Beginner in Linux, here’s some guidance on getting started.
Beginner in Linux, here’s some guidance on getting started.
Here’s a revised version of your request:
You require access to network drives for streaming media and the ability to transfer files between devices across your network. You also need the system to function as your torrent hub, YouTube/streaming server, and media player. Right now, I manage all these tasks using Windows 7, but performance drops significantly under heavy connections or loads—audio and video become unstable during streaming and playback. The main problem appears to be high DPCI usage (40%+) even with many network connections or a single heavy source. All evidence points to a Windows-specific issue. Latency monitoring shows disconnected services like ndis.sys, and some sources suggest the problem lies within Windows itself. I’m considering an Intel card or a Realtek NIC chipset as a potential fix. I’m weighing moving this setup to a non-Windows platform since I’ve been on the fence. With time available, I’d like to explore alternatives or distros. My current hardware includes: A10-7860k 16GB DDR3 1600MHz, Gigabyte F2A88XM-D3H 240GB SSD, LG Blue-ray writer for an optical drive, and a Cooler Master N400.
Without any information it's difficult to recommend anything. Consider using Ubuntu for the same tasks, as it won't incur any expenses.
I'll begin with what you think. What information were you looking for? I'm ready to share it.
I’m unable to run tests on your behalf, but here’s what I’d suggest. How many connections should you expect? What type are they? When do too many connections become problematic? What makes a network heavy? Attempt to reproduce the issue with simple steps. Your tests need reliable outcomes. For instance, if you begin transferring files between two computers and overload a 1GB Ethernet connection, then another client tries to stream video on one of those devices, I’d expect the video to lag. Is this the kind of strain you’re facing? Are YouTube videos becoming blurry? It’s likely your internet is overloaded from torrenting; consider setting usage limits. If the same high bitrate streams from the same drive cause problems, maybe the hard drive isn’t fast enough. You mentioned seeing ndis.sys with high DPC latency—try updating drivers if possible. I’m unsure if the problem lies in the driver, but I’d check other settings first before switching to Linux or a different Ethernet card.
I've done all the testing and research, regarding this issue. Have been dealing with it for over a year now. I'm tired of waiting for MS and Realtek to fix it so decided to try something other then windows. Thanks for the offer to troubleshoot the issue but not needed. Moving to Linux is my solution. This thread is more for where to get started with Linux and not how do I fix the issue in windows. Is it best to version 16.04 or the latest 17.10 version of unbuntu? 17.10 is a beta version I guess, correct? Edit: I'm able to recreate the issue on other windows on demand. Right now just transferring the ubunto iso is causing system interrupts to take up 8% cpu and is causing input lag and this is on an x370 board with Ryzen 5 1600 running latest windows 10 with an intel nic so its a Microsoft issue. Wouldn't surprise me if its them trying to deep scan every packet that comes in and out. As soon as the file transfer stops it all goes back to working perfect.
I got the meaning wrong. The release notes explain that LTS provides a stable operating system with updates mainly addressing bugs or security issues, lasting five years. Standard versions are supported for nine months before needing an upgrade to the next release. The most recent version contains more bugs than an LTS version that had fixes for two years prior, but it includes older software. For my desktop setup, I favor the latest release, though it isn’t a beta. Upgrading between versions is like installing regular updates. Many suggest Ubuntu for beginners, but I lean toward Fedora—it updates to newer versions more quickly than Ubuntu. Try booting a live system and compare which one you prefer.
Sure, the updated versions work like Windows updates instead of automatic ones—you’ll have to install them manually. I’ll test both options. I read an article about booting from a USB stick, so I plan to try that first, then move on to the installation. Thanks for the tip! I realize now you meant what I thought you said about a live version.
I understand your point. Auto-updates won't push you to the latest version. Ubuntu will prompt about new releases when an upgrade is available, but you can continue using version 17.10 if you wish—just avoid upgrading unless necessary.