Questions about Linux

I'm going to admit this right away...I've never used Linux before.

But...I am EXTREMELY interested in learning how.

I'm currently running Mac OsX...[I've been a mac user for years]...[and Windoze 2000...but that is a computer that my college supplied]

I'm wondering what I will need to get started as far as hardware... as a student I can't afford to spend a lot of money buying a brand new computer....But there are lots of second hand computers for sale that are quite reasonable...

and i've also heard that it can be difficult to instal linux...

when I inquire about linux, either the people that I have asked have never used it before, or they aren't able to give me any straight answers to any of my questions [which leads me to believe that they don't use it very often]....

I noticed that a lot of people on AntiOnline use it...maybe you would also tell me why you like it...or why you don't.

thanks

well im a bit of a linux newbie too.. as a matter of fact, im using a winux (Windows + Linux) box..

I have Windows2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows 98 and RedHat Linux in one box.

If you're new.. choose Red Hat or Mandrake. its not hard to install, not like Debian.

The installatioin sequence of Red Hat is self explainatory and doesnt need wide computer knowledge to install it.

and since you are used with Mac and Windows.. In the installation Process insall KDE. and not Gnome.

coz KDE is windows like.

There's nothing hard about linux as long as you are eager to learn it..

i like linux coz in linux, you can configure almost 95% of it. not like Windows where you just click click click. atleast in linux.. i can tell what is going on and how its done..

that's exactly what i want!

an OS that i can use where i can see exactly what is going on

i like to figure out how things work....i want to get my hands dirty in something that is not so user-friendly....ex: click, click..done...like windoze.

I'm going to read more about it while i scrape together what i need :] i'm actually quite excited!! hehe

thanks for your input!

haha yeah alright.. well ermm Red Hat is more user friendly than debian.. but if you want something thats not really userfriendly to the core.. debian would be my weapon of choice hehehe...

But then... im new to linux so i stick to Red Hat.... hehe

and i have XP on my laptop.. though im thinkin of makin ma laptop a winux pad too.. heheh i might install linux on it soon..

so i can have xp and mandrake in my laptop..

even though im eager of learning linux.. i still cant leave windows behind coz i have tons of softwares that runs ONLY on windows.. and i need those softwares

you might be getting better answers if you'd asked this in the *nix forum. Now you'll have to listen to my 2 cents.

Their right, mandrake and red hat are the only 2 installs that are user friendly and because you'll be using an older machine, it'll be easier still. linux isn't as fast as windows in keeping up with the latest hardware, but m$ pays a lot of full time people to do that.

for your first install, let linux do an automatic full server set up. that means no dual boot because it will format all hard drives attached, but it will also set up all the partitions you'll need, which can be more than a little confusing, and install programs you don't know you want yet.

Even after a little experience with linux you'll better understad the windows system which hides behind its "user friendy" names and interface. *nix folk generally say "who cares" but its something that most of us in the IT community have to make a living with.

I currently use Linux Mandrake 7.2 and I found it to be extremely user friendly, plus they are numerous texts and tutorials for assistance as well. I like the fact that you can get a Windows type environment when booting under Gnome, it gives you a gradual lean into the workings of Linux. Now I boot mostly under KDE. I found that it was easy to dual boot with this OS and my Win98 as well. I would say start with Mandrake, but this is my opinion and I have not tried Red Hat yet but hey.......at least its not Windows. Peace

I like your style... I am managing Internet Cafe and logically am a system administrator. I do own 6 computers all dual boot with windows 98/2000 and ME. I am fond of tweaking linux and testing all the versions.

but the point is you need to have a little knowledge in linux I presume. The installing of linux is never that hard until you started installing it in actual. About those hardware you need is depending on what linux do you want to install. If you prefer to have an X windows you need more memory and a good graphic accelerator (VGA's). And I would like to prefer using GNOME or KDE. I really like it anyway.

Just remember once you install linux... your computer life is never been the same. (heheheh) ;)

s0nIc - what have you got against debian? Its not that user unfriendly, have you tried it before making these comments?
Tedob1 - as far as i'm aware, mandrake and other mature linuces will be courteous to a windows partition, i do not think the mandrake installer would delete partitions without first asking.

haha i got nothing against debian.. as a matter of fact. im eager to learn debian coz its very complex and more configurable than Red Hat or Mandrake..

but i was saying that since im a newbie to linux.. i use Mandrake and Red Hat... coz debian is very complex and needs wide range of knowledge in linux...

What I have heard is that Debian is excellent for controlling a bunch of computers at once. Altough I have never given it a shot.

I can't comment on debians power to control a bunch of computers at once,all i will say is i've been using it for a good while now and haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary in that respect, thats not to say its not there tho. The thing that gets me about debian is apt and dpkg, utilities for controling the installation of packages - if you have a properly configured /etc/apt/sources.list you can grab packages off the net with "apt-get install filename", you can update your debian box with "apt-get update" followed by "apt-get dist-upgrade" - that combined with the community aspect of debian makes it a winner in my opinion.

Please install Mandrake or RedHat, they are both very userfriendly. Preference to Mandrake, français obligé :)

Second install the HOWTO in HTML, in english (most complete)... they will be your every day help to what's going on in that box, what should i do for that and so...... I've seen many many threads on that site that could be answered in looking into these HOWTO.

Third, choose the right distribution version for your box, i'm personnaly running Mandrake 8 & 8.1 for Pentium & and AMD recent computer, and a Red Hat 6.2 on old box 486, because this box don't need all the new fanzy function that come with latest distribs.

My personal opinion, hope it helps and not so wrong.
A+ hantiz.

Quote:

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Originally posted by petemcevoy
The thing that gets me about debian is apt and dpkg, utilities for controling the installation of packages - if you have a properly configured /etc/apt/sources.list you can grab packages off the net with "apt-get install filename", you can update your debian box with "apt-get update" followed by "apt-get dist-upgrade" - that combined with the community aspect of debian makes it a winner in my opinion.

---

I've heard debian is quite good in that area. Mandrake and RedHat both have their own update software as well. I can't recall the name of mandrake's right now, but RH has up2date.
Updating packages consists basically of registering with RHN, and then running up2date --update.

The mandrake updater is aptly named mandrakeupdaterobot, its ok but its not a patch on apt, there is a way to install rpms over the net too, can't remember how but there is a description of it on the nmap website, and its not nearly as convenient as apt either ;-)

Thanks for your advice and input everybody
greatly appreciated

:D

Quote:

---

Originally posted by hantiz
Please install Mandrake or RedHat, they are both very userfriendly. Preference to Mandrake, français obligé :)

Second install the HOWTO in HTML, in english (most complete)... they will be your every day help to what's going on in that box, what should i do for that and so...... I've seen many many threads on that site that could be answered in looking into these HOWTO.

Third, choose the right distribution version for your box, i'm personnaly running Mandrake 8 & 8.1 for Pentium & and AMD recent computer, and a Red Hat 6.2 on old box 486, because this box don't need all the new fanzy function that come with latest distribs.

My personal opinion, hope it helps and not so wrong.
A+ hantiz.

---

lol you are typically French. Most are really patriotic, and here is one representing Mandrake (for the ones that don't know, Mandrake is from France)


no offence hantiz

firefemme I am going to give you the hard truth. Installing and using it will be hard,even in mandrake, but you will learn how to use it better everyday. There are going to be challenges that noone will tell you about. Also be aware that your modem may not work with linux. I had to buy a modem that was linux compatible before I could connect to the internet. Also install every package it comes with because adding them later is hard from what I hear. A copy (1 disc)of linux can be downloaded free but I suggest you buy a copy unless you have cable/dsl or faster. A full copy(3 disc) will only run $25-$30 us dollars. A full fledged copy(7disc) with all the software and tech support will cost $70-$100. Cheap in comparison to Windows 2000 server.

You will use Slackware. You will use Slackware and you will like it. You will use Slackware and you you will be Elite !

Just kidding.. Don't worry, you are going to strive against problems and questions that you have never even thought of when using computers in your Linux journey. But when you have used it for say 3 months, maybe less, you will be powerfull compared to your old Windoze self and that is no joke. It might take you a few installs to get it right. You may spend a fair deal of time reading How-To's, in the end you will be in total control over your system in ways you can't even imagine as an MS user.

Relax.. Have fun.. Your using Linux now :D (cheesy line from a magazine)

Post if you have any questions, but there are mailing lists and places to get help all over the net. Some people may know more about Linux than those of us here on AO believe it or not.

Firefemme, take a look on HOWTO's and other Linux doc's.
Be sure that your system is compatible with Linux.

http://ldp.nllgg.nl/

http://www.linux.org/


I use Red Hat 7.1 because it's easier,
but don't expect to learn it in a minute of two, Linux could be confusing when you're used to Windowz.

I suggest you do *not* use the server install, but the workstation install so you could always go back to non Linux partitions.

Dose anyone else think that this thread should be moved to the *nix discussions? I was browsing through here and I thought I would just throw my two cents in here.

Have a nice day,
Remote_Access_

There is a way you can check Linux out without diving in head first. - It is called "WinLinux" and will install/run right from your windows partition. (removes easily, too)
I dove in head first on Redhat 5.2 and it was weeks before my facial tick went away - LOL
Check out winlinux and then decide on what flavor!


Get WinLinux Here.......

I don't know about you guys but I've been using OpenLinux by caldera for the longest time now and i have to say that for me that was an easy install. easier than windows. I love it!!! Its got way more games comes with a viraety of editors although I use vi alot :D and a wonderfull KDE desktop. And before that OS I was completely new to the linux world. However if your running a server and your paraniod like me then your best bet is OpenBSD!!!! ;) Its the most secure :cool:

I too agree that this discussion should be moved to the *nix discussions forum. It is however, a good topic - just started in the wrong place. Keep the ideas flowing though folks.

-The Eeshman

http://www.linuxnewbie.org/ - Great site!

I always like to read a good book.
Many publishers have put out very good
books on linux, often including a cdrom
with the full install, and even additional
commercial software.
It's lonely staring at that black
screen for the first time.
:cool:

i use slackware 7 / win 98
its good for all my needs any thing i dont like it i change
its hard to configure linux but when good configured its the best

i took a while to learn how to use it properly but if you gone see
its like if you had started with linux and wanted to install windows now, of course it will be easier but...

i guess i have to give you a link that will make it easier for you to understand what would you link. i first started reading until i got the point. i wish you too will be lucky to used linux.

all the stuff about documentations are right here:

http://www.linuxdoc.org

warning: Once you run linux on you're box. I promise you that you're life will be never the same. I promise that. So, go ahead and do some cool programming. :)

hehehehe
this is true:D

you will never change again

linux will be your master ehheh

Feel free to flame me if I'm wrong, but I have always felt that RedHat/Mandrake have one huge advantage over Debian/GNU, RPM. I mean DEB packages are alright but RPMs are just so widespread that all you really have to do to install software in redhat is a rpm -ivh filename command or use KDE or GNOME's package manager and gnoRPM respectively.

I'm curious just what it is you are saying is a huge advantage for red hat/mandrake - that rpm's are widespread? that you find it easier to rpm -ivh filename then you would to apt-get install filename? Please clear this up so i can tell you exactly why you're wrong ;-) (sorry - i love debian)

Linux does not require a very powerful computer. I am running Red Hat 6 on a 100 MHz Pentium and it runs just fine. Therefore, you do not have to spend a lot of money for a computer to install linux on. Linux is really not that hard to install, you just need some basic information such as the type of video card and monitor you have, It's as easy to install as Windows is. Linux seems very intimidating the first time you use it, and I would recommend getting a good book or finding some documentation online. I have found that once you learn how to use linux, it is quicker and easier than Windows.