Hi,

I've noticed a lot of Broadcom wireless problems for newbies. For most GNU/Linux it will require the user to get the firmware and place it in '/lib/firmware'. Newer Kernels do support the Broadcom bcm43xx chipset but require the user to get the firmware. You can use b43fw-cutter or get a binary like: 'The Broadcom Firmware (tar.gz)' or 'The Broadcom Firmware (zip)'.

You would unzip or remove from tar the file and just copy it to your '/lib/firmware'.

You could Google b43fw-cutter.
:hattip:

Hi,

OpenOffice & LibreOffice are two Open Source Projects that most new users will not be aware of but should decide for themselves which to follow or choose.

From OpenOffice wiki;
Project Renaissance is a current project status for OO.

The Document Foundation & LibreOffice announcement;
Good article to check out: 'Michael Meeks talks about LibreOffice and the Document Foundation'

:hattip:

Hi,

For those that want to tweak FireFox: tweaking the **** out of firefox 3 would be the place to look.

H_TeXMeX_H has done a real good job along with other contributors.

:hattip:

Hi,

I created this thread in hopes of helping the newbie. My intent is that and only that. I do have content within this thread that can be found else where but linking will have that effect. Some overlap & the fact that most newbies are not fully aware unless someone points them in the right direction(s).

Apparently pr_deltoid feedback on 10-18-10 20:16 : negative rep & reply seems different.

I think pr_deltoid is speaking of So you want to be a Slacker! What do I do next? or Slackware®-Links.

I'm not sure since his/her reply was not complete or definitive. I will continue my assistance in the manner to help or aid others.

If anyone else feels my intent is anything but positive for the LQ newbie and my creating this thread was of different intent then please provide feedback.

I do post this here since the rep system here on LQ doesn't provide or allow direct feedback to the commenter. A fault that was presented in LQ Reputation System thread by myself and others.

:hattip:

Hi

A common occurence I see especially in the Red Hat forums is where members are using really old versions of their distro.

Most of the time you will get a response that asks you why you're using such an old version of your distro - sometimes not so politely.

To explain, most of us here have been using Linux for long enough to know that the pace of Linux is just as fast as the pace of people who develop viruses, worms, trojans etc that attack your machine. Thus Linux allows you to protect yourself from these threats; with the catch being that the newer your distro (and its updates); the better security you'll have.

Also why run an older version of your distro; when you can have the most up to date version with the latest features available?

With RedHat specifically; RHN releases security patches on a weekly basis that you should be installing to protect your machine. There are situations where a piece of software forces you to utilize a particular version of the OS; in these situations; you need to setup your firewall very strictly (and SELinux) to prevent harm coming to your machine.

HTH...Ciao

Hi,

Most of what you speak of is true but in the Linux - Newbie forum members are not as affluent as senior members or experienced GNU/Linux users.

I choose to use Slackware as my GNU/Linux, not to say RH or another would not benefit a member. Personal choice!

From a GNU/Linux standpoint I do suggest that RH users contact RH support since they have paid for such. A wise GNU/Linux user should keep things current no matter which distribution. Not just from a security standpoint but from the basic operational standpoint.

I personally have machines that are using older versions of Slackware and don't need a update so: 'If it's not broke then don't fix it' works for me.

As to your viral position(s), I personally feel everyone should be aware of potential risks. Social Engineering doesn't need access to your machine until you give it. You shouldn't feel secure just because you are using a GNU/Linux based machine. 'root'kits' and other means to get/gain access can cause plenty of problems for a GNU/Linux based machine. Security should be at the top priority for any machine that a user uses no matter which OS is selected, be it M$, OSX or even GNU/Linux.
:hattip:

Agreed onebuck :)

I agree with you on RH users making use of their support.

Unfortunately I notice a lot of junior people new to the industry; on the forums; where its clear they don't have paid up support. And these are the guys told "You will use RH9 or else" and they end up here on LQ seeking our help - just wanted to qualify why we tell them to upgrade to a newer version of RHEL :)

On running older versions of a distro on older machines; I'm all for that if its a personal machine thats not running some mission critical application - however, when its a server; which faces the internet with some corporate application on it; this is where the problem comes in. Sometimes you don't have the luxury of an IP security network (Firewall/DMZ/etc) and thus you have to maximize the protection that Linux offers you - having a later version allows you extra protection against newer threats.

Your sentiments on security is shared completely; users should definitely NOT assume they are safe since they're running Linux.

Thanks for this thread - I think its going to do a lot of good :hattip:

Hi,

I've noticed a lot of Thread resurrection lately on most of the LQ forums.
Most are hi-jacks, while others are from associative problems.

That user/member should create a new thread instead of resurrecting a older and sometimes unsolved problem that is sometimes years old.

That user should create a new thread within the appropriate Forum. The new thread should have information which describes the issue, thus providing the means to aid in a solution or diagnosis of the problem.

Again I suggest that you should look at 'How to Ask Questions the Smart Way', so in the future your queries provide information that will aid us in diagnosis of the problem.
:hattip:

Greetings
 

Hello all,
Just registered today and posting to just say Hi! I'm really not much, or haven't been one to frequent message board forums. I have spent some time on them and can usually find my way around so I'll try not to bother anyone needlessly. My intentions today were to just register, post a greeting to everyone and then be on my way to important things, like cleaning the basement and laundry, lol. I became sidetracked by all the good information that is hidden behind some of these hot links contained within the messages and have already been here for several hours reading. So to avoid being labeled a luser, I'll end this here and get on with my chores.

Cheers everyone!

Why not get started downloading Linux Mint, Ubuntu, or Fedora?

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!


I do suggest that you look at the LQ Sitemap to get a feel for the layout.

I also suggest that you look at 'How to Ask Questions the Smart Way' so in the future your queries provide information that will aid us in diagnosis of the problem or query.



Just a few links to aid you to gaining some understanding;

Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Bash Beginners Guide
Bash Reference Manual
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking
:hattip:
The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

"Knowledge is of two kinds. We Know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it."- Samuel Johnson

Hi,

I've got so much time on my hands. :rolleyes:

Reviewing 'Linux Bible 2010 Edition by Chris Negus' via ebook.

If you happen to be a GNU/Linux user in general then I do recommend the purchase by ebook or hardcopy.

Most of the book;

Quote:

Unlike some other books on Linux, this book doesn’t tie you to one Linux distribution. The book teaches you the essentials of Linux graphical desktop interfaces, shell commands, and basic sys- tem administration. Separate chapters break down many of the major Linux distributions avail- able today. Then descriptions of the major software projects in most Linux distributions (KDE and GNOME desktops, Apache Web servers, Samba file and printer sharing, and so on) guide you in setting up and using those features, regardless of which Linux you choose.

As to which GNU/Linux, specific for all the top or popular GNU/Linux are touched but most of the book uses RH/Fedora/Centos/ubuntu.

It does work with some general configurations, commands and along with some good HOWTO. Learning Admin is covered but is lacking. Newbies' would find this a good book to have on hand and to familiarize one to GNU/Linux generally.

Rute Tutorial & Exposition is free and some of the same information is contained within.
:hattip: