kubuntu OS?

1. Yes, you can dual boot. If the installer finds a Windows partition, it usually configures everything for you. You will still need a separate space to create the Kubuntu partition, but the installer can handle that as well.

2. No, the reverse. Kubuntu plays well with Windows. If you make space for Kubuntu, it will be a good neighbor and even set up a boot route to get to Windows if you need to get there. If you load K, then load Windows, well . . . the line from Highlander comes to mind: "There can be only ONE!"

3. That I don't know. There is a windows emulator called 'wine'. I've never used it. I know the primary reason people use it is to play games, but since I do music most of the time, that's not a concern of mine.

[Snowhog]

Re: Is Kubuntu my solution to use instead of Windows XP, Vista, etc?

The definitive dual-booting guide: Linux, Vista and XP step-by-step