Am I better sticking with Linux
 

Before I start please accept my apologies in advance,I am completely new to Linux and have only ever used windows!I purchased a bargin computer with Linux pre installed and had intended purchase windows XP and switch( if only it was that simple!) however after reading up a little on Linux I'm not sure if this is necessary.i bought the computer for my kids who will be using the internet and using a few of the office programs( linux eqivalent of word and possibly excel).
I have an Orange livebox modem but am unable to run the disc to set up the internet connection.I'm not sure if Orange produce a Linux compatible Livebox disc,I have tried to call them to ask and have got cut off twice after waiting 30 minutes each time!
So my question: Does anyone know if Orange livebox will run on Linux, and do they prodeuce a linux cd or can anyone talk me through manual set-up, and can anyone suggest a suitable office package to run on Linux or m i better swapping to windows after all. ( how to do :confused: that is a whole new thread!)

lots of questions and many thanks in anticipation!

Hey,

I've never heard of Orange livebox modem's before, but I'm assuming it's not a dial-up modem? I really can't help you in that regard. To be truthful, it sounds like it's up to you and the kids as to what operating system you use. Linux has equivalents to the MS Office Suite. You can browse the internet all the same, it's just a more stable operating system. You just have to ask yourself the questions of a: Do you want to learn a whole new operating system? b: Do you want to the spend the money for the licensing of Windows XP or Vista?.

One thing is for sure though, if you do choose to learn Linux, you will learn a shit load about about computers that you did not know before. However, you will have to commit to learning. It will get difficult and extremely frustrating at times, but it's well worth it in the long run.

Regards,

Brandon

edit: Try googling the Orange Livebox. If that doesn't work, try calling Orange Livebox back.

Do you already have a computer that works with this Orange livebox? I've been looking at their site, and it doesn't look like anything special is actually needed. Their instructions just boil down to connecting the ethernet cable to the box and configuring the computer for dhcp to get an IP from the device. When I clicked on the part that sets up the email, it started up linux evolution (which I've never configured) so there doesn't seem to be anything special about that, either.

Thanks for your help Robert. I dont really intend to use the PC myself and I'm sure the kids would have no problem with learning Linux.They are not as slow as me! The Orange Livebox is a router ( broadband) .I have just visited their website to find out what systems are required.They specify "Windows 98 or later, or Mac OS8.6 to OS9.2 (not OS X) ".I assume from this that i cant run this on Linux? This will be the deciding fator as to whether i change to windows, (or run windows alongside Linux -which ever is the easier), as I do not what to change Internet provider.

Thanks again
Debs

I haven't come across the Orange modem before, but I now from the NTL modem I used to have and the BT modem I have now that there are ways around this. Wireless routers are fairly inexpensive and, if there is no way to use the Orang modem with Linux, you can normally bypass it using a router.

OpenOffice.org is extremely good at using Microsoft Office files and is very easy to use. Using Linux will keep your kids safer on the net - it's harder to hack, there's no spyware for it, only a handful of viruses exist for Linux and those stupid "clean your pc" or "get these cursors" ads don't work.

Hope you (and they) stick with it.

Hi Quakeboy.Yes i already run my laptop -Windows XP pro( wireless connection) from the livebox.However I'm completely new to Linux and havent got a clue where to start! In windows i just run the disc and off we go!

Debs

I did some googling for them - was wondering what it is, too :scratch:

It appears to be a wireless usb modem/dsl - out of France originally. OP is not the only with linux trying to get it to work (though the majority of people asking for help are Mac users). It is possible, but it seems like one does need a machine with an "airport" card initially to set it up through a browser interface since the set up CD is windows-only. The people do get through to their tech support. And have been helped.

It is a shame, OP sounds like an excellent candidate for linux-ing but has tricky internet access for their first endeavor.

Xavier, thanks for your help.I think i've been converted already as i would love to give Linux a try......for all of the reasons you mention If i can get the livebox internet connection set up, will purchase the office siftware and give it a go.

Debs

So, do you know what the wireless settings are on your XP box? Usually you can look in the wireless connection and find out what the password and encryption type are. Armed with that, you can do just about anything. There are issues with getting a wireless connection going from Linux. It all depends on which wireless card and which Linux distribution you have. Did you plan to connect this new PC via wireless or by ethernet cable. But the odds are really in your favor, since you already have an XP box connected.

"will purchase the office siftware and give it a go."

Purchase? Ugh, that's a four letter word in Linuxland. OpenOffice is free.

Debs,

I did forget to mention, Quake did not however, that Open Office comes standard with every distribution. Let us know which one you have. You may want to upgrade to the latest version of that distribution. As stated by the posters here, it sounds like you should be able to get it up and running, but not without some work. So roll up your sleeves and put your thinking cap on. You can get it up and running if you want.

Regards,

Brandon

IME any router/modem that conects with an eathernet cable (rather than USB) will work on any OS you like, all linux flavors, BSDs Solaris (if you can afford it) OSX (ditto) ind i would lay money on it working with HURD if you can get hold of it!

if the orangebox conects with a network cable it will work

plese be aware that purchase is considered a rude word here in the software context just about anything on linux is FREE

Go to http://linmodems.org/

Download a small tool called scanModem and after running the tool, you will have answers to all your modem questions.

What can scanModem possibly do for connecting to a DSL box?

Nothing,

You may know that "I have an Orange livebox modem" may mean DSL, but I don't, and there will be allot of people reading this thread over the course of the future whom found this thread through Google because of the word "Modem", at least my post will help them. Don't be so selfish in thinking this thread is solely for the person who started it.