I am new to Linux. I am taking an online course at Normandale community college in Minnesota called "Introduction to Linux".
I have been an embedded software engineer for almost 30 years but have not yet used Linux.

I am very motivated to learn Linux since employers are asking for it. My contract at my last job ended October 4, 2013 and I am "in transition".

I am using the SimplyMEPIS distribution 6.5 that the class is based on. However, the instructor made it clear we can use newer versions if desired.

I have created a CD from image file SimplyMEPIS-CD_6.5.00_32.iso.
I am using this on a MSI laptop with Windows 7.

I shut down the laptop with the CD draw open. With power off, I placed the newly created CD in the CD draw.
I power up the laptop.
At first I get a screen that says Linux will boot up in X amount of seconds. It counts down and then proceeds to boot up.
Next, I get this message that repeats and continually scrolls off the screen:

/etc/init: /etc/init: 5: /linuxrc: not found


Not sure how to proceed, however there are many posts on the internet. I am sure I am not the first one to have this problem.

I would be much obliged for any help.

Robert McLaughlin 12/4/2013

If I were you I would get the most current version of MEPIs, which I believe is 11 or so. The one you have now, your PC may be newer than the version. I think you'd have better luck with the newer versions which you can find from mirrors here: http://www.mepis.org/mirrors

EDIT: As a note the 6.5 version is from 2007 so I do think you'd be better off with a newer version

More folks here will probably jump in to help. In the meantime, you might try "www.mepis.org". I went there and they have a section for help in getting it to work.

Coordially,

I'm curious about why the class would be based on Mepis 6.5. It's so old. Anyway, as mentioned above, your best bet is certainly the Mepis forums. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Thank all of you especially jkirchner.

I downloaded SimplyMEPIS-DVD_11.0.12_64.iso and burned it to a DVD-R disc. It did take 15 hours to download it. But that is a small price to pay for success!

I popped it into my Windows 7 laptop and turned power on.
It worked!!!

This is a big deal to me! Also, I am using a external monitor, keyboard and mouse. It recognized all of these and it all just worked.
Now I can get down to doing my class!

Thank you all for your help!

BTW, what is that underwater thing that is the on the screen? Is there a name for it?
It looks very awesome.

I am glad it worked for you; success is fun

The MEPIS forums have some great posts/advice and help as well. The wiki is good too. Or, post here if you have questions.

I am not sure what the picture is, but it is cool.