I hate my OS

[Spamn]

I have never used any OS other than windows. I am currently running xp pro, and I hate it. It crashed all of the time and just plain sucks. I was wondering what are the benefits of Linux? Can someone show me a screenshot? I'm under the impression that linux is all commands. It's not a GUI setup like windows. Can someone give me a brief rundown of Linux. My friend told me he had a copy of Redhat that I could use, but I've never really heard about that. Sorry for my ignorance but I obviously know nothing about Linux and I want an alternative to windows.

Thank you
Sam

[Ryochan7]

Well, I think that most would now how you feel. A lot of misconceptions about Linux are uttered everyday, mostly by the big MS supporting companies and by people who just make assumptions about Linux, and it is difficult to find out what Linux will truly mean to you. Unlike Windows, the customization of Linux makes the experience different for everyone depending on what software you decide will work best for your needs.

Linux does indeed have a GUI setup, but, unlike Windows, there is not just one setup. There are so many different desktop environments and window managers, and many different people choose different tools. I use the Openbox window manager (with Rox to display icons). The most Windows-like GUI would have to be KDE.

I never really liked Red Hat myself, but instead I use Mandrake; though both are great distros.

As for screenshots, there is a thread on this forum that is devoted to screenshots.

http://www.justlinux.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=38967

The thread is fairly long and a lot of the older links to screenshots don't work, so you should try to check out the newest posts and backtrack from there to see the array of setups.

[GlennaclawZ]

dude... look around... all arround is information about linux... there is even a huge forum for just screen shots... try looking before you ask...

[Spamn]

Thanks a lot. That really helped me. I have tried searching. Sorry.. I find mostly technical information than "newbie" info.

[Loki3]

I think what GlennaclawZ is saying is that one of the important factors of learning about and using linux is the ability to think for yourself, learn for yourself and then make the best decision for yourself. There is so much information on the internet about linux it's unbelievible. This fourm for example. Try the search button, you can find all kinds of stuff. Try www.google.com/linux. Check out this document from Mandrake's website: http://doc.mandrakelinux.com/MandrakeLinux/92/en/Discovery.html/pt02.html

Welcome to fourm. Hope you enjoy your stay.

[voidinit]

Close your eyes, take a breath, then just go for it!

If you decide to leap into this world you are going to have to learn a lot more that you probably ever wanted to learn about computers. There are huge, huge benifits to this, but it's a lot a work and a lot a reading. So put on your thinking cap and give it a shot. The community will support you.

Check out the linux introduction here. (http://www.tldp.org/LDP/intro-linux/html/index.html) from the http://www.tldp.org .

[hammer123]

if you don't like crashes and rebooting and you don't mind getting technical linux is for you. If you don't want to get technical I can still recommend mandrake linux if you don't try to do more than it allows you to do. If you want more freedom and still don't want to get technical you may want to have someone install debian for you. If you know your computer hardware and go with standard install options you can probably install debian yourself.

If you want to give linux a try then download knoppix. It is a version of linux that runs from the CD so you don't have to change your computer at all. It also has a fairly easy debian installer with it.

[Spamn]

Well, I had written a rather long reply to this but when I tried to submit it, the browser f'd up. Anyway, I will sum it up for you...

These replies are exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. When I get home today I will try to download that version and run it off of a disk. I just installed xp pro for the eleventy billionth time and it is already f'ing up. My only main concern is software. Almost everything comes in a Windows installer. I have seen some, but not many, have the option for other OS installers. A windows installer won't work on a Linux system, will it? If not then how the heck do you get software? Or is there software specifically for Linux systems and I will have to get all new?

Thanks
Sam

[Spamn]

Also, what are the different components of the OS? I've read about all these different programs and window managers and I have no idea what is being said. Excuse my ignorance, I am just a stupid Microsoft user. I have pirated enough microsoft software to know it is complete junk :p Now I'd like a REAL OS. I am making the move to Linux tonight. I'll put it on a partition if I like it and go from there. Back to the endless notes and publications on Linux...

[JamminJoeyB]

I'll just add my $.02

I consider my self to be an intermediate computer user. If you can partician a hard drive and you know your hardware you can install linux. I started on Mandrake and now I use Slackware 9.1.

Installing software can be done by either getting the source and compiling it for your system or through packages. Mandrake, RH and Debian all use a package systems, but this doesn't mean you cant compile from source if there isn't a package built for your distro. I'm trying to stay pretty general here so you aren't getting information overload.

Head to distrowatch.com. Read some of the reviews. Check the home pages of some of the distros. They all the 411 about thier distro.

The biggest thing of all is to remember take your time and read. A lot of small problems can be solved by going over the documentation.

This forum has helped me a lot and it can help you too if you jump into the linux world. Spend some time here reading the other questions people post. You'll learn a lot from other peoples problems. I know I have.

[Spamn]

Well, I know I can still host my http thanks to Apache. I was wondering about what you guys use for mp3 players, Im, and so forth.

What is this "Fluxbox"? It seems to be very popular and reliable from what I've read.

[JamminJoeyB]

FluxBox is a window manager. Lite and fast. I beleive there is a window manager forum on here, at the very least the screen shots forum will have images of it. Very customizable.

Most people will point you to xmms. I think just about every distro, but RH has it as a standard install. I've always used xmms so I can't tell you if there is another player out there.

[je_fro]

Most people use gaim. It supports all the major protocols, all-in-one.

[terribleRobbo]

I've got the feeling that fluxbox may overwhelm you at first, so I'd go with Gnome or KDE (I'll let the zealots fight it out), THEN switch to fluxbox when you're more comfortable. The above two have almost a sort of 'Windows'-y feel to them, so use them while you get used to setting up and using the rest of the system.

Heck, it worked for me, except I'm using Openbox instead of Fluxbox. Same difference. :D

[thaddaeus]

Linux reall isn't that hard to learn, i've been using it scence i was 13(18) and havn't had too many problems, no i'm not a genious either, gpa 1.8, so that should make you feel better. I have always used gnome, and kde, although i prefer gnome over kde. Kde does have more programs to help with system settings, and a gui kernal editor which is nice for making your first kernal, before you make your own though, know your hardware, i've broken my server twie by leaving out the lancard drivers, oops. I would recomend Mandrake, i recently installed it, from slackware and the intaller isn't too hard to follow, its like redhat's, just a little. Mess aroud with it, the worst that will happend is you have to reload the os, but at least you can customize and make it run more efficiantl than any windows machine. Have fun! Good Luck!

[Spamn]

One last thing... what file format should I make the partition?

[JamminJoeyB]

Good question about the FS. I like a journaled file system so I use Reiser FS. Figure out what your distro will support and deceide for yourself.

Most distros will support ext2, ext3 reiserfs. I think there are a couple others that linux can use but these seem to be the most popular.

This is the kind of questions that can start a war on here.

TASTES GREAT!

LESS FILLING!!

LOL

[hlrguy]

I would recommend Suse or Mandrake.

For the others in the thread, should he defrag before the install? This is so that you can dual boot, either into Windows XP or Linux.

Also, do yourself a favor, and perform the 'Install Everything Option'. It will take a lot more room, however, when it comes to installed applications, you will find that the need for installing more is likely moot. From word processors, to CD burning apps, to text editors, to web browsers to image manipulation to financial applications to IM clients, to...well you get the idea...and when it comes to installing new apps (like the ones found following my sig), for your particular distro, everything that is needed should be installed.

Then come on back and ask us about what you don't understand, what we are here for. Also, download and read (if you don't buy) the docs/tutorials that come with distros because they will likely answer 95% of your questions such as 'Connecting to AIM', 'How to burn a music CD', etc.

hlrguy

[rocketpcguy]

if your partitioning with fdisk, you cannot make a partition for linux. it's best to use the dos fdisk to make a blank un-partitioned space, which will be automatically formatted to the linux filesystem (there are many, it depends on your distro, eg. ext3).

if you are using knoppix, you don't need to partition your harddrive to try it, just boot from the cd and use it without installing.
for a real distribution, i recommend http://fedora.redhat.com/
or suSE

how the heck do you get software? Or is there software specifically for Linux systems and I will have to get all new?

all software would have to be meant for linux, your windows programs won't work.

window managers and desktop enviroments makes your screen. unlike windows (which, without a shell change, looks the same with the start bar and icons) you can choose from a variety, the default DE of many distributions is kde or gnome, but both are pretty slow. pure window managers without DE are faster, and can also add desktop stuff.

oh yes, by default, most distributions are slow. you'll have to so some tweaking to get huge improvements.


screenshots?
http://www.kde-look.org/content/preview.php?file=5897-1.png&name=SuperKaramba+desktop
http://www.kde-look.org/content/preview.php?file=8963-1.png&name=kde+3.2beta1%2B+xserver
(note real shadows under windows are only for experienced users to change the xserver. if you are a novice, you have to use fake and slower kde shadows)

this is fluxbox :)
http://www.deviantart.com/view/3943859/

[Spamn]

A lot of those screen shots remind me of Litestep. It's neat looking, but still uses the windows kernel

[Spamn]

I hate to add more stupidity to my thread, but I have a problem. I downloaded Knoppix (the torrent dl) and I ran the iso through MD5Sum and it checked out to be a good file. I know that I have the complete file because the asc and md5 are in the folder along with the iso. Then I burnt the iso in nero and it finished succesfully. However, when I restarted my computer, it would not boot from that cd. My cdrom drive is first in my boot order. I don't get it. I have read the faq on knoppix.net about installation and the trouble shooting on it did not help me. All it says is to make sure your cdrom is before the hd in the boot order (which mine is). I know my computer can boot from disks, but why won't this one work??

[hammer123]

most of the applications that are used for normal stuff (music files - xmms, IM - gaim, websurfing - mozilla, all around media - xine, windows desktop - KDE/GNOME) come with versions (distros) of linux like Debian and Mandrake. Other distros may make you get them. Knoppix is based on debian. If you know the hardware and can figure out how to partition the drive then a Debian is probably something you would appreciate. For an easier installation process use the knoppix installer for debian. For a much easier one use Mandrake. I think.

[Spamn]

I've thought about it and I am going to start out with Mandrake. I went to the website and it said to dl it I have to be a member which is $60 a year. I ended up finding Mandrake 9.2 elsewhere. I am downloading it now. 2045mb.. so it may be a while before I can try it out.

[Spamn]

I got the Knoppix cd to work. I put it in my laptop and it is awesome. This is my first taste of Linux and I love it. I know, "you ain't seen nothing yet". I can't wait to get Mandrake. Knoppix automatically detected most things on my laptop. One thing it did not detect was my 802.11b pcmcia. I went to configure it and it says "no wireless card installed". Am I basically screwed since the only driver's for my card or for Windows?
Also, on my pc (which is what I plan to run Mandrake on) I have two rather large hard drives. Windows does not support any hd over 137 gigs. How does this work with Mandrake? Do I have to use an ata card?

[hammer123]

You are not skrewed, mandrake may automatically detect the correct driver (actually they are called modules) and you may have to find out about what is the appropriate module by doing a search (here is a good place to ask). The two least likely cases are that you will have to use the drivers from the maker of the device or that you won't be able to use it. My ehternet card is not automatically detected always but I found out what it should be so I put that in my signature.

[mmills]

I started using SUSE 8.1 and found that suse was in alot of respects was user friendly like xp (ack). after I learned linux basics I moved on to mandrake 9.1, I like mandrake its not to user friendly but its not technical from the core, it comes with gaim the icq/aol/yahoo messenger program, plus a whole lot more, I didnt know jack about linux, matter of fact I go to techskills in indianapolis, IN and I am taking linux+ I have learned more in this forum than my teacher will ever go into depth on. one you go linux dont go back, its a little rought at first, mabye confusing, but in 3 weeks more stable more worth it and yes, FREE, Free of viruses, free office programs, free image editing programs...FREE DOWNLOAD.

little more free would be a great thing.

MM

[Spamn]

Yeah, I am just seeing how Linux can be by using Knoppix booted from a cdrom. It came with gaim (aim), xmms (winamp), etc. It is very easy. I know this is a very easy distro though. I am playing around a bit. I'm not used to a lot of the features. It has kde and I have a few questions. How do I get the panel at the bottom to look differently? Can I get yzdock? Why can't I drag a window from desktop to desktop? I can right click on the window and say "move to desktop: ", but I cannot just drag it over. I know on litestep you can. That is a great feature. If anyone could give me some newbie pointers, I'd appreciate it. I can't wait for mandrake 9.2 to dl.....

[bwkaz]

Originally posted by Spamn
I can right click on the window and say "move to desktop: ", but I cannot just drag it over. That's because the different desktops don't exist at the same time (the programs using them are running, and do continue to run when you're switched away, but windows can't be partially on one desktop and partially on another).

That is a great feature. I see what you mean -- I wonder how hard it would be to program... hmm. It'll probably require changes to KWin, so it's not like I'll be doing it anytime soon, but it ought to be possible.

[Spamn]

All right.. I really like what I saw on Knoppix so I grabbed a spare hd and threw my Mandrake 9.2 disk in my computer. I got through the first disk just fine but then I started getting error message.

"There was an error installing packages:
xxxxx 'xxxxx being whatever it was stuck on at the moment
Go on anyway?"

It got stuck on quite a few things. I always clicked "ok" to go on anyway. I am just wondering how this will effect things. Right now it's giving me an error for "nautilus-2.4.0-1mdk.i586"
Any ideas? What if installation gets cancelled in the middle? Can I just rescue the install?

[Spamn]

The install just crashed all togther.

[JohnT]

One distro that hasn't been mentioned here is "MEPIS", its one of the newer and truthfully it is one of the easiest distro to set up. Similar to Knoppix it can be run from the CD or installed. I would choose it over Mandrake any day. It installed almost effortlessly and detected all my hardware and was on the net with one command (on adsl).
Really not much to it.:p

[hammer123]

Spamn that is very unfortunate. How about putting this forum to use and telling us the steps you took and any errors you can remember.

[Spamn]

Like I said, I ran all the isos through a program to make sure they were complete. I reburned all the isos just in case a disk got scratched or something. The third disk just finished so it's time to try again. I am so tired of xp. I can't even navigate this forum correctly half of the time becaue IE messes up. Here goes nothing....
Hopefully I'll post within the next two hours or so from my new OS.

Wish me luck...

[hammer123]

you can just install debian from knoppix if that fails, obviously it seems to be mostly intact

[Spamn]

Mandrake 9.2 is installing on my pc right now. So far so good, but I'm still on disk one. In the beginning of the install it asked me what components I wanted installed. Since hd space is not an issue, I checked every single box. I wasn't sure what some of them were, but I want to make sure I get everything I need, even if i get some things that I don't need. I am on my laptop now, so if any error messages popup, I will post them and not do anything until I get a response. That way you know the exact error I am getting and when.

[hammer123]

On redhat installing everything can lead to strange behavior. On debian the installation fails if you try to install everthing because some stuff meets the same purposes as other stuff. Doesn't mandrake have a few standard install types? That would be the way to go if so. You see linux gives you choices about what you want to do many different things unlike windows which locks you in or tries to lock you into using things. Internet Exploder for example. When you get things understood you can add stuff if you want but I doubt it.

[Spamn]

There was an error installing packages:
OpenOffice.org-libs-1.1-0.rc4.2mdk.i586
Go on anyway?

Yes
No

OK

[Spamn]

I clicked no this time around and it took me back to the screen where I can choose what I want to install. I'm not sure what to check here...
My computer will be an every day pc along with an ftp and http server. I'd like to control my network from this pc. I'd also like to have as many graphical environments as possible. Can I choose all three choices for graphical environments? They offer "kde", "gnome", and "other graphical desktops".

Under workstations it offers
Office workstation
Game workstation
mulitmedia station
internet station
network computer (client)
configuration
scientific workstation
console tools

Then there is
development
documentation
LSB

Under the server category there is
web/ftp
mail
database
firewall/router
dns/nis
network computer server

At the very bottom there is a checkbox that says "Individual package selection"

Can someone help me out and tell me what I should most likely have checked.

Thanks for all of the help
Sam

[Spamn]

I received an error for openoffice, jade, and mozilla. I just clicked go on.

[hammer123]

make another post with a more relevant subject if you wish to continue with this distro.

[Spamn]

Sorry about that. It's late and I'm excited to have Linux finally. The installer is finishing up now and I believe this thread is done. Thanks to everyone for all of the help.

[EnigmaOne]

Naw, it's not done yet....Welcome to a new experience.

Go thou and convert thy neighbors. ;)

[Spamn]

if it's not done yet, then maybe you can tell me why my new install of mandrake doesn't work..

When I turn the computer on it takes me to a linux screen giving me these options:
linux secure
linux
lnux nonfb
linux enterpris
failsafe
windows

When I choose any of them I tells me to enter my password. I do so and it says "bios data check succesful" and then a blank screen. I have tried all of those options and they all have the same outcome except for "windows". If i choose that it boots xp off of my other hd.

[hammer123]

see if you would post that on a new topic you would have people that know that is your issue rather than just the people who have been following this thread