and (2) other newbies and prospective newbies might have questions about replacing the software that they used in M$ Windows with comparable (or better) linux alternatives. MODERATORS: If this is not the correct forum, please move (thanks).When I was recently trying to get my Vista partitions back after I screwed things up, someone asked me why I wanted to keep it. Other than the "security blanket" aspect of having an alternate OS that should still be there even if I screw up my linux one, I was thinking of "all" of the Windows applications that I used. Well, I just did a quick check on the laptop (there are others on the desktop but UPGRADING its OS from XP to linux is for another time) and it turns out that there are only a few things installed on it. Many of them are already taken care of by the many applications that were automatically installed by UE2.3(!) but there are a few that I am not sure about:
RainbowSoft's Study Bible Ver. 4.0 - this is pretty complete for cheap Bible software and includes several other reference works. (And its illustrated.)
Avanquest Software's Ringtone Media Studio - Creates ringtones for cell phones.
Sony Ericsson's DRM Packager - Another tool for creating things to be placed on cell phones.
Juice Podcast Client - They don't have a linux version but recommend Podnova Client and Icepodder. Are either of these good? Or alteratives?
It looks like there are plenty of tools for ripping/burning CDs and DVDs for backup and general use on my computer setup. Are there tools to rip protected content?
Occasionally I need to edit video or convert it from one format to another - such as when I wish to record something with a satellite receiver and convert/store/play it on my computer. Are there good tools for doing this in linux?
My "ancient" Palm M125 PDA is set up with MobilePocket and I often read MobilePocket eBooks on my computer so as to only require one version of them. Is there reader software for this eBook format?
I also use M$'s own .LIT eBook reader for eBooks in their format. I know that they don't offer a version for linux - or my Palm - because of their predatory commercial nature. Is there a reader that will work?
This one is probably a longshot: An application to program, control, and record from my Uniden BC296 radio scanner?
Can anyone offer linux alternatives for any of the above?
Perhaps others have been in my position - with other pieces of software - and have found viable alternatives. If so, I would not mind if they added their lists to my thread; while it wouldn't directly help me, it could well be the deciding factor for someone that is thinking of trying linux if they see an application that they use routinely - and a good linux alternative.
Thanks in advance,
Driver
And I find , That is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with applications and programs that are readily available, It is a very extensive list, Take it one category at a time, And go over it item by item, As the names may be misleading, Good luck ! 
