Linux Newbie Questions

[Raderick]

I don't know where to put this, so I'll just put it here.

Now, I've been hearing about Linux for a long time, but now I would like to make my plunge into it after looking at a few posts. However, I want to make sure that I'm able to download and install it.

First, I am currently on a Mac OS 9. I was told that I can install a linux OS on it. Is this true?

Second, can I download and install and operate Windows and Macintosh applications and such on Linux?

Third, what is the benifits to having Linux rather than Windows or Macintosh?

Last, I heard there are many Linux "boxes". What is the better on that is out there? I use my computer for personal use, a little gaming and lots of media use.

Thank you.

[canon006]

Depending on how old your Mac is, it may or may not be able to run Linux, I would assume that since it can handle OS 9, it can probably handle Linux, but you might want to post your system specs so someone can let you know.

As for running Windows applications on Linux, it can be done but not on a Mac as far as I know.

Some of the benefits of Linux are it's price(Free!), the ability to inspect and modify the source code yourself(legally), most software for Linux is also free. There are lots of good reasons to use Linux but these are the ones that seem to draw most people to it initially.

Depending on the sorts of games you play, and the sort of "media use" you engage in(creation or playback/viewing?) you may run into some snags there.

Finally, take a look at the JustLinux posting guidelines, I think your title might be a bit vague. Anyway, welcome to JustLinux and Linux in general.

[Raderick]

Thank you for your quick responce.

My System specs:
G3 400 mHz
320 MB RAM
11 GB HDD
CD/DVD Drive

I like to download videos via p2p (Limewire) or IRC (don't worry, I don't download mp3s, but I do download my music from my CDs and mix them.) I also run three websites using Dreamweaver MX.

When I mean light gaming, the only games I ever play are sports simulators on a Windows computer (Out of the Park series for example).

[blobaugh]

You should have no problem running linux on that mac. Doesn't sound like you need too much anywho.

As far as choosing which distrobution(flavor of linux) you want, you may want to try the ppc part of the forum where they can tell you more about how linux works on macs.

And downloading should be no problem. there are plenty of good p2p apps for linux

[Raderick]

Once again, thank you.

I did some quick research for Linux "boxes" for the macintosh, and found Yellow Dog (http://www.yellowdoglinux.com). I notce from their instructions, that you need to burn the iso fiels to discs, but I do not have a CD burner. How is this handled?

Also, how is internet connections handled? I have SBC as my ISP. Do I have to re-install? Will my CD be able to install the files needed to Linux?

[canon006]

Unfortunately, you'll need access to a cd burner to create your install discs. You don't necessarily need to create them on a Mac, as long as you burn the ISO correctly, you should be able to do it from any computer.

The SBC thing, I'll leave for someone else to tackle, as I'm not familiar with how their system works.

[Raderick]

Thank you.

Unfortunately, I do not have access to a CD burner anywhere, so my search for Linux pretty much stops there.

[Choozo]

No it don't: CheapBytes (http://cart.cheapbytes.com/cgi-bin/cart/scan/mp=category/se=202/tf=title.html?id=KgxebSG9) have ready burned CD's for a few bucks!

Cheers :)

[Raderick]

Originally posted by Choozo
No it don't: CheapBytes (http://cart.cheapbytes.com/cgi-bin/cart/scan/mp=category/se=202/tf=title.html?id=KgxebSG9) have ready burned CD's for a few bucks!

Cheers :)

Thank you.

However, I saw Yellow Dog, (http://cart.cheapbytes.com/cgi-bin/cart/0350010012.html) and it has it listed at $49.95. That is $50 +shipping +tax (if there is) that I do not have.

[Choozo]

Well, Debian PPC version is only $9.99 .... Just look for PPC versions of any distro there.

[XiaoKJ]

well, linux boxes is just a name for any computer that runs linux. boxes=computers

Please change your title -- click on edit on the first post on this thread and you change the subject.

for a mac, you can install linux but you must use the PPC version of any distro. if you have old ones you may have a m86k.... you have a msc os 9 so I think you should use PPC ones.

one note of caution -- running linux on a mac is not the best option -- many people want a mac instead of a PC but cannot afford the price, so they turn to linux, and also becos its open-source.

BTW, you do not try to use mac apps on linux, but use linux apps with similar functions. you may be able to convert mac documents to linux and be able to change them further so that windows can read them...

[Raderick]

Thank you.

I originally thought you can work windows applications using WINE (http://www.winehq.com). Does it not work for a Macintosh or a differen box or am I not reading something?

I somewhat understand that going to Linux from a Mac is not the best option, but it happens to be the only working computer I have.

I changes the subject title but didn't change the thread title. Oh well.

- Cody

[Loki3]

You should be able to grab the YellowDog CDs for less than that.

Here's what a quick google search came up with:
http://www.budgetlinuxcds.com/index.php?page=Choose&opt=&letter=y&sort=num#

Bare in mind that those are just CDs, no manual, no support, no nothing. The only thing you're paying for is the bandwidth they used to download the iso, the CDs themselves and shipping.

I don't see why you couldn't run Windows programs that are known to work in wine on Linux installed on a Mac. All wine cares about is if it's on Linux. You should be able to create a "fake" windows directory and get Windows software to run. However, wine is fairly sketchy. I wouldn't have your heart crossed on doing this.

There's eight-ka-billion reasons to use Linux. Try looking around /dev/random or using the search function on the forum.

Here's YellowDogs breakdown:

http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/products/why/

[Raderick]

Thank god for friends!

Anywho, I looked for the YellowDog files, and ran into this.
ftp://ftp.sunsite.utk.edu/pub/linux/yellowdog/iso

Now, which ones do you download and burn?

Thank you.

[pilotgi]

That's what the readme file is for. ;)

Download 1 thru 3 of the 3.0.1-sirius version and burn a bootable iso.

Just wondering. Have you tried to install OS X on your Mac?

[Raderick]

Originally posted by pilotgi
That's what the readme file is for. ;)

Download 1 thru 3 of the 3.0.1-sirius version and burn a bootable iso.

Just wondering. Have you tried to install OS X on your Mac?

I have not tried OS X. Main reason why I haven't switched to OS X because I simply don't have the cash to dish out for an new OS, hense, why I want to take a different approach, free.

[SunOfTux]

I may be completely off base here, as I have always used burned ISO's.

If I were you, I would check to see if you can do an internet-based install. The routine usually goes something like this....

1- download a floppy "image" and create a "boot floppy".

2- boot your computer with the floppy (maybe this procedure is ludicrous for PPC!?)

3- install your base and packages from one of the available sites as directed from the distro homepage.

If you are thinking "what do you think I'm running, an i386?" than I suppose I need to toy around with a Mac or two. Let me know!!! :-)

The last time I've toyed with a Mac was in 1984 (and yes, I was about 10, so I'm not ready for a walker yet).

Regards,
SunOfTux

[Raderick]

whew, great responces.

I have one more (and maybe the most important) is that on another message board, I mention about what I wish to do, and many of the posters believe that Linux is not for the average user who wants to surf the internet, use Dreamweaver, download files via p2p and IRC, use FTP, and play Sports Text sim games.

Is this true? I guess I could consider myself an average user, I personally don't like getting technical when it comes to a OS or anything that has to do with open-source.

[SunOfTux]

Listen,

I don't know anything about the things you've mentioned (Dream*something), but the very fact that you've taken the time and energy to research and post on this board seems (to me) that you are ready to tackle Linux.

Give it a try....

Don't be afraid to search www.google.com/linux (http://www.google.com/linux) or ask questions. Give it a shot. It may not be your "cup of tea" (UNLIKELY), but once you experience the freedom and choice of Open Source, you'll never turn back!

[Sebino]

I guess I could consider myself an average user, I personally don't like getting technical when it comes to a OS or anything that has to do with open-source.

?!? :confused:

You have just done it!

[XiaoKJ]

Originally posted by Raderick
whew, great responces.

I have one more (and maybe the most important) is that on another message board, I mention about what I wish to do, and many of the posters believe that Linux is not for the average user who wants to surf the internet, use Dreamweaver, download files via p2p and IRC, use FTP, and play Sports Text sim games.

Is this true? I guess I could consider myself an average user, I personally don't like getting technical when it comes to a OS or anything that has to do with open-source.

Surf the internet with mozilla -- free and almost definitely comes with linux.

Dreamweaver -- you have all kinds of alternatives, and do a quick google search for windows and linux equivalents and you might find Dreamweaver with its equilvalents in there.

P2P -- bit torrent, and many versions and choices.

IRC -- a geeks must have... comes with KDE

FTP -- any browser, and there are many free like proftpd... or the likes. you can even host a FTP server.

Games, you may not like it, but games in linux are quite primitive. Dopewars? I have supertux <--mario clone and those normal games. supertux is the best, but the very simple and skinny, with little content that is.

for the average user, linux is TOO MUCH and those games, esp poker :D and openoffice... I think any office boss can make do with openoffice, patience (card games :D), KDE and ethernet power :D

[mdwatts]

I take one day off from JL and now see the posting guidelines are being ignored.

Raderick... Please review the JL Comminity Help Posting Guidelines sticky thread at the top of each forum as to including a subject that relates to the question being asked. "Linux Newbie Questions" certainly does not. The thread has been locked.

Thank-you for understanding.