DISCUSSION: So, you're thinking about giving Linux a try..?

oneandoneis2 · 04-01-2006, 11:11 AM

This thread is to discuss the article titled:
So, you're thinking about giving Linux a try..?

Quote:

Well, here's a guide to help you get started successfully.
Step 1: The LiveCD
Whilst Linux supports more hardware than any other OS, many hardware manufacturers are still reluctant to release drivers or documentation from which drivers could be written. It's wise to make sure your hardware is Linux-compatible before you try and install.
You could do this by googling every component in your PC, but this could be an arduous task. You might also take one look at a working Linux system and run away screaming.
So to start with, it's wise to consider a LiveCD. This is a complete working Linux distribution that can be run from a CD, with absolutely no hard-drive installation. It's the safest way of trying out Linux, as it doesn't touch your hard drive.

LinuxTechNewbie · 06-04-2006, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneandoneis2

"So, you're thinking about giving Linux a try.."

Currently, I operate Win XP Home on my main computer.

As newbie newbie to Linux, your article is a first class reference library for
beginners. It supplies 99% of the info I need to consider and see about switching an old 8 year
old Patriot computer, currently running Win 98, over to Linux because Win 98 update and hotfix
patches support are ending on 11/07/2006. I won it as a substitute for a $45 bet.

By the way, I would be grateful to know if Linux do frequent updates and security fixes for their op system?
Do they cost?. If so, roughly, how much would the standard type update and/or fix run to?

Cheers and thanks, again.

LTN

oneandoneis2 · 06-04-2006, 11:56 AM

Updates to open-source software are frequent, and security issues are typically fixed far faster than the proprietary counterparts. There's no cost for the updates.

LinuxTechNewbie · 06-05-2006, 04:48 AM

OneandOneIs2

Thanks for the info.

Much appreciated.

PS I'm thinking of buying a Linux Starter Kit from Xandros.com or some such.

Do you reckon that is a good idea for a newbie?

Do you know of any other bona fide outlets?

I'd be grateful for your valued advices.

BFN, LTN

I found your blog valuable, especially the bit about the old Hotmail prob with Mozilla. I uninstalled Mozilla 18 months ago for the same reason. The Vista one was quite interesting, btw.

oneandoneis2 · 06-05-2006, 05:29 AM

My pleasure. Sorry about the abrupt nature of the reply, BTW - It was a rather hectic weekend! Glad you liked the article & blog posts..

Anyway: Afraid Xandros isn't my strong point. They've got a pretty good forum tho, IIRC - might be worth a visit. I believe Xandros aims to be as Windows-like as possible, so you get the advantage that it's a familiar interface, but this has the downside of potentially making it harder to get used to the typical Linux interfaces. . .

To be honest, tho, I wouldn't advise buying a Linux install for a home computing solution: You get at least as much support from free online sources (such as this one!). You can get Ubuntu CDs mailed to you for free - why not try something like that? Or DamnSmallLinux, since the hardware's not that new - it's only a 50MB download. If it works, you've saved some cash, and if it doesn't, you've not really lost anything if you decide to go to a commercially-supported distro later.

LinuxTechNewbie · 06-06-2006, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneandoneis2

My pleasure. Sorry about the abrupt nature of the reply, BTW - It was a rather hectic weekend! Glad you liked the article & blog posts..

Anyway: Afraid Xandros isn't my strong point. They've got a pretty good forum tho, IIRC - might be worth a visit. I believe Xandros aims to be as Windows-like as possible, so you get the advantage that it's a familiar interface, but this has the downside of potentially making it harder to get used to the typical Linux interfaces. . .

To be honest, tho, I wouldn't advise buying a Linux install for a home computing solution: You get at least as much support from free online sources (such as this one!). You can get Ubuntu CDs mailed to you for free - why not try something like that? Or DamnSmallLinux, since the hardware's not that new - it's only a 50MB download. If it works, you've saved some cash, and if it doesn't, you've not really lost anything if you decide to go to a commercially-supported distro later.

Thanks for your tips. Much appreciated.

I might go for DSL to start with, as I think the spec of the old Patriot computer might be more capable of taking that size of an OP rather than more advanced ones like Mepis, Ubuntu, or Kubuntu, which I read about from browsing around.

As soon as I can get it running and newworked, I can hopefully download Belarc.

Cheers. LTN

Digital_Resistance · 06-24-2011, 09:53 AM

pclinuxos.org goes to a place holder page.

The correct URL for PCLinuxOS is
http://pclinuxos.com

onebuck · 06-24-2011, 06:33 PM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digital_Resistance

pclinuxos.org goes to a place holder page.

The correct URL for PCLinuxOS is
http://pclinuxos.com

The link: http://pclinuxos.com is in reference to So, you're thinking about giving Linux a try..? broken link for PcLinuxOS.

HarrisCreekCentral · 04-09-2014, 06:42 PM

Thanks for this full detailed report. I have loaded Linux Mint 16 (Petra) and have been experimenting with it now for about two weeks. I find every detail in this article to be bang on. I have had assistance with the driver for my Canon printer, and the help was superb, step by step instruction. Yes, I screwed up, understanding just what I was doing but once I got the hang of it, my drivers were installed and my printer is up and running.

Again this is an excellent article and I that (one and one is 2) for taking the time to create this information.

I'm just advised this is an older thread, but I did want to express my thanks.