|
Post by wrangler on Apr 13, 2007 9:58:17 GMT -6
Anybody on here use Linux? I 've got a computer project that I'm working on. I want to try out Linux. I want to erase the hard drive, so I'll need an OEM version that I can load from boot up. Anyone know where I can download an OEM version and burn it to a disk or purchase it for a nominal fee? I searched the web, but I'm even more confused. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by welshdragon on Apr 13, 2007 20:25:19 GMT -6
OEM version of Linux?? Wrangler, you've been on MS Windows way too long. I'm running two boxes here, one has Windows XP on it; the other has PLClinuxOS on it. My preferred system is *NOW* the Linux box! Take a trip[ over to www.pclosusers.com/isos/livecd2007/ and download the livecd-TR3.iso Many (most?) Linux releases have a 'Live CD' version. To make it short, it's a bootable CD that allows you to run the system without having to install it. It was by running PCLinuxOS from the LiveCD (after running a couple of other LiveCD releases) that made me decide to go with PCLinuxOS. I suppose I should warn you that PCLinuxOS is a BETA release - but it's worked fine for just about everything I've put it to. Down side - doesn't like some of the USB devices (USB Audio and Brother Printer - damnit!) Up side, it's STABLE! I haven't had it hang, go away, act stupid or anything (yet??) Don't like the programs that come on the distro (remember this is a skimpy CD we're talking about) then fire up the Synaptic Package Manager and have it search the repositories for you (and I hope you have access to DSL!), you'll probably find something that will work as well (or better) than the Windows version. 'nuff said, go get a LiveCD, play and have fun; if I can help feel free to give me a yell (or PM)
|
|
|
Post by welshdragon on Apr 18, 2007 16:43:13 GMT -6
That's okay Wrangler, ask anytime - just note that I probably won't be in any big hurry to respond.....
|
|
|
Post by wrangler on Apr 18, 2007 20:41:49 GMT -6
That's okay Wrangler, ask anytime - just note that I probably won't be in any big hurry to respond..... Sorry, brother. Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by welshdragon on Jun 19, 2007 16:28:52 GMT -6
Wrangler, have you looked at any of the Linux versions yet?? Comments??
|
|
|
Post by wrangler on Jun 20, 2007 7:31:53 GMT -6
Wrangler, have you looked at any of the Linux versions yet?? Comments?? Yes, I have Ubuntu Linux, but I haven't been able to install it. I'm trying to but it on an extra computer I have. Right now it has Windows XP on it, but it is fubar. There is a missing file with Windows XP and it won't load. I can get to the setup options during system boot, but that is it. I have been able to boot it with the Linux Live CD. I try to install Linux, but it is very slow on the computer I have. It freezes up everytime I get to disk partitioning. This has happened about six times. I was hoping to install Linux and have it erase Windows when installed. I guess I need to find out how to erase Windows XP first, then try to install Linux from system boot. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
Post by welshdragon on Jun 20, 2007 14:29:04 GMT -6
Ubuntu is supposed to be good, too. I've run Linux on 300mHz systems without it acting up too badly but like all os's the more ram it has the happier it will be (500 MB is normally plenty for most, but the more the merrier).
Since most installs operate basically the same way, when you get to the point that it asks how you want to partition the drive (use all available space or compress windows) the option to use the entire drive should clear the drive, set up the basic partitions, and format them. If that's not happening I'd first, look at the CD, most liveCD's have an ability to verify the media - I'd try that and make sure I have a good copy of the liveCD. If the media verifies okay, then I'd take a look at the hard drive; the drive manufacturer should have a program you can download that will scan the entire drive and verify it's status. Failing that, you can always plug it in and 'scandisk X: /r' (which requires a reboot to run) and that certifies the drive from a windows perspective.
I'm not as big a pain as my previous message might indicate ... if you need help talk here or pm me and I'll give you an email.
|
|
|
Post by wrangler on Jun 20, 2007 15:30:52 GMT -6
I'm not as big a pain as my previous message might indicate ... if you need help talk here or pm me and I'll give you an email. Thanks for the help. I didn't take your previous post negatively. I was just sorry I didn't check-in sooner to reply. I've just been busy the last few months and haven't spent as much time on the forums. Thanks again for your help. I'll keep you updated.
|
|
|
Post by wrangler on Jun 20, 2007 15:42:47 GMT -6
Would it be wise to reformat the harddrive, then install Linux with the Live CD? This is the process I was thinking off: www.umt.edu/SA/DCO/index.cfm/name/ReformataHardDriveThe only problem I see is that I am using a machine that was given to me without any backup CD's for drivers of any type (soundcard, video card). I haven't checked, but I assume Linux comes with a browser for connecting to the internet. Correct?... or will I need to add a browser also? Am I right in assuming I will be able to search the net to add drivers after I get Linux installed?
|
|
|
Post by welshdragon on Jun 20, 2007 17:53:10 GMT -6
First half of the question: No, don't format the drive using the umt.edu sample. That will, probably, reformat using the existing partition type (win32 or NTFS) while Lynux is going to want it as (probably) an ext3 type. Since you said it fails while trying to partition, I'd seriously recommend going to the manufacturers web site and getting their low level format disk. It'll take forever, but there is then a truly blank disk for any OS to work with.
Second half: (and an aside) LiveCD's are great when you want to sample the various releases but the pits when it comes to running from them - they are indeed *VERY* slow compared to running of the HD. Once you've found a release you're happy with - then install it from the LiveCD.
Drivers: Oddly enough, most releases of Lynux have all the drivers you're going to need (don't ask how they can do it and Windows can't, I won't even try to guess!) Most releases have drivers for all the common devices (video, sound, etc) and many have more esoteric drivers (but I can't find one for my Philips stereo which has a USB connection!) ... so basically, don't worry about drivers in the sense that we've all learned about with winders.
Browsers and other software: Most release have Mozilla Firefox as the browser of choice under KDE (KDE and GNOME are two very different 'desktops', I use KDE as it most closely resembles Windows.) You'll probably find OpenOffice and a handful of other utilities (Kopete, for example, is the IM program, like Trillian or GAIM; K3B is the cd/dvd burning utility [though there may be a front end for K3B]) You might want to Google KDE and GNOME to se the differnces in them ....
hth
|
|