Your most often used apps - Linux

Your most often used apps - Linux - Linux

I don't do a lot anymore on my system. I have a very basic Debian installation (config'd my way) which basically runs as a web server, file manager, web browser. 'Course, I'm on it all the time, but, I don't use many apps. I used to develop sites, manage clients, generate documentation, a bunch of related stuff - even graphical work and some audio (I play an instrument), but I no longer use my computer or any devices for business, or, work. Just a regular joe schmoe now.
You all probably do a whole lot more than I do, and use more and different apps. What are your most-used apps? My top apps are as follows:
terminal
firefox (tweaked and whatnot)
claws-mail
keepassXC
nextcloud (the server is no longer locally installed)
nano
geany
tellico (rare)
gimp (rare)
I was going to list 10, but, lol, I can't think of any more
basically, I'm just reading and writing now.
installed and running, but, I don't really 'use' them:
apache2
mysql
php-fpm
fail2ban
pi-hole
openbox

For me at work and at home I use these apps.
Firefox
Brave
VScode
DBeaver
Rider
Kdenlive
VMware
Virt-manager
Steam (w/ proton)
Yakuake
Thunderbird
KeePassXC
Vim
Gimp
Nginx
Postgres
SSH
Dotnet
React
Pycharm
Python
Timeshift
I'm a software developer at work and at home haha so I have fun!

Right on. Thanks for playing, lol. KeepassXC - there's dozens of us!

You should give one of the Arch based distros a whirl if you're looking to either challenge yourself.. plus on arch based distros, you don't have to worry with AS MANY dependencies as Debian based ones in my opinion.. I constantly bounce back and forth from Endeavour OS to Garuda Linux ..

DrScrad said:
You should give one of the Arch based distros a whirl if you're looking to either challenge yourself.. plus on arch based distros, you don't have to worry with AS MANY dependencies as Debian based ones in my opinion.. I constantly bounce back and forth from Endeavour OS to Garuda Linux ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot more than I'll ever know again about Linux, lol. I've used arch, actually, all of them, gentoo's stages.... Even while running Debian, from potato or something, I was distro-hopping and compiling this and that, rebuilding kernels - all the 'fun' stuff. I mean, you had to create your own floppy drive. I broke everything and got pretty damned savvy for the fixing. I ran every server, tweaked everything. I gotta be in neck-deep, it's a disease. I can still hear my ex wife, "you'll figure it out"' . No doubt after hearing me say - fuk'ing thing!
pffft. Nowadays I just want a handy script, if I need one, reliability, and I still want/maintain privacy. Debian and I have been gellin' just fine. I have a bash alias for installing apps which limits dependencies that I use by default, but, it's not as clean as compiling everything myself, which, pffft, get off my lawn!
alias install='sudo aptitude --without-recommends install'
I only use that alias because either aptitude or debian defaulted to --with-recommends and I'm not down with all that cruft.
Know what I used to love? Puppy Linux and Mepis. Also, aww, damn, what was it - this one distro you could boot to and fix everything. It was the first one, way back - damn I can't remember what it was. One of the first bootable and the first boot to for repairs and whatnot. If you say it I'll remember it. EDIT - you could even boot it to graphical!
'Nother EDIT - it was Knoppix! It just hit me.

DrScrad said:
You should give one of the Arch based distros a whirl if you're looking to either challenge yourself.. plus on arch based distros, you don't have to worry with AS MANY dependencies as Debian based ones in my opinion.. I constantly bounce back and forth from Endeavour OS to Garuda Linux ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I've done vanilla arch before and love it. On my servers I run arch. On my desktops I run Manjaro

Looks like Garuda is the new sexy.

bronkish said:
Looks like Garuda is the new sexy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I would have to agree that as an all around Arch Linux, it's by far one of themore aesthetically pleasing distros out... Unforunately, it's super resource heavy in comparison to others such as Endeavour, so i do what anyone that has a notion to critique something in Linux should do.. I went and cherry picked my favorite tools from their Gitlab page and now have the best of both worlds ...
NO CONDOM!

DrScrad said:
I went and cherry picked my favorite tools from their Gitlab page and now have the best of both worlds ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Linux people get it done.

couple apps I didn't mention that I always install, but don't necessarily use, though they are always 'on': unclutter and redshift.
Unclutter takes the mouse out of the way after 10 seconds and redshift tones down the blue light as the sun descends. Indispensable apps as far as I am concerned.
One app I also failed to mention, that I use constantly, is scrot. Scrot takes screenshots in a number of ways via a handy keybind. AYFKM? Fabulous. In OpenBox I can add scrot commands to a menu as well as that handy keybind. Look... (~/.config/openbox/menu.xml)
Code:
<!--Scrot Menu-->
<menu id="scrot" label="Scrot" icon="/usr/share/icons/Tango/scalable/emotes/face-kiss.svg">
<item icon="/usr/share/icons/Faenza/devices/scalable/camera.svg" label="delay 5">
<action name="Execute">
<execute>
scrot '%Y-%m-%d_$wx$h_%X.jpg' -d 5 -e 'mv $f ~/scrots/'
</execute>
</action>
</item>
<item icon="/usr/share/icons/Faenza/devices/scalable/camera.svg" label="Select Area (Alt-PrtSc)">
<action name="Execute">
<execute>
scrot '%Y-%m-%d_$wx$h_%X.jpg' -s -e 'mv $f ~/scrots/'
</execute>
</action>
</item>
<item icon="/usr/share/icons/Faenza/devices/scalable/camera.svg" label="screen with 20% thumb">
<action name="Execute">
<execute>
scrot '%Y-%m-%d_$wx$h_%X.jpg' -t 30 -e 'mv $f ~/scrots/'
</execute>
</action>
</item>
</menu>
<!--end scrot menu-->
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
as for the keybind, look (~/.config/openbox/rc.xml):
Code:
<!--SCROT-->
<keybind key="W-Print">
<action name="Execute">
<execute>scrot '%Y-%m-%d_$wx$h_%X.jpg' -s -e 'mv $f ~/scrots/ & gpicview ~/scrots/$f'</execute>
</action>
</keybind>
<keybind key="W-Insert">
<action name="Execute">
<execute>scrot '%Y-%m-%d_$wx$h_%X.jpg' -e 'mv $f ~/scrots/'</execute>
</action>
</keybind>
<keybind key="Print">
<action name="Execute">
<execute>scrot '%Y-%m-%d--%s_$wx$h_scrot.jpg' -e 'mv $f ~/scrots/ & gpicview ~/scrots/$f'</execute>
</action>
</keybind>
<!--END SCROT-->
So, I use the menu entry in order to choose 'select area' if I only need a section of the screen, or I'll use win+insert on the keyboard if I want the entire screen. Of course, that 5 second delay is wicked, too.

Xfce4-Terminal (with Fish shell)
Firefox
OBS
Kdenlive
Davinci Resolve
VirtualBox
Virt-manager
Steam (w/ proton)
Vim
Gimp
Spotify
and Xmonad Window Manager with Arco Linux (Dual btrfs drive)

ironLink21 said:
Ya I've done vanilla arch before and love it. On my servers I run arch. On my desktops I run Manjaro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few months ago, after having Manjaro as a dual boot, I made the move to just stay on that OS until I either learned to love it or couldn't live without WIndows.
I can't r remember the last time I logged into Windows.... Seriously, it's been weeks and even then it was for something I ended up figuring out on Manjaro

I last logged in to Windows in 2018... since then Ubuntu ----> Fedora ----> now ArchLinux... never going back..

archie05 said:
I last logged in to Windows in 2018... since then Ubuntu ----> Fedora ----> now ArchLinux... never going back..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah, my next step is wondering if sitting on Manjaro is enough, find a different Arch-based OS or take the plunge when I'm on my next vacation and try and build Arch from scratch.

HipKat said:
Yah, my next step is wondering if sitting on Manjaro is enough, find a different Arch-based OS or take the plunge when I'm on my next vacation and try and build Arch from scratch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try EndeavourOS, ArcoLinux, GarudaLinux or straing out build arch...

HipKat said:
Yah, my next step is wondering if sitting on Manjaro is enough, find a different Arch-based OS or take the plunge when I'm on my next vacation and try and build Arch from scratch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried fedora for work when I got a new work laptop but I didn't stay with it I ended up switching back to Manjaro after a couple of months. I can't remember the reason but I think it was wondering to do with Nvidia + prime + displays not working?
I've heard good things about these other arch based distros but I haven't tried them yet. Looking at distro watch EndeavorOS has climbed to 2nd place over Manjaro (3rd place)

ironLink21 said:
I've tried fedora for work when I got a new work laptop but I didn't stay with it I ended up switching back to Manjaro after a couple of months. I can't remember the reason but I think it was wondering to do with Nvidia + prime + displays not working?
I've heard good things about these other arch based distros but I haven't tried them yet. Looking at distro watch EndeavorOS has climbed to 2nd place over Manjaro (3rd place)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Distrowatch is baseless and missleading... but yes if you want to try Arch based distro the you must go for Endeavour, Garuda or Arco

archie05 said:
Distrowatch is baseless and missleading... but yes if you want to try Arch based distro the you must go for Endeavour, Garuda or Arco
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree but it's just fun to look at. There really isn't a way to determine what Linux distro is used most because there isn't any telemetry gathered on Linux haha, thank goodness!

ironLink21 said:
Totally agree but it's just fun to look at. There really isn't a way to determine what Linux distro is used most because there isn't any telemetry gathered on Linux haha, thank goodness!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it totally depends on the user.. some linux debian and debian based distros... and some usr arch and archbased distros... atleast you can totally kickout telemetry in linux unlike other os

@archie05
@ironLink21
I just watched a vid recently on the top 5 Arch-based Distros (Named Manjaro #1) but Garuda is starting to make some noise and I see it mentioned here. I really think that's going to be my next OS.
I have an old Mini laptop that came with Win 7 that I tried many different Distro's on, and Manjaro was the first one that ran smoothly. I think I'm going to have to break that one out and play with Garuda before I use it to practice building Arch from scratch

Related

[Q] Debian or Ubuntu?

Starting fresh on my spare laptop. Anyone have any preferences between Debian or Ubuntu? I can't decide.
Also, as far as developing is concerned, is linux just linux or will one distro be better than the other?

Ubuntu
----------------

orb3000 said:
Ubuntu
----------------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
Also possible endings to your statement:
End Of Line
-EOL-
orb3000 OUT!
that is all
nuff said
boom

Ubuntu is for the easy Linux user, but also good for laptops. I say go the osx86 route, I've got Snow Leopard running Vanilla on my laptop.

yeah I've been using ubuntu for a while I was thinking about switching it up to debian, but theres no real reason. osx86 I tried that along time ago and it didnt install so i gave up, i didnt really want it anyhow, it's not very friendly for me i suppose i like having full control over it i guess. maybe I'll try it. lol i have an xp laptop, win7 laptop, ubuntu desktop, and xp desktop. the extra one i moved from xp to 7 but im going to move it to linux.

Osx86 has grown fast, to the point where it's just a couple of steps to install.
1.Get a boot CD
2.Grab a retail Snow Leopard distro(Doesn't have to be store bought if you get my drift...)
3.Install!
4.DSDT auto patcher
You're done!
Nawcom boot CD that auto detects your hardware and if you are capable of using vanilla or not(Basically Core, Core 2, i3, i5, i7 cpus can use vanilla). Doesn't patch your dsdt automatically though.
http://blog.nawcom.com/?p=446
DSDT auto patcher! You can generate your DSDT if it's available, or just create a generic one!
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=235523

red hat
nuff said

oh red hat, corporate america's linux. Nothing wrong with it, just their ideals. No offense souljaboy.
LOL ok ok vbetts maybe ill try some osx86 you're quite persuasive....

Try out FreeBSD? Not a bad one either.

vbetts said:
Nawcom boot CD that auto detects your hardware and if you are capable of using vanilla or not(Basically Core, Core 2, i3, i5, i7 cpus can use vanilla). s=&showtopic=235523[/url]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 10.6.3 on a 4 year old Celeron M laptop. And I'm sure I had vanilla running at one point.
Then decided to try a sleep kernel. Which didn't work much...

DanWilson said:
I'm running 10.6.3 on a 4 year old Celeron M laptop. And I'm sure I had vanilla running at one point.
Then decided to try a sleep kernel. Which didn't work much...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netburst might be able to run Vanilla, I'm not sure. Try out Legacy or Modbin for sleep.

Linux Mint is the way to go man! It's like Ubuntu just with lots and lots of improvements. The speed is also better I was amazed when I went from Ubuntu to Mint 10. It's just better

For the most "painless" version def get Ubuntu. But it is rather bloated - though easily remedied.
I like Debian a lot too - but it's not as simple as Ubuntu's stick the disc in and forget it. Also I love the updater - I have a "glorified phone charger" netbook that I keep updated and it runs pretty snappy considering the hardware is dog slow.

Ubuntu 10.10 hands down, netbook remix is nice, desktop version would also work fine on your lappy.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

ubuntu, i boot it using my flash memory

Install Gentoo.

Slackware can make a calculator fun like a Ferrari. Enough said.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App

I installed ubuntu 10.10 but it bores me. I was thinking mint debian edition. But I may just go straight debian with gnome. I know my way around linux so troubleshooting issues when they come up isnt a problem. I have a virtual debian command line only server to stream my music through http runs well enough. Never really played with gentoo. lol I really think the real difference between linux is their GUI.
How about this, whoever can come up with the most rediculous/funniest reason why I should install it. I will install your suggested operating system...... GO!!!

The newest Ubuntu or BackTrack!

bertscookie said:
I installed ubuntu 10.10 but it bores me. I was thinking mint debian edition. But I may just go straight debian with gnome. I know my way around linux so troubleshooting issues when they come up isnt a problem. I have a virtual debian command line only server to stream my music through http runs well enough. Never really played with gentoo. lol I really think the real difference between linux is their GUI.
How about this, whoever can come up with the most rediculous/funniest reason why I should install it. I will install your suggested operating system...... GO!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can have stretchy windows while moving them

[Q] win 8 on tp?

i read that win 8 will support arm devices.
does that mean that it could be installed on tp?
as dual or even 3rd boot option?
btw.. i tweak this a little more everyday .. i like it pretty good.. i dont have android till ics comes..
thanx for all replies.

amkaos said:
i read that win 8 will support arm devices.
does that mean that it could be installed on tp?
as dual or even 3rd boot option?
btw.. i tweak this a little more everyday .. i like it pretty good.. i dont have android till ics comes..
thanx for all replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My contact at Microsoft has indicated to me that an OEM ARM version of Windows 8 is not in the works. It will be unlikely that you will be able to purchase a copy of Windows 8 at a store and simply install it on any tablet you would like. That will not stop us from attempting to do this from a rip of a device that comes preinstalled with it though.
Also, I was told that the PC manufacturers will be rolling out the first Windows 8 devices in June 2012, and the ARM devices should follow shortly afterwards.
By next summer, with some luck, we may be able to BEGIN working on Windows 8 for the Touchpad.

Thanks for this info, and I believe you are the same one that posts videos on youtube.. they really helped me get my touchpad set up.
I'm guessing we'll have to wait until a "jailbreak" method comes about for these upcoming windows 8 tablets to dump the OS off of them. Second, I'm also guessing drivers will be scarce for the touchpad. Since this clearly falls under piracy (the only solution will involve torrenting a ripped windows 8 arm image since they won't sell it OEM), some developers may hesitate to work on it publicly and share that info, so that will make this process a lot less open than android.
Because of the firesale, though, the touchpad may still be popular enough of a device that it can be done. I hope so, but I'm a little iffy on if its technically piracy.

reverendkjr said:
My contact at Microsoft has indicated to me that an OEM ARM version of Windows 8 is not in the works. It will be unlikely that you will be able to purchase a copy of Windows 8 at a store and simply install it on any tablet you would like. That will not stop us from attempting to do this from a rip of a device that comes preinstalled with it though.
Also, I was told that the PC manufacturers will be rolling out the first Windows 8 devices in June 2012, and the ARM devices should follow shortly afterwards.
By next summer, with some luck, we may be able to BEGIN working on Windows 8 for the Touchpad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didnt it say somewhere that ARM beta is supposed to drop around february?
would give the devs something to play meanwhile..
but as we have moboot now, which is constantly developed further too.. I believe we have a real chance to see Win8 on TP one day..
and maybe other companies will start supporting ARM more too? would be nice to see..

reverendkjr said:
My contact at Microsoft has indicated to me that an OEM ARM version of Windows 8 is not in the works. It will be unlikely that you will be able to purchase a copy of Windows 8 at a store and simply install it on any tablet you would like. That will not stop us from attempting to do this from a rip of a device that comes preinstalled with it though.
Also, I was told that the PC manufacturers will be rolling out the first Windows 8 devices in June 2012, and the ARM devices should follow shortly afterwards.
By next summer, with some luck, we may be able to BEGIN working on Windows 8 for the Touchpad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would be sad if this developement would have to go underground..
{{{i have never got terminal commands to work atall ..
example.. when instructions say to add to commands and show line by line..
i assume that im sposed to hit enter after each line .. if i dont get error.. im done and hit exit to close the terminal but
changes have never taken effect..}}}
so i am used to the windows format..
thanx

According to the Microsoft keynote they will have Windows 8 running on ARM devices. This can't come soon enough. I want to get webos off my touchpad an run win8 sooooo bad. Glad I jumped the webos ship to windows phone; really loving it.

westwaswon said:
According to the Microsoft keynote they will have Windows 8 running on ARM devices. This can't come soon enough. I want to get webos off my touchpad an run win8 sooooo bad. Glad I jumped the webos ship to windows phone; really loving it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no guarantee this will happen, and even if it does it probably won't be legal.
If it did it would be great though, this thing is the new HD2

Windows 8 ARM tablets will effectively kill the Android tablet market if OpenMobile's ACL works as-advertised and can be easily acquired and ported to any Windows 8 tablet system, as there would be little point in running native Android anymore.
sacbee.com/2012/01/09/4173389/300000-android-apps-run-on-any.html

On an ARM version of Windows it should be possible to create a program that runs Android apps. It should be pretty fast since the processor wouldn't have to be emulated (ARM on ARM), just like Virtualbox, etc can run sandboxed x86 OSes on x86 systems.
But Windows 8 ARM will not run any old Windows programs and it may not come with Explorer at all only the new tile based menu system. Windows 8 x86/64 will be able to switch between the old Explorer and the new tile based system.
I would love to see Windows 8 ported, but would rather have a stable port of ICS instead.

I've read that MS recently updated their "quasi VM". So they already have the possibility to run Android Apps.. as well as BB on their Playbook.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Microsoft has apparently done it already
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Just went to the site. Its obviously a Photoshop fail on MS behalf, lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium

-SGA- said:
Just went to the site. Its obviously a Photoshop fail on MS behalf, lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha!
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using xda app-developers app

What linux distro should I pick?

EDIT: A small update. I recently built a pc and I therefore have my laptop collecting dust. I was thinking I'd install Linux on it, but which distro could you recommend me?

Dualboot.
Sent from my Nokia 3310 using XDA App

If you don't mind your personal information being used for God knows what, constant crashes, slow performance, viruses , malware, having no rights and basically being a slave to Microsoft, then go ahead and use Windows, you deserve it.
Otherwise, use Linux

Theshawty said:
Since I don't play anymore on this laptop (I have a PS3 for gaming), do you think I should install Linux or stay with W7? Is there a good Linux alternative to MS Word? (maybe Libre Office?) I'm using MS Word 2007 for a project work and would therefore like a good replacement.
My laptop is kinda slow, which means it would be more than adequate for Linux ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not both?

veeman said:
Why not both?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been thinking: Why?

I switched to Linux and never looked back
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

when i was ten
When I was ten, I switched to Ubuntu 6, or 8 or something. I didn't understand how to use it and didn't install. This left me to believe that Linux sucked. I got a Mac at 13 cuz I was sick of bugs/ugliness etc on windows. Did not regret that. But then my friend said he had Linux on his PC and that it was solid. I gave it a try (now nearly 15 and able to use computers much better) and I loved it.
IMO Linux is able to do everything, yes everything better than windows or mac , combined . I suggest Ubuntu 12.10 (what I have ATM) as it is very use friendly. If your laptop is quite slow and you find it is too bad on Ubuntu, you can install different desktop environments like XCFE or LDE using the Debian based 'apt-get'
Seriously, I see no reason for windows, especially since steam is now under ha heavy make over to become Linux compatible.
Definitely download a distro and try it and see if you like it or not. You can always duel boot or not installed it at all
Edit: I also think fedora is good (especially if you dislike unity) and I have heard that Linux mint is nice (not used myself much).
Debian is IMO not so good compared to Ubuntu as it is like choosing between a plain pizza, or a pizza with ham, cheese, pineapple and a side order and drink. I'm hungry now :'(
So yeah... if you (or anyone else) want help, post here or pm me if u dont get a response.
I only installed Linux this year so know what being a n00b is like

Fallon9111 said:
When I was ten, I switched to Ubuntu 6, or 8 or something. I didn't understand how to use it and didn't install. This left me to believe that Linux sucked. I got a Mac at 13 cuz I was sick of bugs/ugliness etc on windows. Did not regret that. But then my friend said he had Linux on his PC and that it was solid. I gave it a try (now nearly 15 and able to use computers much better) and I loved it.
IMO Linux is able to do everything, yes everything better than windows or mac , combined . I suggest Ubuntu 12.10 (what I have ATM) as it is very use friendly. If your laptop is quite slow and you find it is too bad on Ubuntu, you can install different desktop environments like XCFE or LDE using the Debian based 'apt-get'
Seriously, I see no reason for windows, especially since steam is now under ha heavy make over to become Linux compatible.
Definitely download a distro and try it and see if you like it or not. You can always duel boot or not installed it at all
Edit: I also think fedora is good (especially if you dislike unity) and I have heard that Linux mint is nice (not used myself much).
Debian is IMO not so good compared to Ubuntu as it is like choosing between a plain pizza, or a pizza with ham, cheese, pineapple and a side order and drink. I'm hungry now :'(
So yeah... if you (or anyone else) want help, post here or pm me if u dont get a response.
I only installed Linux this year so know what being a n00b is like
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow...that's a lot of talking....
Sent from my Desire Z using xda premium

strip419 said:
Wow...that's a lot of talking....
Sent from my Desire Z using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that was very little talking.....
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I've been using Linux for over 10 years. I don't program or anything like that. It does what I need, which isn't much, perfectly.
Just can't use phone OEM utilities.
Sent from my SGH-I717 using xda premium

Dual-boot is the way to go. I use Ubuntu/Android on my netbook, OpenSuSE/WinXP on my big laptop, and Ubuntu/W7 on my desktop. Flexibility is a wonderful thing.

Backup important stuff, format your HDD, via win7 install.
Or, format, then install linux.
OR, format, install Win7, then install windows 8

@OP
Basically it boils down to what you use your computer for. If you only browse the web, do some word/excel work and play media, then you should definately try out a Linux distro. The popular ones come with all the neccessary stuff pre-installed and their usability out of the box is great.
However, if you're into photo/video/music editing and gaming, then you're probably better off staying with Windows, as the alternatives for e.g. Photoshop or After Effects are horrible and getting these apps to run on Linux is a nightmare.. much easier to just stick with Windows or, as some have suggested, dual boot.
Some other observations I've made from running Linux for a few years:
- Linux's security is much tighter and there's virtually no viruses/malware
- the need for maintanance is almost non-exsistant compared to Windows - no need for defragmenting, ram cleaners, registry cleaners etc..
- Linux usually runs better on older hardware than brand new stuff.. some new cool features can take time to implement
- you'll almost always have problems with certain hardware.. either the scrolling on the trackpad won't work, or your bluetooth dongle will be messed up, or the special keys on your keyboard won't be working.. there's always something that just won't work
With all that said, I personally don't use Linux anymore because I just don't have the wanted level of freedom while using it. Every day I want an application that does something specific, and while I can just download and run it under windows in 2 minutes, I have to jump through hoops to get the same thing done on Linux. I've learned how to keep my Windows optimized and safe, I just take it as normal and I enjoy "taking care" of it. Some people don't have time for messing about and want stuff to work out of the box. This is why I've installed Linux Mint on my mom's laptop 3 years ago and she absolutely loves it.

Dual boot. If you don't like linux, or you need your computer NOW and you don't have time to figure it out, then you could be stuck...
Speaking from experience, with a computer that currently has no bootable OS, messed up partitions, and a very crappy external hard drive that's making copying out my folders more difficult that it should.
If only I paid the same amount of attention to my computer as do my phone...
Edit: bootable as in installed, I'm running off Linux Mint v13 usb right now
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda app-developers app

If you've never used linux before - you actually shouldn't replace W7.
And if you're really interested in discovering linux, you should first ask yourself some questions:
1. Can you do backups for your W7? (if you don't have any important files on your laptop - skip this)
2. Can you manage your disk partitions? (with gparted or acronis disk director, for instance)
3. Are you sure you can manage linux installation? (if you're going to install some human-distro like ubuntu or fedora - don't bother about it)
4. You can face some drivers problems after linux installation. Do you really want it?
5. Are you sure you can restore W7 after all?
If your answer for any of this questions is "no" - you shouldn't install linux. Yet.

Wipe HDD and install Linux Mint. There is no reason to keep W7 if you have PS3 for gaming...

Lol
InfinityFTW said:
TL;DR: Linux is the best choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, seems I wrote too much.
Basically @OP , Linux is awesome, Ubuntu good for begginer or pro
Dual boot if you aren't fully comfortable with scrapping windows (yet)

Are there any minimum requirements for dual boot using wubi? I had done it once on another computer and it caused "green stripes". Had to format it and reinstall windows.

<3 Linux
W7 for games only
Sent from my MB526 using xda premium

Android Desktop OS

Some of you have been following this for a very long time, you have seen the changes and many alterations I have gone through. But now, Android on the desktop has reach a very serious status about itself and it is turning into a powerhouse beast of an OS.
Let me start by saying that Android Desktop does have an official name, we just have not released it yet, so for now, we are sticking to Android Desktop OS.
I am going to be short and clean about what is going on. What we are doing with Android is nothing short of damn amazing, we have turned Android into a 64 / 32 bit, Intel and AMD powered, rebuilding from the ground up, new feature rich, all app redesigned, new kernel, synced platformed environment, with a lot of new things which will be added in the future.
Me and the lead developer have been working and mapping every corner of this out for well over a year, every small detail, every brand new thing we must add to Android, adding all new systems and mechanisms to bring out the full power of a desktop.
I must state this as strongly as possible, this is not a patch, not a port or any bad attempt by the likes of which others have done. This is the real deal, real power, real love and thought put into this OS. Totally rebuilt in a way no one has thought of yet. Every default app has been redesigned for the desktop, all UI, all screens, notifications, settings and everything are beautifully redesigned to burn your cornea when you see it.
The kernel is a powerhouse. This will do partitions, read HDDs, SSDs and other drives properly, newly implemented mouse and keyboard systems and just so so so much more that we have planned for this, things I can't even talk about.
I just can't wait to have you see what is coming, this is about to change so much in the tech world. I repeat, this IS the real deal.
I will leave you with some teasers of what is going on, just to pique your interest as well as I can, also keep in mind there are a lot of things not show for particular reasons.
And last but not least, we are always keeping an eye out for serious developers who are interested in building the future.
If you have any skills related to the following please contact us here or on G+:
C, C++, Assembly, Bash, Gnu make, Gcc compiler, JVM, Building run-time environments, Kernel, Android roms, Linux from scratch, Unix, Intel/amd architecture , Porting to and from arm, Building operating system.
But also, if you seriously want to stay updated, join our G+ group or follow on Twitter. Also, the beta is on its way!
G+: http://goo.gl/U2GXoI
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Androidogen
Now for the good stuff.
All new redesigned installation sequences.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sneak peek at the desktop and a new app we have coming!!

I am under BIG! impression, I hope some ppl of Google company or other will take into account your job/idea.
I am wonder if I can have deskopt OS of android on pc, I love android platform.
Thanks for your hard work.
I supose you sent a informations about this to google or somewhere?
Congratulations and good luck!
By the way, fix URL to YT video

zomer331 said:
I am under BIG! impression, I hope some ppl of Google company or other will take into account your job/idea.
I am wonder if I can have deskopt OS of android on pc, I love android platform.
Thanks for your hard work.
I supose you sent a informations about this to google or somewhere?
Congratulations and good luck!
By the way, fix URL to YT video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol it has been a long day so I cant tell if it is sarcasm or not xD
But, I never offered to send it, not sure how, and they probably wouldnt even look at it honestly, unless someone can show me other wise.
I would love to have it as an full fledged Desktop OS, I would ditch Win 8, even though I like it.
I tried to fix the youtube video, proper tags and all, but it keeps messing up, no idea what to do.

And there is operating system called linux..maybe its just like distro..
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

This looks really cool
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Odp: Android Desktop OS
Serilei said:
lol it has been a long day so I cant tell if it is sarcasm or not xD
But, I never offered to send it, not sure how, and they probably wouldnt even look at it honestly, unless someone can show me other wise.
I would love to have it as an full fledged Desktop OS, I would ditch Win 8, even though I like it.
I tried to fix the youtube video, proper tags and all, but it keeps messing up, no idea what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sarcasm? No. Why You thought that? You're wrong.
Maybe you can a build theme system for Windows 7 /8 or for Linux?
Easier way at all.
I want to see design like yours in my desktop.
Do not put Web address in normal URL options on post, in the editor of post, must be a option to put dedicated YOUTUBE URL. (I don't remember how exactly it is, I am far from computer)

stupid google, use this, android with this look for desktopnis better than chrome os, + you could use all apps from market, buy them, better than no apps in chrome os, i would love a skin like this for windows, or an android desktop system, mobile browsers are better than windows browser
Sent from my KFTT using xda app-developers app

zomer331 said:
Sarcasm? No. Why You thought that? You're wrong.
Maybe you can a build theme system for Windows 7 /8 or for Linux?
Easier way at all.
I want to see design like yours in my desktop.
Do not put Web address in normal URL options on post, in the editor of post, must be a option to put dedicated YOUTUBE URL. (I don't remember how exactly it is, I am far from computer)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize then
If I knew how to theme, I would, but I am definitely offering someone to do this for Linux or anything else. I wish I could do more with it, but all I can do is photoshop pictures together.
I am messaging those that work at google on GooglePlus, lets see how this works.

Very impressive all the best for your hard work. Liked it and hope others will like it as well.
Sent from my WT19i using Tapatalk 2

Really nice screens, but i think that google is working now on Chrome OS for desktops... A shame bcoz Chrome OS is horrible...
Sent from my GTab 2 7.0 using xda-premium app

Narciso Neto said:
Really nice screens, but i think that google is working now on Chrome OS for desktops... A shame bcoz Chrome OS is horrible...
Sent from my GTab 2 7.0 using xda-premium app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thats what I dont understand, android is beaming left and right, has alot of potential and they do a Chrome os
As I said, if I knew how to write code, I would blend a Linux and Android x86 type together, allow some Windows files to be used, well mainly games and what not, but still.
I wish someone here on XDA could pull a group together and start this, I would lead the art idea side.

Am I allowed to bump this?

Willing to start
first off, sorry to bump the thread :/. So as far as i know the apps on a android phone work on a java platform, so technically you could take the android tablet OS and convert it (i know that's not easy) to desktop, and kick win 8 ass. However its java, its process intensive and not the most fun.

This looks really cool... impressive and amazing... *speechless

clickclack333 said:
first off, sorry to bump the thread :/. So as far as i know the apps on a android phone work on a java platform, so technically you could take the android tablet OS and convert it (i know that's not easy) to desktop, and kick win 8 ass. However its java, its process intensive and not the most fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I knew how to code, I really would do this, trust me I want an Android desktop OS more than anything, well something that runs on x86 or x64

Serilei said:
Yeah thats what I dont understand, android is beaming left and right, has alot of potential and they do a Chrome os
As I said, if I knew how to write code, I would blend a Linux and Android x86 type together, allow some Windows files to be used, well mainly games and what not, but still.
I wish someone here on XDA could pull a group together and start this, I would lead the art idea side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been visiting xda for almost 2 years
So far thats the best idea I've ever heard
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda app-developers app

Ahmad_Ashraf said:
I've been visiting xda for almost 2 years
So far thats the best idea I've ever heard
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you I appreciate it. If we ever get an Android desktop, and I say if because, it seems Acer may be working on it. But I would like to use these ideas as a skin for android.

Serilei said:
Thank you I appreciate it. If we ever get an Android desktop, and I say if because, it seems Acer may be working on it. But I would like to use these ideas as a skin for android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From where did you know that Acer is working on android desktop os
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda app-developers app

Ahmad_Ashraf said:
From where did you know that Acer is working on android desktop os
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are working on that AIO pc thing with the new haswell chips. Which I am hoping isnt the mobile chip, instead the desktop chip. But I think that stands at like 10% and there was a rumor that (not acer) but there would be Android laptops sometime this year, you will just have to google that one, but if so, it could mean that Android will get off of arm chips or whatever it is on.
Edit: Nvm here is the google link for android laptops.
https://www.google.com/#safe=off&ou...34,d.bGE&fp=203347026298aa6f&biw=1280&bih=619

If anyone would like to start up this project email me. [email protected] I would really like to see this beautiful idea come to life. I think if we look at android 86 and fork there os.

Best DE for straight Arch

I am going to install Arch on my test laptop, but the installer gives you a lot of options for DE, some I've never used. I did a fresh install yesterday with Deepin, but meh, looks too, I dunno, childish? Anyway, I'm going to try another install before I reformat my Manjaro drive on my Desktop Dual Boot and make it my Daily Driver.

I really like KDE I keep going back to that one.

XFCE is best for arch imo.
You can try Budgie which is very good but I would rather have Budgie on Solus where it's meant to be.

karandpr said:
XFCE is best for arch imo.
You can try Budgie which is very good but I would rather have Budgie on Solus where it's meant to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about Budgie, since I've never used it. I might give it a fly to see what it's like

i would have said dwm or i3 but those are not DEs so either kde or xfce. GNOME on arch is like going to mcdonalds to order some salad

maoosonyourdesk said:
i would have said dwm or i3 but those are not DEs so either kde or xfce. GNOME on arch is like going to mcdonalds to order some salad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got Plasma on lockdown now lol.

Database Develop

welcome