Ok - I've decided to put Linux on my laptop as well, and have opted for Mandrake. Now, I was wondering, should I just go and purchase the PowerPack 9.2 set or should I wait for 10?
The specs for the laptop are:

Pentium III, 500mhz
256mb ram
40gb hard-drive
ati rage graphics card (or something)
built in sound
currently running win98se

I don't use the touchpad/glidepad/mouspad, and actually use a PS2 mouse and also I use a PS2 keyboard. I will be doing a dual boot with my Windows 98SE and also plan to be using the Internet with my laptop. I never have it running from the batter, it's always running from mains - I'd only use the battery if the power went out; which only happens when there are heavy heavy storms and then I don't have anything electrical running, nor the Internet.

I'm pretty much hoping everything will run out of the box, however don't really mind if it doesn't - the only things I can presume not working out of the box are the graphics and the sound. Graphics however are no problem at all since I'm keeping my windows for that specifically so I can run one of my various graphics programs.

So basically, what I am wondering is this - should I get 9.2 PowerPack now or wait until 10? Is there really such a large difference between 9.2 and 10 to grant the waiting?


Thanks for your help.

well, mandrake 9.2 uses linux kernel 2.4.x while mandrake 10 uses linux kernel 2.6.x...

2.6.x is the most modern linux kernel to date...

plus with mandrake 10 you also get newer versions of a lot of the applications and stuff...

it's really your call... there's nothing wrong with using 9.2 instead of 10... although i'm sure 10's gonna be really sweet... i'll definitely de taking 10 out for a spin when it's publicly released (even if it's just to check it out, as i'm pretty happy with slackware and kernel 2.4.x)...

=)

just curious, did you already download (for free) mandrake 9.2 and try it out???

I couldn't wait so I went 10rc1... If you can wait, wait. Mdk 10 is better and has plenty of more recent stuff. Check it out on http://www.distrowatch.com/table.php...ution=mandrake

I'd get 10 for the improvements for USB support alone. USB mouse and USB pendrive stuff is mighty useful. Can get it to work on 9.2 if you search this board and glom what others have done to make it work. I'm going to just rebuild personally.

Uh... I imagine 10's a lot better, but I've had no problems with 9.2 running a USB mouse and keyboard thru a hub, 128mb memory stick (Attache brand), and working with my 80-gig Western Digital external HD. Plug it in and Mdk9.2 saw it just fine.

Of course, 10's coming out so soon I'd just wait for it.

Thanks people for your comments, much appreciated.


<< just curious, did you already download (for free) mandrake 9.2 and try it out??? >>

No, I've not actually tried Mandrake yet. I'm on a 56k so won't really be able to download Mandrake.

Then you should really wait. Don't buy the old one! Chack magazines they often have Mandrake DE included

good news: mandrake 10.0 community was released today!!!

=)

My USB works fine under Mandrake 9.2 with kernel 2.4.xx but not with Mandrake 10 and kernel 2.6.3 and I am not the only one with problems.

I am looking still to solve the problem, so if somebody have already the answer, pleace let me know.

Markus

I'm having alot of fun...bought mandrake 9.2 powerpak and it runs just fine... most interesting... i added a dvd drive today and on bootup... it recognized the new hardware and asked if i wanted it configured....omg... easier than windows... watch out Micro$oft

http://cart.cheapbytes.com/cgi-bin/c...ml?id=A8bfuAMo

Here's your answer...