Super Newbie Help!

[ryan_god]

I dont even know how to install Linux, but I have DSL and would like to know if I can install Linux to run as a sever for my site that would run from my home. The DSL is a dynamic IP service so I world need to run a DNS update client to the service so it knows my new IP.

My main concern is the size of Linux. I have a 10GB drive with 2 partitions, one 7 and one 2 for restoring and backup. What is the minimum partiton for Linux? And can it interact with my internal TI ADSL modem?

I was also comsidering buying a used 486 with a minial setup to install Linux to run the server.

I know this is a lot to ask but I wanna get some things clear before I screw up my computer.

[roderyk]

Your prayers have been answered. Linux does it all.

You can use dynamic IP (for inspiration check out the "How I did it" section. There is a topic posted just about that.

The size of linux can be large or tiny. Depends on what you want. If you get a full distro (like Red HAt or MAndrake), I would say, you need about 1.5 G for installation. This is because they are made with the friendly user in mind, and include a lot of packages.

If you want to run a small version, or if you want to run a specific task, like a webserver or a firewall on a 486, then get a mini-distro. These are known for being able to install off of a couple of floppies.

Check out this site for a good list: http://www.linux.org/dist/english.html

The list also includes some distros made for specific purposes (webserver, firewall, etc.)
Don't worry about the fact that these mini-distros don't have all the bells and whistles. You can find freeware for any task you need to complete. I consider even better to have a distro without the bells and whistles, since it installs a bunch of crap that you don't use, but can be used to exploit your system.

Hope this helps (at least slightly).

[ryan_god]

thanks for the help

now that i look at it I want to put linux on the 2GB partition. I want it to resemble a desktop and not a command line. So what distribution should I look at?

Also by default, when I turn my power on, which OS will load? Will it load an option screen or will one OS takeover?
Are there options in WIN98 / Linux to switch OS's by launching a prog?

Thanks again

[trekker]

Then you will need a distro with the "bells and whistles" like what roderyk says. Mandrake seems to be the most friendly for starters.

During the linux installation, you can choose to install whatever bootloader that comes with it. Then you can have have the option to choose which OS to boot up. You can alternatively use a third party loader like system commander.

Hope this helps :)

[bdg1983]

Not a Mandrake user, but I do know they have online user and admin guides at their site. www.linux-mandrake.com (http://www.linux-mandrake.com)

That's if you decide upon using Mandrake.

[roderyk]

Well, I've been exposed to Mandrake and I seemed to like it. I'm planning on moving on (planning to play around with mini-distro's on my old P100, but that's another story).

I found Mandrake a very easy switch from Winblows. If you run KDE, they are almost alike. My last Mandrake was 7.1, so I'll talk about that.

Mandrake usually ships with a couple cds. The first one is the install, the second is the source, and the third is a extras cd. i found a partition magic and a boot magic on that cd. Partition magic makes your life really easy (making Linux partition and swap, etc.) and it works like a normal windows install. (actually you install it on windows).

I've never used boot magic, but it always was an option. Mandrake 7.1 included during install an opportunity to install either LILO or GRUB. Both work the same, no difference what so ever. Basically if one doesn't work, reinstall and try the other.

<quote>
Also by default, when I turn my power on, which OS will load?
</quote>

After you install either one, it will ask for the default to boot. Lastly, after you finish the install, I recommend getting a newer version of the bootloaders, since sometimes they don't naturally support beigger hard drives.

<quote>
Will it load an option screen or will one OS takeover? Are there options in WIN98 / Linux to switch OS's by launching a prog?
</quote>

The prog you are reffering to is the LILO or GRUB. When you boot, a screen will come up and you pick which OS to load. In LILO you type in the name. In grub, you can use the arrows to select it.

I can't stress this enough. Before you do anything, backup all your files. Although nothing should happen, there's always a possibility. Also, you should have your Win boot disk and CD around, just in case.

If your planning on using the internet from Linux, you have to get your info from your ISP.

Hope this helps (at least sligthly). (again).

[thor4linux]

Linux can do all that you ask, but be warned that linux is an adventure. if you don't mind working and reading alot of info, man pages and posts here on LNO, it can be a great adventure. i can barely do anything, well, ican do some suff, but i don't have time to get really deep into it. after the summer i'll have more time. well, i digress. it is loads of fun, i don't run winbloze anymore. anyways, good luck.
B ;) ;) :p :p