I noticed that Linux won't run any applications unless I am connected to the internet. I use a cable modem, and unless it is on I can't even run a simple text editor such as gedit. The odd thing is that when attempting run gedit (for example) with the modem off, the text editor won't display on screen until I turn the modem on. Up will pop gedit as soon as I connect, even if I wait a while. I was wondering why Linux is designed this way, and if there is a way to run installed software without an internet connection. thanks up front.

sk

Um...that's very weird...My linux box isn't online and I can run every program...even internet apps such as xchat and gaim...they just tell me i have no connection..That's very unsuaal.....what distro are you using?

Fedora, kernal 2.4.22-1.2174. If I click my modem off and try to run a program, the hour glass just spins and nothing happens. Then, it stops trying to execute the program . But, when I turn the connection on, the program will pop open -- weird.

There is no requirement in Linux that requires an active Internet connection in order to start an installed program. Like kobs stated, you can run whatever program you want, and the worst case scenario would be to get a message saying "no connection", eg, you can open up Mozilla but if you to to Yahoo and aren't connected, you won't get a response. But you can at least start Mozilla.

I am absolutely baffled by the description of your PC's behavior - there's no reason for instance why a text editor would need a connection. Are you sure that there isn't some other process that gets launced when you start up, and which does need a connection? What happens when you run top? Are there any unexpected entries in the list? -- J.W.

Just add a line with localhost to your
/etc/hosts ...

I guess that your only "identification" at the
moment is the hostname you get from your
ISP, and Gnome will use that to try to talk with
its programs ...


Cheers,
Tink

Tinkster;

thanks; but would you be willing to elaborate a bit. I am pretty new. apologies and thanks.

sk

hehe ... master Tinkster strikes again ... sorry for the interruption but i just had to do it.

Tinkster --- lep pozdrav, lfur se je zbudil od mrtvih (hope you understand)

Sure ... how about we start
by you posting the current contents of
/etc/hosts
?


Cheers,
Tink

Zdravo, in hvala Bogu! :)
In kljub tega ta sploh nimam vadbe le
se malo slovenscine razumem ;)


Adio,
Tink

I think that perhaps I will read a tutorial or two -- to learn more about DNS, DHCP, and so on
I think the resolution lies in learning and research. Thanks much.




beneath all good things lies a bed called time

I think figured it out. I had no hosts file entries to configure, because I had no localhost entry for one; which i placed there. I don't know exactly why, but having placed the local host in /etc/hosts has resolved my issue. I guess that is what you meant by my identification being only the hostname from my ip. I needed a local id - if you will. If you have any further info here I appreciate.
Actually, what i could really use are some good links to some info that will teach me this stuff in depth. ie: all about how internet actually works / communicates. Just learning guys/gals. Thanks again

SK