Question about linux

[thenorm]

If I used linux could I still run programs like msn, itunes, and all the anti-virus software?

[Tentra]

Im guessing you mean Windows programs. I can think of two options, you could dual boot windows and linux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi_boot), or you could use WINE, and try to emulate a Windows environment in Linux.

In my opinion the better choice would be to dual boot.

[thenorm]

I couldn't just run those programs in linux?

[Tentra]

I couldn't just run those programs in linux?

You can try with WINE (http://www.winehq.org) but it may not always work.

[thenorm]

I think I'm going to try Wubi, to try out linux and see if I like it before I completely switching

[htomeht]

In most cases running windows programs in linux just isnt meaningful.
They are not made to run in linux and for most windows programs there are equally good linux native ones.

For msn you could use pidgin or any number off other clients.

For itunes who knows, there are a few posibilities but probably none that handle the drm issue well.
Itunes suck so it shouldnt be a problem. But have a look at Banshee or Songbird.

Why you would want to run your old regular anti-virus software I dont know. It simply wont do you any good.

[Xp3r7]

...and for most windows programs there are equally good linux native ones.

Exactly!

And for more sure, you can try it with VirtualBox

[incogito]

Other than using Wine or a VM, using programs designed for Linux is best, that are equivalent or better than the Windows alternatives;

MSN = Pidgin (well, Pidgin = MSN + AIM + Facebook Chat + Yahoo! + ... + everything)

iTunes = RhythmBox (on Gnome)

Anti Virus = Pretty much unnecessary as nobody* writes viruses for Linux and Linux is inherently more secure than Windows anyway, however if you really do want AV then ClamAV does the trick. I've never used it. *Well, almost nobody.

And you'll find there's Linux versions of pretty much everything Windows has, and more. Linux software tends to be easier to find and install too because of the repositories.

**I'd advise you to not look at Linux software as an "alternative" to equivalent software on Windows, but just a different program in its own right. "Alternative" makes it all sound a bit vegan, like you're being forced to eat sprouts because your plates aren't compatible with bacon.

[0xBEEF1337]

Delete.

[adigahacker]

If I used linux could I still run programs like msn, itunes, and all the anti-virus software?

reagarding windows programs ... linux has many replacements for windows programs, if not you could use wine ..
and for the antivirus ... i dont think you will need one unless your running http/ftp server than can be reached from out of your local network and/or if your logging in with the root account (bad thing to do) .....