Linux

[reldnahkram]

Given that I hardly use my laptop for anything else these days, I'm wondering about switching over day-to-day activity to Linux. Window managers I'll slog through myself, as I don't know what I'm looking for. Anyone use a graphical AIM client (no naim for me) that isn't gaim (which sucks) that doesn't suck? I'm very happy with Trillian on the Windows side. Similarly, I'll need a media player that can handle mpcs (the musepack website has plugins for xmms and beep - anyone have experience with either?) I'm a happy winamp user - I'd like my keyboard media buttons to work with my media program. My stereo can connect by USB, but I assume this hasn't been ported to Linux, so I'm not going to worry about this feature.

I guess I could see whether Trillian and WinAMP run acceptably with wine.

Thanks for the advice.

Comments

[blaketh.livejournal.com]

XMMS is Winamp-like. Your stereo will likely work over USB. Gaim doesn't suck. Worry about power management and wireless. I hear great things about Ubuntu; consider getting the latest release.

[reldnahkram.livejournal.com]

I seem to recall XMMS being winamp-like. We'll see about the stereo, it's probably not an issue for now. Gaim sucked a while ago, I guess I'll give it another shot. Power management is a non-issue, as the laptop must be plugged in (<5 mins battery life). Wireless is a deal breaker - if I can't get it to work, no deal. Ubuntu is my distro of choice - the two machines to my left are both running it.

Thanks.

[think-too-much.livejournal.com]

I guess I could see whether Trillian and WinAMP run acceptably with wine.

It depends. A good merlot or burgundy, yes. Shiraz is sketchy, Chardonnay or any sparking variety is a major faux pas, and don't you dare think of using Box. (Well, that last bit is good advice no matter what the pairing, but I digress...)

[sylvansafekeepe.livejournal.com]

Can I smack him upside the head, Mark? Please?

[reldnahkram.livejournal.com]

Go right ahead.