Posted by Nitro Fan
I am going to take my first steps into the world of Linux and open source software.
I am not keen on the command line stuff so I am looking for a GUI based version of the product that will be able to run on an old spec Laptop 256Meg Ram 40Gig HDD etc. and will be able to identify and install most of the hardware involved I will be running Open Office, Firefox and Thunderbird any suggestions?
Posted by joebmc
Ha, ha I thought you said what type of lynx. I was going to recommend Africa!
Posted by Nitro Fan
Help I dont want to get eaten!
Posted by Cycovision
Mandriva linux, you can download the ISOs from here:
http://wwwnew.mandriva.com/en/downloads/mirrors/2005iso
Ignore all of the stuff about 'you MUST join the club' etc. The files are frely available via the mirror links further down the page.
Mandriva comes with an excellent installer and will autodetect most hardware, particularly on older machines. You can choose between two diferent GUIs and if you download and burn all three CDs, it'll preinstall Open Office, the GIMP etc. for you
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Nitro Fan
Ubuntu is very good, but you might like to make sure your hardware is able to run it. You can download Ubuntu here and there is a good guide on how to do various things in Ubuntu here.
_________________
"I may be drunk my dear woman, but in the morning I will be sober, and you will still be ugly." WSC
[ This Message was edited by: scotsboyuk on 2006-03-19 15:46 ]
Posted by Nitro Fan
thanks guys I really appreciate you all taking time to help out! As you all seem pretty expert will I be able to add the lappy to my existing wireless network?
Posted by Nitro Fan
@cycovision
Phew what a relief I have just found out what "The Gimp" is, he seems a lot less worrying now I have actualy seen him!! Is there a Linux equivilent to Outlook? This whole project is very exciting I spend a amount of cash each year (private and Business) with "Billy G" and the guys and it works for sure but this whole realisation started with a colleague recomending "Firefox" over IE and you know how it is once someone opens your eyes to something good............... Thanks again guys
_________________
P910i P900 T610 T68i all great phones Please Hurry Up P990! [ This Message was edited by: Nitro Fan on 2006-03-17 20:51 ]
Posted by Nitro Fan
@ scotsboyuk
Thanks for taking the time with this link looks real good, a mate is pushing me to take a look at suSE have you a view on this? I guess its plain to see I am still "wide eyed and clueless" at this stage!!!!!! so I need all the opinions I can get at the moment.
Thanks again
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Nitro Fan
I only have first hand experience of Ubuntu and Mandriva so I wouldn't like to offer comment on SUSE. You may very well find that you try out a number of distros before you find one that you are happy with.
Personally I prefer Ubuntu, it is stable and relatively easy to get the hang of. I didn't like Mandriva becuause it to be somewhat unstable when using the KDE version. Having said that, Mandriva KDE does handle similar to XP so it might be a good choice if you are familiar with XP.
As for using Wi-Fi, the problem with Linux is that hardware drivers tend to be written for Windows and some manufacturers don't have a Linux version. This isn't as big a problem as it might sound because sometimes Linux drivers are written and posted on the net by helpful techies or exisitng Windows drivers can be used. The latter is possible by using a wee piece of Linux software that enables a Linux system to recognise and use a Windows driver.
Don't worry if this sounds a tad complicated, I managed to get both Ubuntu and Mandriva connected to my Wi-Fi network. It did require a bit of patience, but if you follow the instructions and put your mind to it you shouldn't have too much trouble. There are various helpful guides and posts on the net to show you what to do.
You can search through various distros on the Linux website.
You might also like to take a look at this thread I started when I was considering switching to Linux. There are a number of interesting Linux related links in that thread as well as information and advice that you might find helpful.
Posted by Nitro Fan
| Quote: |
|
@Scotsboyuk
Thank you I really apreciate the help here.
Posted by Johnex
try knoppix! It is good because you can't write to ntfs (can be enabled), so no worries about windows dying on you as you can't delete anything by mistake. Also, it has all the packages you will ever need already installed on the cd. Knoppix is a live linux which means you don't need to install, you just pop in the dvd or the cd into the drive and boot up
knoppix.org
Posted by scotsboyuk
@Johnex
I believe Ubuntu offers similar functionality although I do recall having to download some extra software for it that wasn't include don the CD, mostly drivers or media support files.
Posted by whizkidd
Thanks to johnex for the Knoppix dvd..he sent me one all the way from sweden!
Its quote good actually, but still not able to connect to :bt: using it..ad no sound from the speakers...
Posted by scotsboyuk
@whizkidd
Have you searched for compatible Linux drivers? You might also be able to use Windows drivers with something like NDISWrapper.
Posted by whizkidd
Scots, i'll be lookin for them soon...
Here's a screenshot of Knoppix btw...
Posted by Nitro Fan
@Johnex
Thanks for the info I will take a look