Never been convinced by Linux? Here is a challenge for you. - Page 3

OK, your first problem is you are still thinking windows software. Open up Synaptic Package Manager (System -> Admin -> Synaptic Package Manager) and then do a search for 'unrar' - then install the unrar package (Not unrar-free is the open source version, but lacks some features, so you probably want unrar.) then just open any rared files with 'Archive Manager' - which should be the default when you try and open an archive. You don't need WinRar, WinRar is windows software, '.exe's are Windows software.

http://avisynth.org/AviSynth30 <- Apparently version 3.0 has an official Linux port, so that appears to be sorted.

Wireless networks are a pain, unfortunately, the developers don't release drivers or specs, so they have to be reverse-engineered, which takes time. My suggestion is to use Wireless Access points - see the link in my sig. They are the best way to set up any wireless network, in my opinion.

That is a shame, but hopefully just a problem with specific hardware. Unfortunately, again, there is little that can be done, when linux turns mainstream, the hardware developers will be forced to release drivers/specs, but until then, there is little that can be done.

There are a lot of Versions of Linux, because it gives you the choice. Linux is not a hard operating system to use - it is just different. A friend of mine who ran a magnet over a hard drive to try to fix it (yeah, I know) runs Linux happily. It is not hard, it just takes a week or so of getting used to. Now-a-days, Linux (well, at least Ubuntu) is damned easy.

Ubuntu - it's the one that is the easiest at the moment. I'd suggest vanilla Ubuntu over any of the other Ubuntu based distros - if it is more mainstream, there are likely to be less problems.

Name some software that you need under Linux? Because everything (except games, I admit) I use I generally find better than the Windows counterpart. User friendliness is now impeccable - the only problem is people are used to windows. Linux is actually easier, people just dislike change.

It really is not that hard. Take my challenge and try it - You will be surprised, it is very easy.

Linux can't run today's games because they are written for Windows - it's like having Petrol and Diesel cars, you can't run one on the other. It's all down to the developers. Some games have native Linux ports (Unreal Tournament) - and that is great, most outperform the Windows clients, and some will run under WINE (A windows compatibility layer - not an Emulator!). Try running Ubuntu as my challenge goes is my suggestion, and yes, Compiz Fuzion is the eye-candy for the desktop, and blows dreamscene out of the water. Try it. (In Ubuntu, just go to System -> Appearance -> Effects and then turn them on.)

You just said one of my points 'Windows works, why bother?' - It is a hard one to counter. Living in the trees as monkeys worked, but would you not rather be in today's age? Having your CPU at default clock speed works, but would you not rather overclock? It is worth doing, for general usage, Linux is a lot better. Try the challenge, then come back.

Sorry if I missed anything, or accidentally dodged something, feel free to say if you still have a problem or feel I have missed something. There was a lot to write.