Linux ??
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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I have used Mandrake in the past, but I'm not a Linux gru. I just want a Linux OS that is easy to install and use. I will be using it on a Dell Inspiron 9300 Laptop, just tired of all the XP virus.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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I really like OpenSuSE:
http://www.opensuse.org
I've also been wanting to try Kubuntu:
http://www.kubuntu.org/
http://www.opensuse.org
I've also been wanting to try Kubuntu:
http://www.kubuntu.org/
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
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From: South Texas
In the past, I have loaded Mandrake (mandirva now), Fedora and Debian (all on a desktop system).
Mandrake and Fedora are fairly much set and forget as to the loading and pretty well worked straight out of the box, with a few exceptions.
However, of the 3, I prefer Debian. There is something to be said for a package that is totally untainted by any corporate interest, and Debian is just that. No matter what you load, it is in reality based on the Debian kernels, but with each backers own personalizations. And that is what narrows your options as to available packages, repositories, dependancies, and quirqks of operation/maintenance.
Laptops seem to be the most difficult of all systems to get right due to the many varities of internal hardware, and special devices they employ (such as touchpads). As a first step, I would advise you study the options, narrow the field down to 1-2 choices, and download, print, and read everything you can get your hands on first. Second, take a complete hardware inventory of the internals as you will need that for the linux setup in case the auto-setup routines cannot handle it all.
I have had a very frustrating time getting my test system set up, but knowing what I do now, I doubt I will ever go back to windows.
Dialtone
Mandrake and Fedora are fairly much set and forget as to the loading and pretty well worked straight out of the box, with a few exceptions.
However, of the 3, I prefer Debian. There is something to be said for a package that is totally untainted by any corporate interest, and Debian is just that. No matter what you load, it is in reality based on the Debian kernels, but with each backers own personalizations. And that is what narrows your options as to available packages, repositories, dependancies, and quirqks of operation/maintenance.
Laptops seem to be the most difficult of all systems to get right due to the many varities of internal hardware, and special devices they employ (such as touchpads). As a first step, I would advise you study the options, narrow the field down to 1-2 choices, and download, print, and read everything you can get your hands on first. Second, take a complete hardware inventory of the internals as you will need that for the linux setup in case the auto-setup routines cannot handle it all.
I have had a very frustrating time getting my test system set up, but knowing what I do now, I doubt I will ever go back to windows.
Dialtone
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: North Alberta
I have a book on my computer called "Running Linux, 5th Edition" I got it because I will probably be using Linux next time i upgrade my computer. I find it is quite knowledgable, and if anyone wants it, PM me and I will email a copy to you.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
I would go and download the Ubuntu distribution of Linux. That is the easiest to use for a Windows user. It is based off Debian and has a fairly large support base through their forums.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: State of Misery (Missouri
As you were asking about Mandrake, (now Mandriva) I would also consider looking at Pclinuxos. One of the big contributers to Mandrake, did it, and it can be ran from the disk, to be played with, before installing it to the hard drive.
On laptops, I would use that, or Knoppix, some bootable cd/dvd to check component compatibilty.
On laptops, I would use that, or Knoppix, some bootable cd/dvd to check component compatibilty.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Pleasant Hill, MO
Whew... I tried PCBSD, and it was awful. I'm sorry, I'm not a programmer. I like to be able to put a device in and the driver is either on a disc, available on the internet, or the operating system has a generic one that will make it work.
Ryan
Ryan
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Elder User
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OK I tried the Mandrivia 2006, and some things did not work, like backup Seagate HD, wireless connection, multiple hangups, would not print without a freeze. So I am back to Windows. Just not for me. Maybe it works better on a desktop.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: State of Misery (Missouri
Originally Posted by TN-W124 Diesel
OK I tried the Mandrivia 2006, and some things did not work, like backup Seagate HD, wireless connection, multiple hangups, would not print without a freeze. So I am back to Windows. Just not for me. Maybe it works better on a desktop.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
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From: Alvin, Texas.
I like what I have seen so far from my Mandrake install. Sure, I have to use the XP side of things to get on the net (dual boot = running great), since my ISP doesn't really support Linux OS's as of yet, but not having Office XP and the 600 freaking MB's that thing takes up and having to buy it as well...Open Office is great for the schoolwork side of things. Though, with a 200 GB hard drive, that wouldn't be any sweat....but put that room to games, instead!
I know nothing about Linux, mind you, but I will learn up now that I got my dial-up internet working finally.
I know nothing about Linux, mind you, but I will learn up now that I got my dial-up internet working finally.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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There is a recent thread here on Ubuntu which is another distribution.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=468492
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=468492