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I have a spare laptop that I have just replaced the hard drive on (the old one failed) and was wondering whether to set it up with Ubuntu / XP / a combination. It is an HP510 with a 250GB HDD and ample RAM. I have another better laptop that I use for music work and recording (HP EliteBook 8730W with 320GB HDD). This laptop will be primarily for internet access, and running the necessary PC software for use as a karaoke / music / video player should I ever get back on the road again. I might also care to use it for gigs with BIAB/RB with the karaoke screen to show me the chords and lyrics. What's your opinion as to which system (or both) to install and why?  Thanks
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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I use Ubuntu for email & Internet.It's on an old Dell Inspiron 8100.Ubuntu just always works.No fiddling around,no registry to mess up and secure enough right out of the box to not require any malware software.I do use no script plugin for Firefox.I've been using it straight for many years without ANY issues at all.I wouls suggest you get one of the LTS (long term stable) releases. 10.04 was the last.
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The version I have is Ubuntu 8.10 and comes on a double-sided CD (one side is 32bit, the other is 64bit)
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Just download the newer 10.4 it has a lot of great updates for the program.
While i do not use Ubuntu, i have been on Fedora for over two years now and going strong. I do no music on that system, but for a general purpose PC it is rock solid.
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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I used Ubuntu and Kubuntu on the old laptop that I couldn't reinstall Vista. Kubuntu was a bit finicky but Ubuntu was solid for general usage. I was wanting to use it as a secondary DAW while on the go but it just isn't quite ready for that in my opinion. I believe it will do quite well for your purposes. I personally wouldn't install XP on it alongside Ubuntu unless there is a program for XP that could not be duped in Ubuntu.
I gave up on it altogether when I got an iPad 3 loaded with lots of great music production apps. And the apps just keep getting better. Still waiting on a MIDI only BIAB app. Hint, hint, Peter :-) .
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I have been using the various Ubuntu releases for over 5 years and I've had no problems.
The only reason I keep a Windows system is because the Australian Tax Office application only runs on Windows. I've tried to run it on Ubuntu under WINE but only got so far before it crashed.
I've also been running an older vresion of BIAB under WINE on the Ubuntu system without any problems, but then, I'm not a power user of BIAB.
tony
Lenovo lappie, 4Gb RAM, 500Gb HD
Ubuntu 12.04
Running BIAB under WINE
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I ran the newest version of Ubuntu for a couple of months after my old PC died. It's fine for a very basic OS.
However it's not a legitimate replacement for Windows. .........XP or otherwise.
To urge folks to view it as such is "overselling" Ubuntu. If you just want to surf the web and have a word processor, it's fine and its free.
Just my 2 cents, so no flaming please.
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The only reason I even have a computer that runs Microsoft anything is to run Band in a Box.
Other than that I run Linux.
I bought my wife an Ipad3 for her birthday yesterday. She'll be very nice to me tonight when she changes the patches.
Windows 8 is going to be great for Band in a Box. But heavy on the touch interface so I know the guys at PG music have been messing with it. 2013 baby.
I'm hoping for a music stand that holds a tablet computer running band in a box.
NOTE: you can download and install windows 8 on that laptop also. I have one laptop running Windows 8 AND Ubuntu. Just for fun.
Have some.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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I use Ubuntu version 10.04 for most computer chores. The web, word processing, photo manipulation, digital video editing, audio recording, audio production, audio mastering. Occasionally I'll deploy a specialty Linux operating system to accomplish a specialty task.
Linux is not a cheap substitute for Windows or Mac. It is a quality tool - but like all quality tools, requires a skilled operator to achieve optimum results.
My suggestion: stick with Windows - you're already conditioned to accept its limitations.
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Quote:
I use Ubuntu version 10.04 for most computer chores. The web, word processing, photo manipulation, digital video editing, audio recording, audio production, audio mastering. Occasionally I'll deploy a specialty Linux operating system to accomplish a specialty task.
Linux is not a cheap substitute for Windows or Mac. It is a quality tool - but like all quality tools, requires a skilled operator to achieve optimum results.
My suggestion: stick with Windows - you're already conditioned to accept its limitations.
Right on!
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Quote:
My suggestion: stick with Windows - you're already conditioned to accept its limitations.
Nice job of getting an insult in there Oren. Especially when I said it was "just my 2 cents. No flames please".
Thanks for the cheap shot.
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Quote:
My suggestion: stick with Windows - you're already conditioned to accept its limitations.
Is that an insult? I'll have you know I have been actively involved around computers for 30 years and I have a university degree in Business Computing Systems. I don't know what you are implying by 'conditioned to accept...'. Please explain
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Sam, I think it's an insult to Windows, not you or anyone else. I read it as encouraging one not to invest time in learning a new OS when you are already familiar with another. Ease up, lad.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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And all this time I was pronouncing it like lizard with a R! But I wasn't using Linux or Windows when I did, it was a Mac in a box thang.
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Bob, and Sam, I don't think Oren is remotely trying to be insulting. He is responding to Bob's statement that others are "overselling" Ubuntu. As I said above i have been using Linux for over two years, and i am still a novice at it, and far more competent with windows. But even with my limited abilities i can see that Linux is not a cheap/free OS. I have it doing almost everything that a PC can, and many thing far better. Music is one area i do not have it dialed in yet. But obviously Oren does, he is rather advanced at the Linux process.
Look if your going to make bold statements about what others are implying, they will reply in loke kind, don't take it as an insult, but a response.
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, My "bold statements", as you call them, were addressing Sam's question in the OP. Quote:
What's your opinion as to which system (or both) to install and why?
I found Oren's reply to me to be condescending, but hey, ...that's "just my 2 cents", (just my opinion). The same as my "bold statements" were.
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Thanks to those who chose to accept my recommendation in a positive light  An analogy may be helpful: I have absolutely no use for Paul Reed Smith guitars. I wouldn't own one even if they were free. To me, they are cumbersome, uncomfortable, ugly, and they sound bad. Likewise with Parker guitars. The fact is, PRS and Parker make superior tools. I can admire them from a distance, just don't ask me to play one. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Linux is, without question, the most robust, versatile, secure, operating system available today - at any price. And it improves at a rate simply unattainable by proprietary software, because every user has the opportunity to contribute to its development. For security applications, mass transit systems, servers, long-term service, and remote locations - where rock solid performance is essential - it is, most often, the software of choice. Its performance is limited only by the ingenuity of the user. For many, particularly those with a lifelong exposure to Windows, Linux will seem unwieldy, complex, even arcane. These folks might best continue with their current software choice. This is, however, a matter of personal preference, not a reflection of the actual value of the tool. Sam - in my experience, you tend towards a short attention span and have an aversion to hard work. These are not criticisms, just observations, and I could be wrong. If I'm right, you will be best advised to stick with Windows. If I'm wrong (and I hope I am), welcome to Linux.
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Oren,
Let me make sure I’ve got this right.
If you have attention deficit disorder and you’re lazy, ...you should use Windows.
But if you’re smart and hard working, ... you should use Linux.
I’m glad you cleared up your previous condescending remark with one that’s even more condescending.
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Bob,
I'll extend you the courtesy of a direct reply, then end my participation in this thread.
You are reaching, and in all the wrong directions. Relax, re-evaluate.
Contribute as best you can to further our understanding of this wonderful craft.
End of story.
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Oren, Quote:
I'll extend you the courtesy of a direct reply
I guess I should feel honored???
BTW, I’m not reaching in any direction. I don’t need to relax because I’m not upset. On your recommendation, I’ve re-evaluated and reached the same conclusion.
Your last comment cemented my belief of your condescending attitude.
Quote:
Contribute as best you can
I’ll try real hard, … as best I can. 
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
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!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
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Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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