So I got my moms old computer fixed and that means I get to try out Linux on it, but I was looking for some pointers. I was planning on formatting the drives and then dowloading Linux(not sure where yet, but I'm told it's a free download) on this pc to a CD. Then, after installing Linux on the other pc, I was going to try to find a nice GUI(any suggestions would be appreciated) and install that. Does this sound like the right way to go about doing it? Sorry, but the only thing I currently know about Linux is that it isn't Windows. :)
p.s. While fixing the computer(my brother did it for the most part) I actually got to change the video card(nothing big, but I was proud of myself =) ). I did watch him, though, and it seemed fairly easy to put together computers. I just assumed it was hard because of all the electronic stuff in there.
ID:188730
 Jan 24 2004, 3:32 pm
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Jan 24 2004, 3:42 pm
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Just a note, when I downloaded Mandrake Linux it was 2 and a half CDs in ISO form (around 1.7 gigs I think). So if you are running off a 56k like me be ready for a long download.
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Jnco904 wrote:
I was planning on formatting the drives and then dowloading Linux(not sure where yet, but I'm told it's a free download) Woah woah woah. What kind of connection do you have? The ISOs I downloaded, 2 were 650MB and 1 was 400MB. It took me about 2 hours for each 650MB and 1 hour for the 400MB. And that's with Road Runner Cable. I suggest buying Linux for dummies (release/version 4, I forget the exact word) which comes with RedHat 8.0 on CD(not the newest, but it's fine) and you have full Linux help! The book includes extra info for the redhat that comes with it. | |
Jnco904 wrote:
Then, after installing Linux on the other pc, I was going to try to find a nice GUI(any suggestions would be appreciated) and install that. Most modern versions of Linux come with a GUI already. I'd recommend either the Red Hat or Mandrake distributes if you're just starting out. I've heard a lot of good things about Debian, but I've also heard that it's good to have some Linux experience before using it. p.s. While fixing the computer(my brother did it for the most part) I actually got to change the video card(nothing big, but I was proud of myself =) ). I did watch him, though, and it seemed fairly easy to put together computers. I just assumed it was hard because of all the electronic stuff in there. Yeah, it's not too hard. Just be careful handling the circuit boards; holding them by the edges is safer than putting your fingers all over the circuitry, and be sure to ground yourself by touching something metal (unpainted bits of the computer case works well), and you should have no problems. Oh, and don't force anything to the point where it snaps. =) | |
Airjoe wrote:
I suggest buying Linux for dummies (release/version 4, I forget the exact word) Edition? which comes with RedHat 8.0 on CD(not the newest, but it's fine) and you have full Linux help! The book includes extra info for the redhat that comes with it. He could do that. Or he could go down to the local newsagent and pick up a $5-$10 package with a whole bunch of Linux CDs and a small help booklet. That's what I did. =) The book might be useful for documentation (I haven't read it), but it's more expensive than just buying the CDs. Really depends whether he wants to spend the extra money for the handily written up information. | |
I downloaded the RedHat 9 ISOs when I had my 56k :)
Right now, however, I'm on the third ISO of Fedora,... with my new DSL! ~Kujila | |
Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to download it(I have no money :( ), but the warnings are nice. I'm not what type I'll use yet, but I'll do some research. I won't have it online for a while because I want to find out more about Linux, but maybe I'll be able to do some good hosting soon. :)
p.s. I have DSL, but it's not as good as most. :\ | |
Crispy wrote:
Most modern versions of Linux come with a GUI already. I'd recommend either the Red Hat or Mandrake distributes if you're just starting out. I've heard a lot of good things about Debian, but I've also heard that it's good to have some Linux experience before using it. Yep, I'd suggest either some Linux experience, or some good help documentation, before installing Debian. It doesn't do as much for you as the RedHat installer does, and you have to make many more choices. | |
You do realise it'll probably cost you to download it, too? Unless you have a really big download cap (or no cap, in which case I WANT YOUR CONNECTION =P ). =)
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Crispy wrote:
You do realise it'll probably cost you to download it, too? Unless you have a really big download cap (or no cap, in which case I WANT YOUR CONNECTION =P ). =) What is this "download cap" of which you speak? | |
I hate you both. -_-
In case you were actually serious (which I doubt, but anyway), a download cap is when your ISP charges you extra for downloading above a certain amount per month, like 1GB or so. | |
Every ISP deal I've ever seen available here has a download cap, unless you're willing to pay an extra $50-$100 a month (depending on the ISP and the speed of the connection). =(
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Ahhh the joys of comcast cable.
Recently upgraded to 3mbit connection at no additional charge, no bandwidth limit, 50 dollars a month. =) | |
I would actually like to give linux a try somtime, but I'm afraid my grandpa would have a third heart attack if he comes up to the computer one day with his windows gone(seeing as he gets scared if his homepage is reset by accident).
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Crispy, Telstra cable is currently at 10 gig, and once you go over that, it goes down to 28.8k, and Optus are making a new deal in march, 10 gig, and 56.k when you go over.
Eventually unlimited i hope. | |
I can't get Telstra or Optus cable because they haven't rolled it out in Canberra (the bastards). I could get ADSL, but it costs about as much as my current setup and doesn't have the same room for expanding speeds, etc. in the future.
What I can get (and have at the moment) is TransACT, which I'm willing to bet nobody else on this forum has ever heard of because it's limited to the ACT, Australia. =) I get to choose an ISP to use with it, which is good, although it means we have two internet bills (the cost ends up around the same, it's just split between TransACT and the ISP). =P | |