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Hey I have a few questions about Linux, hope u dont mind me asking
1 - Whats the GUI like? Is it similar to the WIMP enviroment of windoze?
2 - Why is Linux better than windoze?
3 - What is the security like?
4 - Will all programs run on Linux?
Thanx
1] The GUI can be like whatever you want
There are assorted Window managers, which customise the way it looks, anc you can change anything you want - to look how you want. It is 100% customisable.
2] Linux is better than windows for many reasons, security, speed, reliability, support for more applications, free software, Linux itself is free so you can install it on every PC in the world at only the cost of the CV you install from.
3] Linux security is infinitely better than Windows, although security always depends on the user, not just the OS
4] Not all software runs on Linux, MS Office, for example, doesn't run natively on Linux, although there are ways around this in the form of emulators (e.g. Wine) or virtual machines (e.g. VMWare).
Linux does, however, have an enormous software base, and most of it is free.
Im still not sure wether to switch to linux.
Whats about games will they run on Linux? Also any other information would be grateful like what version of linux is the best etc.
Just wondering if possible can someone post a screenshot of linux?
1 - Whats the GUI like? Is it similar to the WIMP enviroment of windoze?
Well, there's X Windows. That's pretty good, but I prefer to stay in the character cell (command prompt) mode.
2 - Why is Linux better than windoze?
More secure, open source, free, better mascot.
3 - What is the security like?
Excellent. There's no comparison between Linux and Windows. But, a lot of it depends on the superuser and the way (s)he administers his/her box.
4 - Will all programs run on Linux?
A lot of them will, but not all. Many were written specifically for Windows, because there's a bigger market, but a lot of your software should run on Linux.
Hmmm,
Games tend to need Windows, for several reasons, including that they're usually based on DirectX, which is a proprietary Microsoft system.
For a newcomer to Linux, mandrake is best http://www.mandrake.com
It will install itself, pretty much, you need to know very little about it. It will easily set up a dual-boot so you can run windows and linux on the same machine.
I wrote a tutorial ages ago about installing linux mandrake, its in the tutorials forum, search for it.
Here are a few screen shots from my pc. By the way, Im using kde.
http://www.badconnections.net/misc/snapshot1.png
http://www.badconnections.net/misc/tuxbackground.png
http://www.badconnections.net/misc/tuxxmms.png
hmmm looks nice :)
I think I may try it with dual boot. How easy is it to remove just incase say I dont like it or find it hard to use or some other reason?
And how stable is it?
o0o0o0o0 preacher come now girls in underwear? :)....well personally i think gnome is nicer than kde...kde on the other had is a lot like WIMP....but if u are goin ot run games windows is hte ONLY option...unluckly that is true...i believe there is a linux version for certain games like tactical ops(originally a UT mod now it's own game), i heard that starcraft has a linux version...never seen it maybe only a rumor. u could just do as i do dual boot :)...that way u can play games on windows then run everyhting else in linux(or atleast that is wot i ma trying to do but my winmodem still being a hoe about it)
Hey just wondering... what is the deal with linux on a mac? Is it possible? If so, where can I find it, and what is the stability on a mac?
Thx.
Mandrake makes a PPC verson to run on Macs. www.mandrakelinux.comQuote:
Originally posted here by blackdragon
Hey just wondering... what is the deal with linux on a mac? Is it possible? If so, where can I find it, and what is the stability on a mac?
Thx.
There is also MacOS X, which is a form of Unix. Can't tell you about the stability of that because I'm running Mandrake Linux on a PC. Ask RiOter about the stability. He runs MacOS X.
I've also heard that yellow-dog linux makes a good distro, though I don't have a Mac to try it out on.
I would definitely say to give Linux a try. Take preacherman's advice and go with Mandrake, it's very simple, and you should have no problems with it. If you've used Windows for a long time, I think you'll find the change as refreshing. I, personally, think it looks 10 times nicer than Windows, even in the command prompt mode. :-P
If you don't think you'll want to use a form of Linux consistently, again I'd say to at least give it a try so that you can know what we're all talking about, and have a little bit of experience running it.
To uninstall Linux, it is like uninstalling any other OS. When you are on a dual-boot config, boot with a Win9x floppy and type from a command prompt: c:\>fdisk /mbr and should knock out the choices menu. Next, you should repartition with FDISK, and reformat back to whatever filesystem you were using before.Quote:
I think I may try it with dual boot. How easy is it to remove just incase say I dont like it or find it hard to use or some other reason? And how stable is it?
As for the stability, I have seen programs crash in KDE, but not in GNOME or Enightenment. The Preacher posted some cool shots, so I don't need to do that :)
Utimately, the choice to switch is going to be up to you. But take it from us: It's sweet :) :)
Hi,
Using this chance i would like to extend the question about linux.
I want to install a server running it, for DNS, e-mail and FTP.
Does linux support all of it right? How easy is to setup? mandrake should be the option for begginers?
Also regarding Apache, i understood that it runs under linux, is it correct?
Can the win and linux machines see each other over IP with no inconveniences? Does it use some similar concept as "microsoft domain"?
Thanks in advance,
Ok, thanks for the info on macs. I know about the OsX Unix base, but I am not running X. Good to know that Linux may be available for macs to.
Mandrake rocks :) Very easy to set up and get running ....
I use it as a firewall/gateway on my home network.
Basically, it fetches my email and allows me to surf the Net when the Windows box is used by other members of the family.
Before I would set up any email, DNS, FTP, or web-server I would scour the Net and read up on security issues associated with running this services.
A swap to Linux from Windows means you have full control of the machine but along with that comes the responsibility of securing it - Mandrake (and some others) offer Bastille Firewall in the distribution which is a good start to locking the box down ... but by no means is it the be all and end all of the security process.
Good luck with which ever Linux you choose - you will be on a sharp, but enjoyable, learning curve. Try http://www.google.com/linux ..... Googles own linux related search engine, all the answers are out there
Well I think I will try it tonight when I come in from school.
Rewandythal I did a search for your tutorial but it didnt come up, I will look again manually later.
Thanx for the help :)
Just one final question. I have a partition already, if i uninstall linux will my files still be there (i take it they will) as alittlebitnumb said "and reformat back to whatever filesystem you were using before."
Yes, your files will still be there, but as a word of caution, always, always, always make BACKUPS! It will really suck to have all your data gone cuz of a mistake... trust me, I have made my share of mistakes with Linux where I did stupid things thinking I knew what I was doing. Don't be like me ... haha.Quote:
Just one final question. I have a partition already, if i uninstall linux will my files still be there (i take it they will) as alittlebitnumb said "and reformat back to whatever filesystem you were using before."
Lastly, if you are going to be experimenting with OS's, I suggest investing in Partition Magic. It is very, very handy, and is not too expensive. Also, check out these how-to's if you have any more questions: Linux+Windows HOWTO and the Linux FAQ
I wish you the best of luck.
- There are many different GUI interfaces
- It is better because more companies are using Linux and it is more recognized, plus its security and stability
- Security is really good
- not all but most work if you use WINE
ARGH! Never knew there were so many to choose from to download!!
What one do I download and do i write it to CD once its down?
Mandrake Linux 8.2 for i586 and higher
Mandrake Linux 8.2 ISO images mirrors for i586 and higher
Linux-Mandrake ISO image for IA64, Sparc, UltraSparc, Alpha, i486 processors
Mandrake Linux 8.2 ISO image for PPC.
MandrakeSecurity SNF for i586 and more.
Kitain, to answer your questions, Yes.
As for ease of setting it up, it depends on which form you are using, and your competency level. If you are used to using command line or reading from a decent book, then it shouldnt be too hard. Yes apache runs in linux. I recommend using the linux bible. They should have one for each update (7, 7.1, etc.)
Pandabean,
first of all take a deep breath. If you will look on the cover it has written in large friendly letters the words " DONT PANIC". Ok, What kind of computer are you gonna be installing it on? i586 or higher is for the intel chipset stuff. sparc and the rest are for a different type of system. If you are running winbloze, then your not using sparc. i486 is older pent 1 or 2 chips.
I is running an AMD 1.2GHz and using windoze.
you should use the i586 one. I recommend check with the website to be absolutely positive but you should be good to go.
Pandabean, good luck with linux, oh and welcome to the darkside.
Still dunno which to download.
Thanx Preacher
You do do not need:Quote:
Still dunno which to download
Linux-Mandrake ISO image for IA64, Sparc, UltraSparc, Alpha, i486 processors
Mandrake Linux 8.2 ISO image for PPC.
These are designed for computers that are generally not available at your local computer store (Mainframes, 64 bit architecture). Your best bet is what 10dedfish told you to get. Namely,
Mandrake Linux 8.2 for i586 and higher
Mandrake Linux 8.2 ISO images mirrors for i586 and higher<<--a mirror is simply a copy of the main distribution site, and you use this to find a server closer to you.
Don't worry. It's not as scary as it sounds :)
Pandabean,
Make sure you have DSL and a CD burner before you embark on the adventure of downloading Linux from the internet. If you're on dial-up, it'll take a helluva long time, and if you don't have a CD burner you won't be able to make a bootable CD. (correct me if I'm wrong) Actually buying Linux isn't that bad of an option either, they had Mandrake 8.1 on my local walmart for $50, and you get support and a crudload of software with that too.
It just so happens that I took a screenshot of my Enlightenment desktop just recently :cool: Here it is:
-DÆmon
Hello all,
Thank you for the replies, i have it more clear now.
One question is that to setup FTP on Win i need some external tool or IIS. What about on Linux?
I should need a kind of IIS to be able to setup a web and FTP server, what is the tool name? Does it comes with the Mandrake? I download three CD´s that i´ll burn during the week, after work and my intentions are to set it up over the weekend, before fathers day (it is my own gift).
Bye for now,
There are lots of available FTP servers in linux. I think RedHat distros use wu-ftpd (you should be able to google that) as the default, but I'm not really sure what Mandrake uses, as it's been a while since I had a mandrake box and I never ran an FTP server on that one. Look for wu-ftpd and if you can't find it, come back and ask again and I'll be glad to see what I can find for you.
Most games that are run on windoze can be run on Linux these days. Check out transgaming.com, I think that should help. If you are interested in what it can look like for the gui, check out themes.org and you get a tast for what can be done with the gui. Security is only there if you are willing to kill off the un-needed services.