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Joined: Dec 2003
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I need some advice from you Linux users.
I have an ASUS notebook running XP that I take on my vacations/holidays. I use it for storing my pictures and for a little Internet use. Instead of just tossing it away I thought I might try running Linux on it. Here is where I am confused:
There appears to be a few different versions of Linux that are available. What is the best one(s) to use for my needs? I want to get rid of XP so should I format the drive prior to installing Linux? Not to worry I have a backup. How about drivers, are drivers readily available for Lunix? How about a browser or an email program. Or should I just use Yahoo email? Any anti-virus programs for Linux? Is there anything else that I need to know?
As you can tell I know absolutely nothing about running Linux on a machine! I have used Ubuntu a little running off a CD but I really didn't get into it.
Thanx in advance for your time and help.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Mario, a lot of people here use UBUNTU. Its free and quite stable. It comes with PLENTY of apps right out of the box, and many more to DL for free or cheap. It comes with a mail program or two, and even a generic version of microsoft office, which can open and edit office files (Excel, Word Etc) You don't have to reformat.. the installation will do whatever it needs to install itself... but I guess you could reformat if you want to. DOWNLOAD HERE After re-reading your post, I see you didn't like UBUNTU. I didn't like it when I demo'd it from a CD (it was way too slow) but after I installed it to the hard drive it was very fast... and the look & feel isn't substantially different than Windows
Last edited by Pat Marr; 08/14/14 08:38 PM.
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What Pat said. Use Ubuntu. Don't run it from a CD. Install it on your hard drive.
It's the most stable Linux platform from what I can tell. I used it for several months after my last PC died and wouldn't run Windows anymore. It ran Ubuntu just fine.
Drivers are an issue. Drivers are ALWAYS an issue with Linux.
But if all you want is a bare bones PC operating system for surfing the web, writing documents and handling email, ... it should work just fine.
Just don't try to get too fancy with it unless you're dedicated to becoming a Linux expert. And even then, drivers are ALWAYS an issue.
But it's free and it works, ... even when Windows may not.
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Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Posts: 330 |
For what it's worth, I tried Linux Ubuntu, and also Linux Mint. Both are good though of course different, considering they are free, try one, and then the other, and settle with whichever you like best.
All of the popular Linux distributions do come with drivers for most common purposes, it is the odd and unusual things that may have problems driver wise, or at least odd or unusual to the average Joe, for instance don't expect your MIDI keyboard to work straight out of the box.
One other major problem is that a lot of paid for softwares will not run on any Linux distro, I don't actually know if BIAB will as I didn't bother trying when I was experimenting.
However for most general purposes, photo's, music, video, and other general purpose computer tasks will run just fine.
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Apprentice
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Q: There appears to be a few different versions of Linux that are available. What is the best one(s) to use for my needs? A: That is the fun in distro hopping, trying to find the best distro for your needs. Q: I want to get rid of XP so should I format the drive prior to installing Linux? A: The distro will offer to reformat when you install it to your hard drive. Q: How about drivers, are drivers readily available for Lunix? A: From my experience, some distros do a better job than others at finding suitable drivers for your particular components. That is why the "Live CD" concept is so nice. You test drive the "Live Cd" before you commit to an installation. Check to see if the video, wifi, sound, camera, and everything else you can't live without works using that distro's "Live CD", and if it doesn't, try another distro. Q: How about a browser or an email program. Or should I just use Yahoo email? A: All of the distros come with browsers and usually they have email programs, If you don't like those defaults, check to see what other software replacements they have available in their software repositories ot centers, Personally, I use Thunderbird to access my Yahoo and Gmail accounts. Q: Any anti-virus programs for Linux? A: Usually ClamAV is available in their software repositories and if you desire, AVG offers a free Linux antivirus. Q: Is there anything else that I need to know? A: 1. Always verify the file integrity of the downloaded iso (md5sum). 2. As others have mentioned, the "Live CD" will be slower than the installed version, sometimes a lot slower than your patience. 3. Always check to make sure you meet the system requirements before downloading the distro's iso. 4. Before downloading an iso, Google "Installing" thedistro "Linux" to find helpful videos. 5. Remember lighter usually means faster. 6. Distrowatch should a great resource for in your search. ( http://distrowatch.com/) HTH
JBlatz
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Mario,
I'm an Ubuntu fan and I've been using it 2007 (version 7.10). It's very well supported with drivers and the help-base (via googling problems) is extraordinary.
I'm not sure how it runs on a notebook but I'd imagine it would be ok.
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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First I want to thank all for your suggestions. They were extremely helpful.
I ended up with Ubuntu. I formatted the HD, installed Unbuntu, and after a little learning curve got everything running exactly like I wanted. That is I can get on the Internet and I am able to save any view my pictures.
Thanx again everyone.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor.
It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
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This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
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Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
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- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
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- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
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In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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