Author Topic: Linux (Read 7561 times)

Ken-Obi · « **Reply #40 on:** July 1, 2011, 01:56:59 am »

Quote from: DJBrenton on June 30, 2011, 10:59:45 pm

!z 12i+3 74|)

Well said.

reniformis · « **Reply #41 on:** July 3, 2011, 01:05:10 pm »

Thinking of giving this Linux business a go. Any advice gratefully received

I'm going to build a low-cost essentially crap PC out of old bits (AMD Socket A (462) MoBo, Athlon XP 3000+ CPU as the starting point) to be used purely for surfing t'interweb or watching iplayer/skyplayer (or possibly sticking a freeview TV card in. Plus a cheap wireless PCI card). No games or other software other than a (hopefully) free Internet security product. Don't need to network to my other (Windows 7) PC's. The cost of the necessary parts would be about £60 which I don't want to more than double by buying an OS. I could use a blag copy of windows, or just run windows 7 without a licence and manually update and put up with the annoying activation requests every 20 minutes, but I'd rather not.

So, basically, is Linux a pain in the arse to set up on legacy hardware? Which 'flavour' of linux should I be looking at? Any recommended sites for noob advice? I googled 'linux for desktop pc' and the wealth of way-over-my-head shite that popped up made my brain hurt. Small steps and all that.

As I said, any advice from the wise and learned is very welcome *creep mode engaged*

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #42 on:** July 3, 2011, 01:39:10 pm »

Quote from: reniformis on July 3, 2011, 01:05:10 pm

Thinking of giving this Linux business a go. Any advice gratefully received

I'm going to build a low-cost essentially crap PC out of old bits (AMD Socket A (462) MoBo, Athlon XP 3000+ CPU as the starting point) to be used purely for surfing t'interweb or watching iplayer/skyplayer (or possibly sticking a freeview TV card in. Plus a cheap wireless PCI card). No games or other software other than a (hopefully) free Internet security product. Don't need to network to my other (Windows 7) PC's. The cost of the necessary parts would be about £60 which I don't want to more than double by buying an OS. I could use a blag copy of windows, or just run windows 7 without a licence and manually update and put up with the annoying activation requests every 20 minutes, but I'd rather not.

So, basically, is Linux a pain in the arse to set up on legacy hardware? Which 'flavour' of linux should I be looking at? Any recommended sites for noob advice? I googled 'linux for desktop pc' and the wealth of way-over-my-head shite that popped up made my brain hurt. Small steps and all that.

As I said, any advice from the wise and learned is very welcome *creep mode engaged*

I struggled with Ubuntu and SUSE Linux.

Then I found Linux Mint. Download it. Install it - it's ace, very straightforward and worked first time for me. The packagae maintanence and the OS itself is a delight.

http://www.linuxmint.com/

wacko · « **Reply #43 on:** July 3, 2011, 02:51:49 pm »

Quote from: reniformis on July 3, 2011, 01:05:10 pm

So, basically, is Linux a pain in the arse to set up on legacy hardware? Which 'flavour' of linux should I be looking at? Any recommended sites for noob advice? I googled 'linux for desktop pc' and the wealth of way-over-my-head shite that popped up made my brain hurt. Small steps and all that.

As I said, any advice from the wise and learned is very welcome *creep mode engaged*

As a rule, Linux has great support for older hardware. You'll want to check that the cards you plan to stick in it have chips that are supported by Linux. Brand name/good quality cards are usually a better bet, but you should always check that Linux has the drivers you need, ideally before you buy the hardware.

smithy · « **Reply #44 on:** July 3, 2011, 03:34:37 pm »

Quote from: Andy@Allerton on July 3, 2011, 01:39:10 pm

I struggled with Ubuntu and SUSE Linux.

Then I found Linux Mint. Download it. Install it - it's ace, very straightforward and worked first time for me. The packagae maintanence and the OS itself is a delight.

http://www.linuxmint.com/

Same with me. Ubuntu wouldn't recognise a lot of my hardware but mint seems to be fine. I've got mint on my netbook, laptop and 3 desktops now.

reniformis · « **Reply #45 on:** July 3, 2011, 08:42:07 pm »

Thanks for the advice guys. Will try linux mint then. Problem is I have most of the hardware lying about already, the only things I need to buy are RAM, CPU fan, case and power supply. If it don't work then it don't work, it's worth a try anyway.

wacko · « **Reply #46 on:** July 4, 2011, 10:52:20 am »

Quote from: reniformis on July 3, 2011, 08:42:07 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. Will try linux mint then. Problem is I have most of the hardware lying about already, the only things I need to buy are RAM, CPU fan, case and power supply. If it don't work then it don't work, it's worth a try anyway.

It'd probably be worth your while getting on Google to find out which chipsets your PCI cards have and whether Linux supports them. It's a lot easier and cheaper than finding out during the install...

WorldChampions · « **Reply #47 on:** July 5, 2011, 12:19:30 pm »

Anyone know much about grub?

Was trying to get my own splashlogo to display on the grub menu by adding the .xpm.gz file (which is stored in /boot/grub) into the menu.list file. I can change the colours of the grub menu etc in this file but the splashlogo won't display.

The image is 640x480 using 14 colours which I read should work.

At the minute I have a few Linux distros installed on different partitions. I use them to run a few simulations so I don't need network connectivity, but in the future I would like to, using a wireless Belkin adapter. Anyone know the best way to get the drivers for this? I normally cable it up to my router when I need to install/update packages but it's a pain in the arse, and I don't fancy running wires through the house.

Ken-Obi · « **Reply #48 on:** July 5, 2011, 12:51:36 pm »

Don't really understand how grub2 works, sorry.

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #49 on:** July 5, 2011, 05:19:25 pm »

Quote from: WorldChampions on July 5, 2011, 12:19:30 pm

Anyone know much about grub?

Was trying to get my own splashlogo to display on the grub menu by adding the .xpm.gz file (which is stored in /boot/grub) into the menu.list file. I can change the colours of the grub menu etc in this file but the splashlogo won't display.

The image is 640x480 using 14 colours which I read should work.

At the minute I have a few Linux distros installed on different partitions. I use them to run a few simulations so I don't need network connectivity, but in the future I would like to, using a wireless Belkin adapter. Anyone know the best way to get the drivers for this? I normally cable it up to my router when I need to install/update packages but it's a pain in the arse, and I don't fancy running wires through the house.

Don't you have a package manager or a hardware manager?

Linux Mint comes with both so everything is effortless.

Last time I had to use GRUB was with Suse Linux and it was a right pain in the arse to do anything what with having to use YAST2 as well - utter shite.

wacko · « **Reply #50 on:** July 5, 2011, 07:29:38 pm »

Quote from: WorldChampions on July 5, 2011, 12:19:30 pm

Anyone know much about grub?

Was trying to get my own splashlogo to display on the grub menu by adding the .xpm.gz file (which is stored in /boot/grub) into the menu.list file. I can change the colours of the grub menu etc in this file but the splashlogo won't display.

The image is 640x480 using 14 colours which I read should work.

At the minute I have a few Linux distros installed on different partitions. I use them to run a few simulations so I don't need network connectivity, but in the future I would like to, using a wireless Belkin adapter. Anyone know the best way to get the drivers for this? I normally cable it up to my router when I need to install/update packages but it's a pain in the arse, and I don't fancy running wires through the house.

Did you run update-grub after changing the image? Have you tried a PNG image instead?

To get the drivers for your Belkin, you'll need to Google the model to find out what chipset it uses and which drivers you need (and indeed if it will work at all), and then add them to /etc/modprobe.conf or /etc/modprobe.d/ (or whatever your system uses). If the drivers aren't on your system, you'll need to find and compile them, and possibly re-compile the kernel to include 'em.

WorldChampions · « **Reply #51 on:** July 5, 2011, 09:22:00 pm »

Yeah I was updating grub, using a PNG did the trick though thanks Wacko.

I'll give the /etc/modprobe.conf a bash over the weekend, cheers for the info.

skooma · « **Reply #52 on:** July 6, 2011, 06:33:49 am »

Out of curiosity what image did you use?

WorldChampions · « **Reply #53 on:** July 6, 2011, 05:23:54 pm »

Just an image I created using GIMP. Basically a warning to the retards that sometimes use my computer, telling them to stay clear of my OS's and select Windows 7

Anthony · « **Reply #54 on:** August 4, 2011, 11:35:37 pm »

So if you are building an old system is it better to use a Win2000 reinstall or new Linux Mint.

Thinking of a PIII 450 desktop and/or a P4 Laptop - I don't think I have access to a DVD Drive for the laptop though...

rob1408 · « **Reply #55 on:** August 5, 2011, 06:05:32 pm »

Quote from: Anthony on August 4, 2011, 11:35:37 pm

So if you are building an old system is it better to use a Win2000 reinstall or new Linux Mint.

Thinking of a PIII 450 desktop and/or a P4 Laptop - I don't think I have access to a DVD Drive for the laptop though...

If your laptop is able to boot from a USB Flashdrive you can use something called 'netbootin' to install it that way. I haven't used Mint in a while but PIII may struggle with the latest Mint.

I'd use Linux all the time, it's just my iPod touch and Sky Player that stops me.

hoonin · « **Reply #56 on:** August 5, 2011, 06:17:24 pm »

Quote from: rob1408 on August 5, 2011, 06:05:32 pm

I'd use Linux all the time, it's just my iPod touch and Sky Player that stops me.

Have a similar reason for needing Windows (iPhone). I just run a version of XP in VirtualBox. Only fire it up for the phone and messing about with Metasploit.

redbyrdz · « **Reply #57 on:** August 5, 2011, 06:54:48 pm »

Quote from: Anthony on August 4, 2011, 11:35:37 pm

So if you are building an old system is it better to use a Win2000 reinstall or new Linux Mint.

Thinking of a PIII 450 desktop and/or a P4 Laptop - I don't think I have access to a DVD Drive for the laptop though...

You can install from a usb stick - if the bios supports that. Windows or linux, depends what software you want to or have to use.

Haven't had a windows system at home for over 10 years.

Seriously, most linux distros are at least as user friendly as windows these days.

Lusty · « **Reply #58 on:** August 5, 2011, 08:27:44 pm »

Quote from: Anthony on August 4, 2011, 11:35:37 pm

So if you are building an old system is it better to use a Win2000 reinstall or new Linux Mint.

Thinking of a PIII 450 desktop and/or a P4 Laptop - I don't think I have access to a DVD Drive for the laptop though...

Win2000 is well out of support, so no more security patches. Wouldn't go near it for that reason alone.

danwms · « **Reply #59 on:** August 8, 2011, 03:32:36 pm »

Just installed the later version of ubuntu, would I be better off with mint?

Ken-Obi · « **Reply #60 on:** August 8, 2011, 06:06:12 pm »

Quote from: danwms on August 8, 2011, 03:32:36 pm

Just installed the later version of ubuntu, would I be better off with mint?

Why don't you install both and find out? They're both free.

smithy · « **Reply #61 on:** August 8, 2011, 06:37:24 pm »

Quote from: Ken-Obi on August 8, 2011, 06:06:12 pm

Why don't you install both and find out? They're both free.

I prefer Mint. Just seems to run smoother on my netbook & laptop. They're pretty similar though.

redbyrdz · « **Reply #62 on:** August 8, 2011, 07:05:20 pm »

Quote from: danwms on August 8, 2011, 03:32:36 pm

Just installed the later version of ubuntu, would I be better off with mint?

Depends what software you need. AFAIK, mint is ubuntu with more pre-installed stuff, and includes free proprietary software (such as flash or acrobat), unlike other linux distros. You can install all that yourself if you've got a normal ubuntu distro.

Buck Pete · « **Reply #63 on:** December 23, 2020, 10:01:28 am »

Quote from: smithy on August 8, 2011, 06:37:24 pm

I prefer Mint. Just seems to run smoother on my netbook & laptop. They're pretty similar though.

Making the move from Windows to Linux today.

Gonna install the latest Mint 20 distro on a used Thinkpad i bought.

Any Mint users on here happy with it (or not).

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #64 on:** December 23, 2020, 12:38:00 pm »

Quote from: Buck Pete on December 23, 2020, 10:01:28 am

Making the move from Windows to Linux today.

Gonna install the latest Mint 20 distro on a used Thinkpad i bought.

Any Mint users on here happy with it (or not).

You're probably best going for Ubuntu now as they have sorted all the older issues out

I'd say it's now the easiest thing to set up and use and I like it

I also use Centos 6 and 7 (Which is what the purists go for, but isn't as slick)

If you go for Ubuntu, make sure you go for a LTS (Long Term Support Version)

Oh and I've got Mint on an older PC which is still working

Buck Pete · « **Reply #65 on:** December 23, 2020, 01:05:22 pm »

Andy.

Isn't Mint based on Ubuntu anyway?

Which version if mint you running? Cinnamon, MATE, KDE or Xfce

Andy @ Allerton! · « **Reply #66 on:** December 23, 2020, 02:24:51 pm »

Quote from: Buck Pete on December 23, 2020, 01:05:22 pm

Andy.

Isn't Mint based on Ubuntu anyway?

Which version if mint you running? Cinnamon, MATE, KDE or Xfce

Not dug it out for a while

MATE, Cinnamon, KDE and xfce are desktops, so you can bung them on any Linux

And yeah Mint is based on Ubuntu, but I prefer Ubuntu itself thesedays as it's got some stuff bolted on.

But you can't really go wrong with any flavour.

Just make sure you install Terminator

Buck Pete · « **Reply #67 on:** December 23, 2020, 03:51:07 pm »

Just installed Cinnamon.

Will see how it goes.

BeingJohnMarkovic · « **Reply #68 on:** December 27, 2020, 10:52:30 am »

Mint > Ubuntu. Every single time. Enjoy your Linux adventure!

Buck Pete · « **Reply #69 on:** December 31, 2020, 09:50:43 am »

Quote from: BeingJohnMarkovic on December 27, 2020, 10:52:30 am

Mint > Ubuntu. Every single time. Enjoy your Linux adventure!

Enjoying MINT I must admit. Feels so smooth and looks great. (bit like myself after a shave)

Installed Oracle VirtualBox and an instance of Xfce. Xfce is a much more lightweight desktop and runs like a dream even on a VM with just 3GB of RAM allocated.

stockdam · « **Reply #70 on:** January 27, 2021, 01:24:30 am »

Quote from: Open the fucking pubs in Allerton on June 29, 2011, 11:15:38 pm

Yay! This was from my Linux Installed Mint version

Effortlessly got online no panic.

Much better than SUSE Linux

Yes Mint is pretty easy to install and use.

I keep changing distros and the current one is PeachOS which I quite like.

PaulF · « **Reply #71 on:** February 9, 2021, 11:46:49 am »

Quote from: DJBrenton on June 26, 2011, 04:15:28 pm

Linux is for noobs. I write machine code for everything I do. This message took me over an hour to write, compile and upload.

Why would you need a compiler for machine code?

It's been bought by google now and had a few changes but cloudready by neverware has been on my 'sofa' laptop for years now. open the lid, hello internet. I don't use it for anything that's not browser based (which is 99% of the time Rawk), but it's stupid simple. I suspect it's essentially the ChromeOS but on non chromebooks . Worth a look for older hardware.

Author Topic: Linux (Read 7561 times)

hoonin