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Oren said it was like growing a child - sounds more like a petulant teen!!! Are you keeping your music access with WIN OS? Because Windows is such high profile there are tons of fixes for most problems - whereas Linux is pretty much restricted right now to a small circle of friends at the point. Wish you good fortune as you and the others "Defy Gravity" so to speak.  Cheers
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Thanks for the thoughts Ian, i am planning to always keep my music process in windows, there is far too much resources for that, and i want to make music not pioneer the process.
Linux is a curiousity, i want to learn enough to have a stable boot of it and use it on the net so i can avoid the volume of virus dangers in windows.
Fedora seems to rocket thru the net and have a smooth process.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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Making the commitment to learn the nuances of Linux operating systems involves the willingness to do your homework, and be responsible for the choices you make.
Specifically, we are dealing with a large selection of special purpose Unix-based operating systems that use a "kernel" originally developed by Linus Torvalds. Some of these systems have been outfitted as an all-purpose replacement for Windows (Ubuntu, for instance), and although they work quite well, a person would be far better off selecting a task-specific Linux O/S, and learning how to use it.
Interestingly, as a user learns more about their requirements, and the possibilities inherent in the open-source software, they tend to customise their operating system to suit their needs. A Linux buff will typically use several versions of the software, depending on the tasks at hand. They will tend to gravitate away from Windows-style releases, toward the more productive special-purpose versions.
Some excellent examples of special-purpose Linux operating systems for musicians are 64 Studio, Musix GNU, and Dynebolic. (steer clear of Ubuntu Studio - it has become, unfortunately, all show and no go)
Currently, I use a heavily modified version of Ubuntu Desktop version 9.04, optimised for my requirements in audio mastering. That is one of the beautiful things about open-source software - you can tweak it to do the job your way.
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Robh,
What is your computer set-up? Is it possible to install a separate hard drive for Linux? I use Ubuntu and it's excellent. I run to hard drives, though. I also install Ubuntu manually and to not use the suggested installation that Ubuntu recommend. To this end, I always have a separate /home directory as that allows me to keep all settings, etc., when I reinstall new versions. As for your wireless driver, do you know it's model number? Some drivers are more compatibile than others. I have a Linksys USB wireless device and it works straight out of the box.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Quote:
I also install Ubuntu manually and to not use the suggested installation that Ubuntu recommend. To this end, I always have a separate /home directory as that allows me to keep all settings, etc., when I reinstall new versions.
Precisely my point...
Noel,
Is it Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Netbook, or Ubuntu Studio, and which release? 9.04?
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Hi Oren,
I am now using Ubuntu 9.04 Desktop. I started using Ubuntu with version 7.10. Each April and October when new versions are released, I re-install. I find this a great way to get rid of those programs I no longer use. As you have pointed out, because all the programs are free and so easily available with Synaptic package manager, it's really no hassle to re-install. By having the separate /home directory, it's only necessary to format the / directory on a reinstall and all settings for email, web browsers, etc, are kept.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Quote:
...I am now using Ubuntu 9.04 Desktop. I started using Ubuntu with version 7.10. Each April and October when new versions are released, I re-install. I find this a great way to get rid of those programs I no longer use. As you have pointed out, because all the programs are free and so easily available with Synaptic package manager, it's really no hassle to re-install. By having the separate /home directory, it's only necessary to format the / directory on a reinstall and all settings for email, web browsers, etc, are kept...
Noel,
As you say, Ubuntu 9.04 Desktop is really quite an exceptional operating system. They have put a lot of effort into producing a functional replacement for Windows, and it has resulted in a very full-featured, stable release. (with some careful adjustments, the Linux audio applications will work very well in this O/S)
An international meeting of Linux developers was held here in Victoria B.C. Canada two years ago, and a representative from Australia stayed at the hostel where I work. A fascinating gentleman, and very willing to talk to me about Linux. He recommended Ubuntu as the best all-round choice.
I started with Ubuntu Studio 7.10, and after learning the basics, it proved to be an excellent operating system. Since then, in an effort to provide more features and a flashy "arts and technology" look, they have rendered the O/S almost completely useless. A shame - I really like their real-time kernel.
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Noel and Oren, i have an old AMD box 3500+ XP version, and i have Fedora Redhat dual booted. I had Ubuntu9.04 desktop and it was nice and had fun games and such but it did not see my Realtek 8185 RL wireless PCI card. I read all over the place that that one is problematic with Ubuntu. I found drivers for it, but could not get them in play. One poster said Fedora had a driver in it for Realtek, and sure enough it did. I also have problems with firefox and fedora, firefox freezes solid, i am at this time trying to find a way to remove firefox, or repair it. So for no joy. I do have Opera running very nicely, and evolution e-mail is working but not perfectly, as it is not showing pics and graphics yet. I have been able to add a few lines of commands thru terminal, and make some things work, which was really cool.
I recently added wine to it, but can't figure out what to do with it yet, i added YUM and that allowed me to add other things. This is a nice diversion from the norm, but i can't imagine using it full time for audio, yet, maybe someday, but for now i just want to learn a bit.
Oren, when you say master with it, do you take files from off windows software like BiaB, and open them in software in Ubuntu, and do the mastering?
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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Quote:
Oren, when you say master with it, do you take files from off windows software like BiaB, and open them in software in Ubuntu, and do the mastering?
Rob,
The standard audio files will open in Linux: wave, mp3, ogg vorbis, flac, in all variations of frequency and dynamic range.
Linux also does a nice job of FTP and BitTorrent, so large audio files can be conveniently exchanged.
Windows-specific software like WMA and MonkeysAudio will not function in a Linux environment, so I keep XP Pro on a separate hard-drive for those folks who prefer them.
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Cool update, i have the adobe flash working smoothly, i have switched to opera, as the default browser, so firefox is not randomly opening and freezing the system. I have learned how to use add and remove programs, and have opened up some interesting programs. My e-mail is flawless, as is the internet. I downloaded rosegarden, but no joy. I am having a ton of fun. But most of all i have fast safe internet, and very powerful e-mail, in a low risk virus environment. That i like a lot!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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Quote:
Cool update... I downloaded rosegarden, but no joy. I am having a ton of fun. But most of all i have fast safe internet, and very powerful e-mail, in a low risk virus environment.
Rob,
"Rosegarden" depends upon the JackAudioConnectionKit to operate and interface with software synthesizers like ZynAddSubFX. Just install "qjactl" and "jackd" from the Ubuntu repository, and all the J.A.C.K.-dependent music applications will work. Although that Ubuntu Desktop O/S has no real-time kernel, J.A.C.K. will function nicely with a latency setting of 1024.
"Audacity" and the "Hydrogen" drum sequencer will function without J.A.C.K.
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Cool i will tinker with that this weekend if time allows. I really enjoy having my e-mail and internet on Linux. It is faster and smoother. Some other issues i will be researching is getting embedded video to run in web pages, i have graphics working but video not yet. it just take time to workout the issues one at a time. Once i get this working properly then it is time to build a Linux box, or move the system to a separate hard drive.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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Well I've also made the plunge. Received the CD for Ubuntu 9.1. I run two lappies. One for music apps and one for internet. At the moment I have Ubuntu installed on both machines "inside Windows". Works very well. I did all of the updates at a localWIFI spot as I only have dial up at home. Had no issues at all connecting. The computers are networked together both in windows and Ubuntu. Once I'm satisfied that I no longer need Windows for internet I'll reinstall Ubuntu exclusively on the internet machine. What makes it easy for me is that I've used Firefox & Thunderbird for years. All I have to do is copy the profiles in Windows to the profiles in Ubuntu and I'm right up yo date. Simple. I'll continue with both on the music lappy. The last piece of the puzzle is to get dial up working. Instead of trying to get the Win Modem working, most have not had success, I'm going to get this item that has had 100% success with Ubuntu. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...4-006-_-Product
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John, I really enjoy Ubuntu and many of my friends now also use it. One thing that I have discovered is that there is a great deal of pooled knowledge by some very clever people. Before I buy any additions for my computer, these days, I always check-out which item is the most compatible with Ubuntu. Some manufactures do not consider Linux when making goods and getting these components working can sometimes get messy. Items from manufactures who do consider Linux, though, usually have very easy installation. To the above end, I have found the below webpage invaluable. https://wiki.ubuntu.com/HardwareSupport Happy New Year! Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Thanks Noel,
Using Ubuntu is much different then Windows. I have computer A & B networked through an adhoc network. Only computer A connects to the internet via dial up. When I enable the firewall via GUFW it blocks the network between the two. I use fixed IPs and subset mask. In windows with PCTools FW I just make a rule allowing this. In Ubuntu I tried to make a rule but it asks for the IP address and PORT. I think when I'm done I'll know a whole lot more.
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Update! I had, that's right HAD Linux running like a swiss watch. I had two separate e-mail clients up and running, and the internet was slick and fast. I had MS office type programs for word processing and excel type function, even a folder full of fun games. All was awesome in linux land!
Then i moved and when i resetup the computer Linux won't load up, er well it will load, but then it constantly reboots itself. Arrrgggg! Very frustrating. Anyway in my limited knowledge of Linux what i beleive went wrong is that i allowed it to do a automatic update thing and that was un necessary, since i do not fully understand waht allt he updates are i think one of them messed with the system. So i plan on reformatting the hard drive with windows XP and eliminating Redhat fedora and starting over. This time i will keep it simple. Once i have office function, internet and E-mail, then there is only one other program from the windows world i want to run, so I will try to get an emulation program running for that and i will leave it for all intenet function and redo my DAW off the net.
I will let you know how it goes. The journey continues!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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Robh, You don't need to format using Windows. Just download a Live CD of the version you want (I use Ubuntu) and boot-up from that. The Live CD will have a partitioning program (in Ubuntu this is GParted and is found under "Administration" on the menu bar.) Use this program to delete the present partition and then to create new ones. Gparted will format very quickly by comparison to Windows. I suggest the following (I have mentioned this in Linux threads already, but this time I'll be a little more explicit) ... Make three partitions: one @ 20 GB, one @ 2 GB, the last one using all remaining space. I format these to ext3 as there seems to be some dislike of ext4 at the moment in the Linux community. When you installing, *set the flag for the 20 GB partition to / *set the flag for the 2 GB parition to "swap" *set the flag for the remaining, largest partition to /home The above are Ubuntu flags but I imagine they are pretty much generic. The reason I do this is because the root directory (/) is where all system files are installed. Whenever I install Ubuntu, the system area (/) needs to be formatted. The /home directory never needs formatting. I never upgrade because I've had problems whenever I've done that. I always install new versions. Because I have the two above directories, though, all my files, email settings, bookmarks, etc., remain intact since they are stored in the /home directory and it's only / that I need to format. The above has worked real well for me. I've lost nothing and have installed about dozen times now. In fact, because of my set-up, I often simply reinstall if I do something wrong and create a problem rather than try to solve the problem (I'm lazy!). Just an idea  Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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I've been posting on silvertones other thread on this subject but because it is not obvious that it is about Linux ("my divorce became final") I've decided to add my two cents worth here also.
I've been a hard core Linux user for the last three years. My main computer, this laptop that I'm typing on now, has only Linux installed on it. It originally came with Vista, which I nuked and has had various versions of Ubuntu installed. I'm now up to ver 9.10
I also have a netbook running UNR (Ubuntu Netbook Remix)
As I am the support person for a large (130 members) computer club in my retirement village, I have to keep on top of Windows systems, so i also have a couple of Windows set-ups. One computer dual boots WinXP, and three different varieties of Linux (Xubuntu, Puppy Linux and Vector Linux) and another runs Windows 7
Why do I use this laptop as my main computer? Because it boots up from power on to checking my first email in 45 seconds and shuts down in 5 seconds.
It also runs BIAB 7 under WINE and various other free software (OpenOffice, Firefox, Opera, Evolution.. the list goes on and on)
And did I say that the software is FREE? Even the updates from one version to the next is FREE and required no change to any of my hardware, which is pretty basic.
And just to finish off, I have installed Moblin and CrunchBang Linux on USB drives and use them to boot my netbook from time to time. As we say Down Under - "No problems"
tony
Lenovo lappie, 4Gb RAM, 500Gb HD
Ubuntu 12.04
Running BIAB under WINE
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Quote:
Why do I use this laptop as my main computer? Because it boots up from power on to checking my first email in 45 seconds and shuts down in 5 seconds.
After two years of learning the ropes, a combination of "Ubuntu Studio 8.04" and "Dynebolic" have provided me with everything I need to run two desktop computers - both tweaked specifically for digital audio. A lot of work, but worth it.
And the computers run fast, smooth, and virus-free. 
Think of it as a "Linux-only Zone"...
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The thing that is interesting to me in Linux is some of the 'outside the box' thinking going on.
The (fairly new) idea of using the network port for soundcards is pretty cool, extreme fast transfer speeds over long distances.
However, for boot times, a well set up Win machine will match and even beat those boot times mentioned above.
My XP2 system boots in 48 seconds, and 4 of those are while the BIOS window sits. I could shorten that, but I like access sometimes to look at things. On that machine I am talking about full boot; hard drive light stops flashing and all processes loaded (26 of them is all it has).
Using the clock on the XP machine to time the Win7 machine; It is booted and ready in 44 seconds, but I am sure it is still working behind the scenes at that point. I can open programs right away though at that point.
I don't worry about shutdown times, as once you hit the shutdown button you are free to leave, so I don't care about that!
I built a triple boot machine last winter, and when XP has a fresh install it was just as fast to boot as Knoppix and Fedora.. I've only tried Ubuntu and Debian from boot CD's so I can't comment on those. I will say I just didn't like working in Rosegarden or Ubuntu Studio after using PT and Realband. Just not intuitive for me personally.
You definately got me on the software price! Free is nice, but I wouldn't want to try to build a database in OpenOffice - the Writer works fine but the rest of that suite is severely lacking.
BTW OpenOffice, Firefox, Opera, etc. are all free for Windows users also .. so maybe the free bit isn't so enticing, since the OS usually comes with the system when you buy it. If you build your own, it can be a big expense though.
No problems - its all good.
I'm glad Linux is there and so many keep working with it. More every day.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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