Taking my first steps.
 

Hi all.

I have only ever really touched on linux when ever i needed to compile something to the platform. and this was normally done on a system at UNI.

I have decided that I am going to install slackware 10.3 , as thats the platform the UNI was using(not 10.3 tho)

Anyway, like all noobs. I have some questions that would love an answer.

I am prity sure I can handle the installer, and the hard disk partitions, As for the packages, I want access to as many commands as possible while still remaining secure.

Is there anything I should not install ? or anything noobs should just avoid at the start.

I also have a Dongle. USB Wifi pen for my local wireless network. how easy is it going to be to use this with Slackware.

Advent 7086 from PCWorld. came with the wifi usb pen.

thanks in advance for any support. hope to be whizzing my way around slackware real soon.( 2 hours left on the iso downloads)

Just install everything on the machine and then just slowly remove all you don't need :) I'm just doing it. Mostly check that in /etc/rc.d/ there aren't any "futile" services running.

For example if you have sendmail running and your not going to use it, just type:
Then you might check your open ports with nmap. Just type nmap localhost and it tells which ports are open. Check that you know why each of them is open and close them if needed.

Hope this gets you started :)

Nice of you to choose Slackware. Excellent choice :)

Ah thanks for that m8, nice and fast reply as well.

Sendmail .. Nah wont need it.

I'll give you some background in case it helps more. I am developing indie games with an indie games language, which recently got upgraded and can now port to linux.

I would like to be able to run a website with php, and sql (phpmyadmin) running on it . cos I have a site on the net now that uses this setup and it would be handy to test stuff local before sticking it online.

php server
http server
ftp server
sql server
phpmyadmin

are some of the things id like some basic info on.

not forgetting of course that all of this will be a waste of time if i cant get this crazy usb wifi pen working with slackware.

First of all welcome to LQ.org ellion!

*thumbs up* you chose wisely on your first distribution. Slackware definetely will allow you to learn A LOT as long as you're willing to learn and won't give up.

Just a sidenote: You probably meant that you'll install Slackware 10.2 :D

Take a look at xushi's great guide for setting up AMP on slackware:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...d.php?t=311344

good luck!

Ah thanks for that reply ..

Yeah I did mean 10.2, Actually I am posting from it now and it seems to love my laptop, the only thing its not to pleased with is that DAMNED usb wifi pen.

I had to dig out an old cat5 cable and wire myself upto my router.

Anyway I will deff check that guide out. was wondering if anyone has one of those crappy wee wifi pens. sadly i cant use PCMCIA cos this model doesnt have it :( stupid laptop design ;(

Anyway look forward to learning a lot from the community.