[nzlug] Where to start... where to start...

[Daniel Pittman]

Nick Taylor <nick at tangerineworks.com> writes:

> For years I've been saying "right that's the last MS machine I'm going
> to get" and now it's finally happened. New Laptop... Vista
> pre-installed (entirely against my will) but with xp on disc if
> so-desired etc...
>
> so it looks like Ubuntu is where I'm headed.
>
> I write web-apps for people who use Windows and IE, so I'm kindof
> thinking that maybe it might be a good idea if I can dip into
> Windows/IE for testing things, but the rest of the time stay with
> Linux.

I would consider running a VMWare or equivalent instance with XP inside,
rather than dual-booting, but I have been committed for some time.

Also, while you are on your own with the legal issues, you may find the
tools available at http://www.tatanka.com.br/ helpful in testing IE
behaviour.

> Which (I imagine) would probably mean either having a dual-boot system
> or running windows in some sort of... window, or something. Which I'd
> prefer because... rebooting is a pain in the arse.
>
> What do you reckon?

VMWare server runs XP fine, is free-as-in-no-cost, and as long as you
don't require 3D support within it will give you an environment within
your running Linux desktop.

Also, wine is useful and will run a reasonable proportion of Windows
software unmodified; with the Hardy (8.04) release of Ubuntu you can
look forward to solid Photoshop CS2 support in addition to a range of
other packages.

> I'm a fairly adept PHP bloke (about 8 years experience etc) - but my
> linux knowledge is about the same as my dos knowledge... about 10
> words - Enough for rudimentry server admin, but that's about it.

Expect significant pain and disruption during the transition.

(This would be true in reverse, for the same reasons; everything is hard
 when you don't know what you are doing yet. :)

Regards,
        Daniel
-- 
Daniel Pittman <daniel at cybersource.com.au>           Phone: 03 9428 6922
1/130-132 Stawell St, Richmond              Web: http://www.cyber.com.au
Cybersource: Australia's Leading Linux and Open Source Solutions Company