Linux ...wow I have a lot to learn

Ok, so Im finally breaking down, and giving in. Its time to learn Linux.
Im taking this journey for a few reasons. one, I dont like microsofts greed and policy about "registration". 2, I like the open source idea, and 3, my boss tells me that 128 encryption in wireless is invincible. *SIGH*
One of our clients is a bank, and they need a temporary site setup across the street from the main branch. They were originally going to do a temporary fiber run, but to do that requires burying it under main street and they just cant get that done. So my boss told them that they should do wireless, against my recomendations. I know that air snort, (linux based) given enough time will get the key cracked. I am now charged with getting my companys key, also 128, on a machine that "doesnt know it" so that I can prove that it can be done. (yes Ive showed him article after article, hes a "proove it" type boss. *sigh*)
Now being as that is, Ive searched and searched for a windows-based wireless program, and so far havent been able to find one that will allow me to do that. If anyone knows of one, please fill me in. I still want to learn linux as the bug has definately bitten.
So far my adventures included downloading and installing dragonlinux, a slackware version.
Its nice, it allows the install onto a fat32 directory and doesnt require a reformat. I can do other versions, I just did this because it seemed a good learning version. Then I tried to update the kernel to get USB working right in it, as my wirelesscard is USB. (SMC 2664W)
I know they have a linux driver out for it, but I cant seem to get it working, since the USB isnt working right.
My question, besides that of the windows based WEP cracker, is what do you all recommend to install? whats the easiest way for a linux-newbie to install a linux distro that includes USB? which one? where do I get it and where can I get a nice walkthoguh explination on what Im doing?
regardless if I get info on a windows WEP cracker that ALSO supports my card, (to reiterate) I DO WANT TO LEARN LINUX. Some linux nut out there is cheering now, as thats one more for the penguin and one less in M$'s pocket.....
my hardware is a AMD processor... so the distro will be intelbased....

Avenger_jcc

Ok, so Im finally breaking down, and giving in. Its time to learn Linux.
Im taking this journey for a few reasons. one, I dont like microsofts greed and policy about "registration". 2, I like the open source idea, and 3, my boss tells me that 128 encryption in wireless is invincible. *SIGH*
One of our clients is a bank, and they need a temporary site setup across the street from the main branch. They were originally going to do a temporary fiber run, but to do that requires burying it under main street and they just cant get that done. So my boss told them that they should do wireless, against my recomendations. I know that air snort, (linux based) given enough time will get the key cracked. I am now charged with getting my companys key, also 128, on a machine that "doesnt know it" so that I can prove that it can be done. (yes Ive showed him article after article, hes a "proove it" type boss. *sigh*)
Now being as that is, Ive searched and searched for a windows-based wireless program, and so far havent been able to find one that will allow me to do that. If anyone knows of one, please fill me in. I still want to learn linux as the bug has definately bitten.
So far my adventures included downloading and installing dragonlinux, a slackware version.
Its nice, it allows the install onto a fat32 directory and doesnt require a reformat. I can do other versions, I just did this because it seemed a good learning version. Then I tried to update the kernel to get USB working right in it, as my wirelesscard is USB. (SMC 2664W)
I know they have a linux driver out for it, but I cant seem to get it working, since the USB isnt working right.
My question, besides that of the windows based WEP cracker, is what do you all recommend to install? whats the easiest way for a linux-newbie to install a linux distro that includes USB? which one? where do I get it and where can I get a nice walkthoguh explination on what Im doing?
regardless if I get info on a windows WEP cracker that ALSO supports my card, (to reiterate) I DO WANT TO LEARN LINUX. Some linux nut out there is cheering now, as thats one more for the penguin and one less in M$'s pocket.....
my hardware is a AMD processor... so the distro will be intelbased....

Avenger_jcc

avenjer_jcc i tried to upload a pdf file calld learn linux in 24 hours but it was taking to long so i found this link that has the pdf file and many other check them out for info if your new to linux these files should be a good help to you

http://www.flashdance.cx/books/more/

hope this helps

avenjer_jcc i tried to upload a pdf file calld learn linux in 24 hours but it was taking to long so i found this link that has the pdf file and many other check them out for info if your new to linux these files should be a good help to you

http://www.flashdance.cx/books/more/

hope this helps

You could try mandrake. AFAIK this distro also has the option of installing to a fat32 partition using linx4win but is a full distro with an up to date kernel. It runs a lot slower on fat32 but it does run :)

You could try mandrake. AFAIK this distro also has the option of installing to a fat32 partition using linx4win but is a full distro with an up to date kernel. It runs a lot slower on fat32 but it does run :)

Hey prodikal, that is cool link. Plenty of good ebooks there. :)

Hey prodikal, that is cool link. Plenty of good ebooks there. :)

yeh, so no sleep for me today i got a 400 page linux book to read (:

yeh, so no sleep for me today i got a 400 page linux book to read (:

redhat is pretty much the distro of choice for most people jumping into the linux world. it's probably going to have the simplest install and the most intuitive gui.

i've been a real big fan of suse 8.0, it's been going on my machine for two weeks stright (which is rare for any os) and i've only turned off maybe twice. i think the gui is just beautiful and it's the first distro to pick up both of my video cards (i have an onboard one and another gforce).

but whatever distro you choose, go to their websites first and make sure they support all of your hardware. nothing is more frustrating then spending three days downloading and burning iso's only to have the install crash in the first two minutes b/c it doesn't like your video card.

redhat is pretty much the distro of choice for most people jumping into the linux world. it's probably going to have the simplest install and the most intuitive gui.

i've been a real big fan of suse 8.0, it's been going on my machine for two weeks stright (which is rare for any os) and i've only turned off maybe twice. i think the gui is just beautiful and it's the first distro to pick up both of my video cards (i have an onboard one and another gforce).

but whatever distro you choose, go to their websites first and make sure they support all of your hardware. nothing is more frustrating then spending three days downloading and burning iso's only to have the install crash in the first two minutes b/c it doesn't like your video card.

If your totally new to Linux try Knoppix it runs off a cd you don't need to install it to a hardrrive,
this is the way to go if your a newbie and just want to try linux before committing to a full system install.
David Mcnabb wrote a 'how to' on installing it on the system it comes packed with alot of cool stuff........
it's debian based so you can use the apt-tool to get everything you need.

If your totally new to Linux try Knoppix it runs off a cd you don't need to install it to a hardrrive,
this is the way to go if your a newbie and just want to try linux before committing to a full system install.
David Mcnabb wrote a 'how to' on installing it on the system it comes packed with alot of cool stuff........
it's debian based so you can use the apt-tool to get everything you need.

there's a few live cd's you can use like that. knoppix is a really good one, suse has a live evaluation disk that works like that. i believe kisscool made a post of one he was using too.

http://www.antionline.com/showthread...light=kisscool

if you check out www.distrowatch.com or www.linuxiso.org you can find some good information on these and other distros.

there's a few live cd's you can use like that. knoppix is a really good one, suse has a live evaluation disk that works like that. i believe kisscool made a post of one he was using too.

http://www.antionline.com/showthread...light=kisscool

if you check out www.distrowatch.com or www.linuxiso.org you can find some good information on these and other distros.

Thanks all, I think Im gonna start with Mandrake,.... Ive got 2 of the 3 downloaded...
wish me luck and if anyone has anyhting to add, Im listening!

Yeah, it is about time, lol. You should start with Mandrake, and a nice course for it can be found here Hope I helped!