a few quick questions

[The Buda]

I've only used Linux to set up a few servers for my school to do FTP and NFS stuff, but I've never used it as my OS for my personal computer, until now. I haven't installed yet as it hasn't gotten here, but I have an AMD 1.2 GHz on the way and I'm doing a little homework while I wait.

I have RH7, i know many here dont' like RH but I've been through the install several times and I'm confortable with it for now. If i fails I'll try mandrake next but I figured I'll go with what I've got on CD before downloading anything heavy to my old computer and burning CD's

Now a few questions for the grizzled ones here:

1. I used to use AIM a lot during the school year, but of coruse i don't see a Unix or Linux version, so I can drop it and go for ICQ. I noticed that ICQ has a java Unix version. Can I use this, has anyone tried it and can comment from experience? If it's bad how does AIM hold up in a windows emulator??

2. The most recent netscape didn't work on my windows machine. I'd chalk up all the crashing to windows but I know my system and it was definately something in the programming. How is it for Linux? More stable? Or should I stick to the older mroe stable 4.x navigators?

3. Gnome or KDE? they both come with RH, but I dont' want to install both, seems like a waste of space that could easily be used to MP3. I've heard both good and bad about both. I guess the question here is which is easiest for switching from windows, assuming that I want most to: surf the net, play MP3's, find a good spreadsheet program, try to run windows games through an emulator?

4. Any warning I should heed before i begin. My system is AMD 1.2 GHz, 40 gig, 256 Ram, (most concerning) 12x DVD, CDRW (dont' know speed yet), philips sound card, older zip drive?

Thanks to one and all for the help provided. with luck in another few months I'll be able to answer some else questions and thus repay the price of my ignorance.

[MrMoray]

I can only post an answer to question #1...haven't spent enough time in Linux yet to take a crack at the rest! However, as far as AIM goes...there's an easy answer....GAIM... a linux client that mimicks AIM. It came with my 'drake disks but you can get it here: http://gaim.sourceforge.net/
Works great! even grabs your current buddy list off the AOL servers. I booted for the first time and was chatting with a friend in seconds.

[The Buda]

Thanks, and hey you're real close to me, I'm actually in Silver Spring, MD.

[bdg1983]

2. I would say stick with the 4.7# series as they seem to be more stable than the 6.#.

3. You will get pros and cons on both Gnome and KDE. I would suggest you visit their websites, read the documentation and checkout the screen shots before deciding.

I could tell you to use KDE (which I like), but your taste and requirements could be different than mine, and you may be happier with Gnome.

4. I've just got Xine 0.51 working with my dvd and it's great. Can't tell the difference between a good dvd player in Windows and Xine.

Most if not all CDRW's will work with Linux. I've heard that Mandrake 8.0 automatically sets up scsi emulation etc. that's required for cd writers. If not, then it's not that hard to do. Lots of previous posts on the subject, a NHF and tons of stuff on the web.

[The Buda]

I'll stick with netscape 4.7x, and probably try KDE first, if that doesn't seem to fit them I'll try gnome.

I'll keep in mind that DVD program you mentioned, and I'll hold off on the CDRW till I actually get the comptuer and see what I've got. I currently own an external USB 8X4X2X, so if it's less than that I'll stick to old reliable.

thanks :- )

[TacKat]

1. There is a Linux AIM client available over at AOL' site. It's not immeadiately obvious, but it's there alright.

2. I just use Opera. Runs better than the rest of the browsers I've tried, no stable plugin release though (there's a version that can do it, but it might not work properly all the time).

3. :cool: WindowMaker :cool:

[evulish]

AOL's AIM client is pretty bad...GAIM is alot better.

[asymblor]

1: i have never used aim but do use licq & everybuddy <interfaces with all major messengers> both work great for me.

2: as for desktop i use KDE 2.1.1 and Konqueror for my browser < again both work really well >

3: for irc i use Kvirc which i must say just rocks 8-)

If you need URL's for any of the above mentioned items just ask or any help setting them up.

stay kewl,

asymblor

[The Buda]

asymblor

just to clarify: LICQ interfaces wit ICQ and then there is a second program named everybuddy that I'm guessing from your post can get and send messages to AIM, ICQ, yahoo messenger (no i don't use that but i'm trying to get a feel for the waters). Otherwise thanks, lots fo good stuff here

[asymblor]

Yeah sorry I was a bit fuzzy there but yes Licq is for icq and everybuddy is a seperate program. I used to use everybuddy when I first started using Linux to chat with a few peop on yahoo & msn messenger but since all of the people I communicate now with use icq I just stick to Licq.

Damn, I can't seem to locate one of my old MaximumLinux issues that had a fairly complete listing of all the icq / messenger clones..It's here somewhere..when I find it ill post all the URL's for all listed programs.

Good Luck & Stay kewl,

asymblor

[Darck One]

I kinda found this on accedent but KDE already has a AIM installed on the system.In the internet menu is a selection called KIT. It isnt as fancy as the others im sure but it works and i have had no problems with talking to my buddies.