Windows Update
5 July 2013 04:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
frayadjacentWell, I thought I was going to become a Windows person for about 18 hours there, but the installation was so frustrating I gave up. I could spend the weekend figuring out which drivers I needed to install and in what order. Because without the drivers there was no way I could see to find out what kind of adapters my computer has and therefore what kind of drivers I need. See how much sense it makes?
Or I could just install Ubuntu, which I'd been debating doing anyway. I harbor no illusions that this will be generally easier to learn or use than Windows, but I'm a lot more motivated to improve my knowledge and skills with Linux than with Microsoft products. I already know some of the basics through work, though I've never had to deal with admin stuff before. (Or been permitted to, for that matter.)
Still, within 5 minutes of inserting the Ubuntu install disk, I had functioning internet, and 2 hours later I've already installed VLC, Cinelerra (sorry,thirdblindmouse! I fear Blender), and some work-related apps.
:D
Or I could just install Ubuntu, which I'd been debating doing anyway. I harbor no illusions that this will be generally easier to learn or use than Windows, but I'm a lot more motivated to improve my knowledge and skills with Linux than with Microsoft products. I already know some of the basics through work, though I've never had to deal with admin stuff before. (Or been permitted to, for that matter.)
Still, within 5 minutes of inserting the Ubuntu install disk, I had functioning internet, and 2 hours later I've already installed VLC, Cinelerra (sorry,
thirdblindmouse! I fear Blender), and some work-related apps. :D
no subject
on 7/7/13 08:59 pm (UTC)I see above you were looking for an alternate file browser with features more similar to Finder? I'm not a Mac person so I can't speak from experience, but I've heard that either Marlin or Pantheon are good alternate file browsers with features more like Mac. Instructions on installation here: http://askubuntu.com/questions/185454/how-can-i-colour-code-my-files-like-on-a-mac/185503#185503
The thing about Linux in general - as you're learning - is that it's absurdly customisable. Some patient searching and you'll probably find a programme that's more "comfortable" for you than the default. For instance, I hate the more touchscreen/tablet style default "Unity" desktop it comes with, so I install the gnome-classic desktop (you just choose which desktop you want to log into by clicking the cog next to your name when you're logging in and then it remembers for next time), but then mess about and install a Mac-like dock instead of panels. And you've already been discussing things like KDE vs Gnome upthread! I use Gnome but with Compiz dekstop effects enabled so my desktops rotate on a cube, etc., cus, um, bling?
Anyway, good luck, I hope it goes well for you. I was actually just updating my Cinelerra tutorials page because talking to someone else about it made me realise some of it was out of date. So not to self-rec cus I have no idea what you already know/what will be useful to you, but they are all here if you're interested.
SOON, WE WILL TAKE OVER THE WORLD. :p
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on 7/7/13 09:41 pm (UTC)And also thanks so much for the info about file browsers, desktop customization, etc. Hooray!
I actually don't need Cinelerra or anything else on the new-to-me machine right now, because I have clips for the current vid and another one already made for FCP, and my thesis is on my work computer, but I still just want to PLAY WITH MY NEW TOY.
no subject
on 7/7/13 09:49 pm (UTC)And honestly, not being totally reliant on it is probably the best way to learn; that way setbacks won't feel like monumental fail panics. ;)
There are some other vidding software options too, if you don't get on with Cinelerra, that aren't as advanced but are probably more stable. Plus soonish there should be a more usable version of Lightworks for Linux (currently in beta stage and usable but still not as advanced as Cinelerra, though eventually it'll surpass it).
Go forth and play with your toy!
no subject
on 7/7/13 10:30 pm (UTC)not being totally reliant on it is probably the best way to learn; that way setbacks won't feel like monumental fail panics
Good point!
Yes, I'll definitely keep an eye on Lightworks. It sounds like a very cool project! I remember you mentioning that Cinelerra isn't being maintained much, so at some point I might switch to that.