LinuxMCE - can you still use your computer normally?

[ProfessorMembrane]

I'm a bit confused as to what happens if you install linux MCE. Some say its a complete OS, others disagree.

Can someone plz tell me a way to install linux MCE and still have a fully functioning (non-media) computer? Would I have to to a dual boot, where half was Kubuntu (with linuxMCE) and the other half straight ubuntu?

Or is it the the case where you can just load linuxMCE from kubuntu whenever you like, and completely shut it down when you're finished? Also there are some programs and drivers that I have working well on ubuntu feisty, is it likely that they will they work on Kubuntu as well?

[totallymaxed]

I'm a bit confused as to what happens if you install linux MCE. Some say its a complete OS, others disagree.

Can someone plz tell me a way to install linux MCE and still have a fully functioning (non-media) computer? Would I have to to a dual boot, where half was Kubuntu (with linuxMCE) and the other half straight ubuntu?

Or is it the the case where you can just load linuxMCE from kubuntu whenever you like, and completely shut it down when you're finished? Also there are some programs and drivers that I have working well on ubuntu feisty, is it likely that they will they work on Kubuntu as well?

You can install lmce in a number of different configurations that deliver different functionality. To get the configuration you describe is possible ie where lmce runs and you can switch back to the KDE desktop when you need to (we use that config). This config is a Core/Hybrid ie all the backend & frontend lmce services are running on the same machine under Kubuntu. In this type of config you can watch TV, Play DVD/CD etc using the lmce UI and also switch back to the kde desktop when you need to. This config can also act as the backend for other lmce client machines around your network but must also be your DHCP server to do this. The other lmce client machines on your network can then be setup in a number of ways to - they can be configured to network boot from the lmce Core/Hybrid (in which case when booted from your Core/Hybrid they have no kde desktop and lmce UI) or they can be booted from a local HD into Kubuntu and have the lmce UI running as a kde desktop app that you launch when you need it. Both these modes deliver the same functionality inside the lmce UI.

As to running ubuntu apps in kubuntu I think you will find that most will work ok... for example gparted the Gnome partioner app works fine under kde.

Hope this helps!

Andrew

[PeteK]

There is an install option for LMCE that lets you choose to use your PC primarily as a standard Ubuntu PC.  In that case, you click on an icon to launch LMCE.