Firstly... Does Linux support NTFS (I heard somewhere that I didn't, I think, not sure, just want to confirm that). If not, how do I change it back to FAT32? When I last formatted it wanted me to upgrade to NTFS, I don't think it will give me the option to downgrade it this time.

Second, how do I just completely format the computer so it will only read boot disks, and how do I create partitions (I want a small partition for WinXP that will run programs WINE doesn't support)? All my other formats, I just used the windows cd to format and write windows over it again...

Will Linux automatically detect my router and install it? This is one of the most important things, because I don't think 2wire has a linux install cd.

I searched on google for pics of different distributions, and decided Debian looked the coolest. I'm currently downloading it... Which boot discs for Debian do what? I understand you can get a basic install of it with the first disc, but I want to know if the other discs are anything I'm interested... (Do I need the prior cd for each one, or is each cd after 1 optional in non-chronological order? Like, if I wanted something on disc 3, would I need disc 2?) Also, if they are, how would I go about installing them? I mean, I'd have already installed the first disc on the partition, do they just overwrite it if I install it like I install any other OS?





Does anybody have a link to a page that has some useful info for an advanced windows user starting linux? General stuff, like how the file structure is set up, how programs work and what types programs install on linux, and if it's simple as a few clicks to install or I have to enter some command somewhere.

I know absolutely 0 C++... Do you recommend I start learning, or is it necesarry to operate linux at certain levels?



Help...

http://cdimage.debian.org/pub/cdimag...86-netinst.iso

That will download just one small CD, boot from it and install it that way, and the rest will be downloaded while you install, that way you don't waste 7 CDs.

Also, Windows uses FAT32 and NTFS partitions. Linux can read NTFS and read and write to FAT32, but Linux has its own file systems to run on. Do not try to install Linux on a FAT32 filesystem. Use one of the standard Linux filesystems (ext3, reiser, xfs or jfs). Have an NTFS partition for Windows and a FAT32 Partition so that there is a partition both can read and write to.

A router does not need to be detected. Since it is not a piece of hardware in the computer, if your network card is detected (assuming it is not wireless), then any OS int he world that supports DHCP will work with your router.

You could also download KNoppix and run it from the CD, and doing that will show you whetehr your hardware is detected before you waste time install Debian.

I no almost no C++ and I use Linux as my main OS and I run a Linux server just fine, C++ is only necessary if you plan on programming.

Mandrake or SUSE would probably be a better starting ground for a newbie, or Knoppix installed onto a harddrive, which is often refered to as Debian Lite.

Anyways, post back if you have anymore questions.

Alright I finally found a CD-RW to burn the Knoppix ISO to... 56%.

Is there some option to install knoppix onto my hdd or do I need a different iso for that?


Do I have to format my hd to add partitions? And how to I install those types of filesystems to them? I'm pretty sure those weren't default options

Welcome to LQ!

Well, i'm sure you have heard this before but Linux isn't windows. So you windows knowledge will only get you so far. The rest will be new, unless you have dabbled in Linux before.

With that being said, if you have never installed and/or used Linux I suggest going with Slackware, or maybe Fedora or Mandrake. As far as the CDs, the first one will usually get you a basic install, no gui. Most of the time, I believe, the X Window managers (gui) are on Disk 2. I could be wrong though. The last 2 CDs are usually the source code and are not needed to get you up and running. Either way, check on Debian's site. they will have documentation. DistroWatch would be a good resource for checking out other distros.

As far as NTFS, I believe the 2.4.x kernal supports NTFS read only. To change back you would most likely need to reformat it.

You should check out the Linux Documenation Project is a great place to start. I learned a lot from it when I made the switch.

Good Luck!

Netizen

Apparently Knoppix won't burn because my disc only has 690MB... even though right on the CD it says 700MB.... Motherfucking marketers.

depending on what your using to burn it with, most of the higher quality burning programs(such as nero) come with an option to overburn, make sure thats turned on

Well, it's a bit late for that. I just formatted the HD I had XP on so I could fool around with the partitions. The windows setup is only letting me set up partitions for FAT32 and NTFS systems... How do I install linux ones? Also, is there a way for linux to grab files from my xp partition and vice versa? What would I need to do that?

well to make linux partitions you will need a linux instalation disk or somethign like Partition Magic. And as long as you compile in ntfs support in your kernel, or get ntfs support here then you can mount your ntfs partition and read all you want

Linux has read and write support for FAT32, use an NTFS for C: and a FAT32 Partition for D:, and then make the Linux partitions with the Linux installation disc.

When doing that, first make a 100MB ext3 boot partition (choose the mount point as /boot), a 10GB (if you have the room) / partition that is reiserfs or ext3 (/), A partition mounted as home (/home) that is as big as you want it to be, this is where all of your personal files will be stored, and a partition marked swap that is twice the size of your RAM, although if you have 1GB of ram you don't need 2GB of SWAP, I never use that much SWAP space even if I have a lot of RAM.

All of these Linux partitions can be logical or primary. The NTFS and FAT32 partitions at the beginning of the drive should both be primary.

Umm...


I just reformatted this machine and set 20GB to run an NTFS file system, and set up XP on it. I've got 17 left for linux, so what do I have to do when creating partitions to make them communicate, in simpler terms?

hey RpgActioN,
to simply set up a linux partition and not install linux, use the knoppix cd (otherwise, use a distro's install disc) and run "fdisk <disk device file>". <disk device file> is usually /dev/hda, but may vary according to the type of hard disk you have. then simply use the help menu to figure out commands (post if you need detailed help)
Also, to mount an ntfs filesystem from linux, use the command "mount -t ntfs -o ro /dev/hda /mnt/windows" Again, /dev/hda might be different for you. /mnt/windows is an arbitrary (doesn't matter) directory that your ntfs filesystem will be located in. If it does not exist, just use "mkdir /mnt/windows". To unmount (stop using the ntfs filesystem without letting linux do it automatically while shuting down), use "umount /mnt/windows".
To view any ext2 or ext3 filesystem (aka- linux partition) from windows, you can use explore2fs, found here: http://uranus.it.swin.edu.au/~jn/linux/explore2fs.htm

Good luck!

Well, go into disk druid in fedora. Right after the NTFS one make a new partition and use filesystem vfat (or fat32, both are the same, depends on what fedora calls it) it should be about 2GB mount it is /windows/fat32 or something like that, Make another partition file system ext3 100 MB mount point /boot, then make another partition file system ext3 8 GB mount point /, then another one file system swap make this anywhere between 500MB and 1 GB and the mount point for this one will be automatically entered, Then make another partition that covers the rest of the disc file system ext3 mount point /home .

Print these instructions or even just my reply and then go into disk druid during the install. With its easy layout and my instructions, you'll be fine. It'll make sense once you see it for yourself. Then, after install, with the layout of the filesystem, it will all seem like one partition even though it really isnt (this will make more sense later as you become more experienced with Linux).

If something is really bothering or confusing you, just reboot the computer before you write any changes to the disc and ask here again and one of us will help you. That way you can be sure nothing goes wrong.