Studio Environment for PC Users, totally free
It would be irresponsible of me not to pass this information along to you. If you are a windows or mac user and have some available extra hard drive space on your pc, this is absolutely cool. One of the most attractive features for newcomers and noobies is that you can run Ubuntu alongside your current Windows system with no ill effects. You can optionally choose to totally wipe out your Windows and replace it with Ubuntu. Many Ubuntu users are delighted that they have switched to open source software and completely eliminated microsft from their lives. I personally am keeping my Windows XP alongside Ubuntu for gaming and other things requiring directX functions. An important point: To most of us, Windows is a point and click system. Ubuntu requires your knowing how to occasionally copy and paste.
• Ubuntu Studio default theme jpg
• Ubuntu with custom theme “Champagne” jpg
Most of you have seen mention of Linux operating systems during your routine surfing of the net. You are probably aware that many of the world’s most critical systems are run on Linux, so it must be good stuff. It is also free… not only free of cost, but free in that it is open source software undergoing constant improvement, and free from any dependency on microsft windowz.
This free studio environment, based on Linux, that I am gonna tell you about is named Ubuntu Studio. Ubuntu is a complete operating system for your computer, an alternative to Windows that can be installed by you on your pc in about an hour. It can be installed as a dual boot system so you can keep your xp, vista (or whatever Win version you are using) running forever intact and choose at boot-up to use Windows or Ubuntu. The flavor of Ubuntu named Ubuntu Studio consists of the basic Ubuntu operating system with the addition of numerous open source audio, video and graphics applications which provide you, the creative artist, with an incredible, useful, secure and attractive system. It is also fun on a grand scale and nearly idiot-proof. The package includes multi track recording, audio editing, real time guitar effects, video editing, image creation and manipulation, web surfing, desktop customization, multimedia playback in high quality, 3D rendering, top notch office applications and more. If that ain’t enough, you can also install a little app that enables your sharing of files between the Ubuntu system and the Windows system.
A brief explanation of what you do to install this on your pc:
The first step is obtaining the package. If you have a dvd burner you can download the Ubuntu Studio dvd image onto your computer and burn it to dvd. If you have only a cd burner then you can download the basic Ubuntu cd image, burn it to cd as an ISO disc and, after installation of the basic system is completed, upgrade to the Ubuntu Studio using the updating apps included in the basic system.
Links:
• Ubuntu Home Page
• Ubuntu Studio Home Page
• Psychocats Ubuntu Tutorial
• Ubuntu Forums
• GNOME-Look for customization
• More Screenshots
Once you have an ISO disc ready, you can check out the system without actually installing Ubuntu. The live cd version allows you to run Ubuntu directly from cd and decide whether or not you like it enough to install. The live cd is considerably slower when compared to an actual install, but has sufficient speed for testing purposes.
Note: This article is based upon my own experiences with installing Ubuntu. Guitar Chasers is not associated with Ubuntu in any way, nor has Ubuntu given any official approval or acceptance of this article. Read at your own risk.
You will most likely want to install Ubuntu after an hour or two of foreplay. This is a good time to grab some coffee and a smoke if you are so inclined. I strongly recommend that you do a bit of reading in order to prepare yourself for the installation process. It is not a difficult process, but a lot more fun if you understand beforehand the expected results of each of the steps taken: