Computer Help and Support

Susan Calvin

(2,075 posts) Mon Mar 2, 2020, 05:19 PM Mar 2020

Going from Windows to Linux.

I want to get a Linux Mint computer, but I'm concerned about being able to read the files created with Windows on my external hd, or reading the external hd at all. Should this be an issue? Thanks.

7 replies

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Going from Windows to Linux. (Original Post) Susan Calvin Mar 2020 OP

nope lapfog_1 Mar 2020 #1

Reading files created in standard formats should not be a problem at140 Mar 2020 #2

Generally, no kurtcagle Mar 2020 #3

As mentioned in the earlier reply, it depends on what type of file. CentralMass Mar 2020 #4

You should have no problem reading disks written under Windows from Linux. n/t PoliticAverse Mar 2020 #5

Thanks all. Susan Calvin Mar 2020 #6

So there are ways to run the occasional Windows program. Susan Calvin Mar 2020 #7

lapfog_1

(30,059 posts)

1. nope

Reply to Susan Calvin (Original post)

Mon Mar 2, 2020, 05:23 PM

Mar 2020

will not be an issue for you... Linux Mint can mount read and write ntfs file systems.

at140

(6,119 posts)

2. Reading files created in standard formats should not be a problem

Reply to Susan Calvin (Original post)

Mon Mar 2, 2020, 05:24 PM

Mar 2020

such as txt files, jpg files etc. But files created by special windows based software could be a problem,
such as my dbf files.

kurtcagle

(2,291 posts)

3. Generally, no

Reply to Susan Calvin (Original post)

Mon Mar 2, 2020, 05:24 PM

Mar 2020

Most Linux implementations are very mature nowadays, and can fully handle the vast majority of file formats in popular use today.

CentralMass

(15,482 posts)

4. As mentioned in the earlier reply, it depends on what type of file.

Reply to Susan Calvin (Original post)

Mon Mar 2, 2020, 05:32 PM

Mar 2020

If you are using libreoffice on your Linux Machine it can open Microsoft Word, Excel, abd PowerPoint files.

PoliticAverse

(26,366 posts)

5. You should have no problem reading disks written under Windows from Linux. n/t

Reply to Susan Calvin (Original post)

Mon Mar 2, 2020, 05:52 PM

Mar 2020

Susan Calvin

(2,075 posts)

6. Thanks all.

Reply to Susan Calvin (Original post)

Mon Mar 2, 2020, 06:11 PM

Mar 2020

I don't have anything special. Just music, photos, videos, files created with OpenOffice, emails in Thunderbird, and a few Java programs.

I do have a set of calendars that I'm fond of that were made in PrintMaster, a program I update from time to time for that single purpose. I'll have to see if that comes in a Linux version, or if there's something for Linux that will read the files.

I really hate Windows 10.

Susan Calvin

(2,075 posts)

7. So there are ways to run the occasional Windows program.

Reply to Susan Calvin (Reply #6)

Mon Mar 2, 2020, 07:58 PM

Mar 2020

Like my PrintMaster.

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