Spice up Windows - replace it! [with Linux]; part 5

In my few previous posts I've stated that I'd like to help people to spice their system and move from Windows to Linux. But we all know that it cannot be done in an instant. I started to explain the process in last posts. I hope that to this point you got used to those applications I've suggested before. If not, just have another week or two using them, until you're comfortable enough with them.

This time I will explain the 5th step: Playing around

Note: suggestions in this post should be taken with care as I assume that you've read all previous parts and have a little experience with your new shiny system.

This step will include checking different environments, customizations and applications.

So, after you installed Linux, and your applications are working fine, what's in it for you? What could you gain by all the effort of moving? Well, at least you've gained the following:

• Moving to Linux made your system more stable. While Windows was probably stable enough for you, statistically there's less loss of information on Linux systems I've worked with compared to Windows ones.
  
• Your system is much more customizable now. Not that you should run and change anything, but you could've if you wanted to.
  
• You didn't have to pay a dime to Microsoft for a new version of Windows, to hardware store for a new hardware and yet still you have much better performing system. And the main catch? Its totally legal and free.
  

So, here are those things which can spice up your system even more:

1. Graphical environment - there's a plenty of environments for Linux, which contrary to Windows, provide all sorts of features. All the odds are that if you went with my suggestions in previous posts, you're using either KDE or Gnome. Head over to their sites and read about them! You can customize a look and functionality of those 2 in many unimaginable for Windows XP user ways.

2. Multimedia Library applications - I've suggested to use VLC, but that was just for convenience. There are so many multimedia applications for Linux, take a look:

• Totem
  
• Mplayer
  
• Xine
  
• Banshee
  
• Amarok
  
• Rythmbox
  

And there are plenty more! I suggest you to look at them, play and choose what works best for you.

3. Photo Management application - I strongly suggest trying out F-Spot. It is great application for managing your photos!

And most important part is, of course - play around and have fun!

Feedback is greatly appreciated.

Technorati : Gentoo, Linux, Ubuntu, gentoo, technology, windows