Switching from UBUNTU to WINDOWS

[abhiroopb]

I have been an Ubuntu user for about 4 years now, only using Windows XP as a backup. Recently, I have decided to build myself a gaming PC (read more on this thread: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1403026) and as a result of a potential graphics card issue I have decided to switch back to Windows.

Firstly, I wanted to thank everyone on this forum as for four years I have had a wonderful experience using FOSS and Ubuntu especially and having the helpful support of the forum members.

Switching back to windows is quite a daunting task for me, it's almost like Windows users switching to Ubuntu.

The following are the main apps I use in Ubuntu. I was wondering if I could get suggestions for Windows equivalent. I would prefer something that is better in general (so for example I know Pidgin works in Windows but is there anything better - although personally Pidgin is a joy to use!). Apps:

Adobe Air - works in Windows
Disk Usage - ?
Gnome Do - ?
TweetDeck - works in Windows
Chrome/Chromium - works in Windows but how do I install the Dev build and have it update every night like in Ubuntu?
Dropbox - works in windows
Pidgin - works in windows
Skype - works in windows
Transmission - ?
OpenOffice - Microsoft Office?
Amarok - ? note: I have an iPod
EasyTag - ?
VLC - works in windows
Sound Converter - ?
Scheduled Tasks - ?
rSync + cron - ? (backup software which works like rsync, doing incremental backup on a schedule)

and last (but not least): ANTI-VIRUS and FIREWALL

Oh joy I can't wait to use windows 7 ---sarcasm.

[samoflange]

I have recommendations for some of those

Transmission --> uTorrent
OpenOffice --> still works with Windows, no need to pay hundreds for MS Office
Amarok --> MediaMonkey (in my eyes, a superior program anyway)

[lovinglinux]

Transmission - Deluge or Ktorrent
FIREWALL = Comodo is definitely the best free firewall for W in my opinion.

Although I don't see why you couldn't dual-boot and use Windows only for gaming. I'm using Ubuntu for less than 2 years (used Windows for 15) and I already feel completely lost when booting into Windows.

[audiomick]

Open office works fine in windows. No reason to spend the money on MS office if you have been successfully using OO up to now.

I second lovinlinux' suggestion to dual boot.

[warfacegod]

Transmission - Deluge or Ktorrent
FIREWALL = Comodo is definitely the best free firewall for W in my opinion.

Although I don't see why you couldn't dual-boot and use Windows only for gaming. I'm using Ubuntu for less than 2 years (used Windows for 15) and I already feel completely lost when booting into Windows.

Kommodo is possibly too good. I used it for a week in XP about 3 years ago. It refused to remember my settings, dropped my internet access by about 90% by denying me from going to most sites, and cut my up and down speeds to a crawl.

[warfacegod]

Amarok has a Windows version but I don't think it's out of Beta yet. The obvious choice for iPod is iTunes.

[abhiroopb]

I have recommendations for some of those

Transmission --> uTorrent
OpenOffice --> still works with Windows, no need to pay hundreds for MS Office
Amarok --> MediaMonkey (in my eyes, a superior program anyway)

uTorrent looks good and I like how it can allow you to download from RSS feeds.

Didn't realise that OpenOffice was available for Windows as well

Never used MediaMonkey will have to have a look

Thanks

[abhiroopb]

Transmission - Deluge or Ktorrent
FIREWALL = Comodo is definitely the best free firewall for W in my opinion.

Although I don't see why you couldn't dual-boot and use Windows only for gaming. I'm using Ubuntu for less than 2 years (used Windows for 15) and I already feel completely lost when booting into Windows.

Comodo looks good. Never been a fan of deluge or ktorrent but uTorrent looks good.

Well if you have a look at the thread apparently ATI graphics cards don't work well on Ubuntu.

I will install Windows 7 and then TRY to make Ubuntu work. If it doesn't work easily (with all my components) I won't bother.

I like Ubuntu but I'd rather have a powerful PC that works rather than making compromises and buying components that Ubuntu supports.

[abhiroopb]

Kommodo is possibly too good. I used it for a week in XP about 3 years ago. It refused to remember my settings, dropped my internet access by about 90% by denying me from going to most sites, and cut my up and down speeds to a crawl.

Haha...wow that isn't much fun...I really don't feel like leaving the penguin (sounds a little x-rated).

[mwcrowley]

Another vote for dual booting. Gaming doesn't really present security issues, but general web browsing and email do. When you want to be productive use Ubuntu, when you want to play games, just reboot to XP.