View Full Version : Unix or Linux
I think that is is time to play with a new OS. I have used Windows all of my life and I want to move into Unix or Linux. Which do you think is better for the newbie of these Operating Systems? I am quite computer literate and A+ certified if that helps matters.
setoguro
05-30-2003, 01:24 AM
Start with Linux. Red Hat or Mandrake would be good to start with.
Budfred
05-30-2003, 10:36 AM
Unix is the programming language at the heart of Linux. Unless you are prepared to learn how to program at a very basic level, I would go with Linux....
pentachris
05-30-2003, 11:56 AM
Unix is an operating system - I don't think programming is necessary to run it.
The heart of an operating system is its kernel. The Linux kernel was written to work like the Unix kernel, and the Linux OS built around it was designed to run on multiple platforms, unlike Unix which was proprietary.
Unix is usually run from a command line with arcane DOS-like commands, whereas Linux is usually run from a GUI. Linux can be run from a command line, however, so you can learn a lot about those Unix commands running Linux that way. Plus, you've got the nice GUI to fall back on.
Go with Linux because a)it's readily available and Unix isn't; b)you can get it for free, again not so with Unix (possible exception - FreeBSD is I think a freely available Unix for x86 platforms); c)you get a lot more than just an OS with most Linux distros - a Windows-like GUI and lots of open source apps and toys to play with.
Like Setoguro, I recommend Mandrake. Lots of Linux geeks swear by Suse, though. I think Slackware is supposed to be the most Unix-like of the Linux distros.
http://www.linuxiso.org/
There you will find many "distros" of Linux, with some descriptions, all with links to the home pages. There are some that are specifically distributed for those transitioning from Windows to Linux.
There are some that will run from either a CD or from a Windows partition, these are mostly for geting a taste of what Linux is about.
Then there are the easier full distros, the ones like Mandrake that are very much Linux but come with all the bells and whistles and fairly easy set up.
Then you start getting into the hardcore distros, specialized server distros, Suse and more Unix-like ones.
There are also the BSD distros which, as pentachris hinted aren't Linux, but another incarnation of x86 platform Unix.
Budfred
05-30-2003, 06:10 PM
If Unix isn't the programming language for Unix, then what is???:confused: I know it is an OS, but I thought it was also the programming language.... Oh well...:rolleyes:
pentachris
05-31-2003, 05:02 PM
Is DOS a programming language? Think of Unix like you think of DOS.
For that matter, think of Linux like you think of DOS.
Much like early versions of Windows (especially pre-95 versions that used progman as their shell) are really just front ends for DOS, so are KDE, Gnome, etc. nice front ends for Linux.
With an OS, you tell it what programs to run.
With a programming language, you create programs.
Any of the basic commands you use in DOS, like XCOPY or DIR, are basically just little mini-programs.
Budfred
05-31-2003, 05:14 PM
I understand what an OS is and how it is different from a programming language. I once learned a little bit of Fortran even. My question is what language or languages are used to program in Unix... I have never heard of any, so I had assumed that Unix was both language and OS. Does anyone know what Unix programming languages are??
C series...but not MS Visual C (obviously), Pearl, Java....newer.
Kobol, Fortran, Pascal.....oldies.
In other words, just about anything that isn't Windows specific.
Budfred
05-31-2003, 11:00 PM
Cool..:cool: . I had always assumed those languages (with the exception of Java) were limited to Windoze, nice to know that they get out more and it helps me to understand Unix a bit better.... Thanks for the info....
yawningdog
06-02-2003, 01:26 AM
Eight months ago I would've recommended Mandrake, but 9.1 has actually become so bloated as to be counter intuitive. I honestly think Redhat is a better choice now.
Think of Unix like you think of DOS.
For that matter, think of Linux like you think of DOS.
Amen brother. In fact, think of Linux as Windows 3.1 but a gazillion times more powerful. Its a kernel and command shell encased in a gui-style environment.
And for crying out loud, If you're curious about Linux, do yourself a favor and start by getting yourself a copy of Knoppix.
What is "Knoppix"? Is it a Linux distro?
pentachris
06-16-2003, 02:06 PM
Yes. It is Debian (I think) Linux modified to run entirely off of a bootable CD. Many software app packages are included on the CD, including Open Office, The Gimp, some media players, and more.
Linux uses a swap partition. Much like the Windows swap file, but it's a dedicated partition. Knoppix will try to find a Linux swap partition on your hard drive to use to increase its performance. That's the only hard drive access it will do without your instruction. If it doesn't find a swap partition, it runs entirely in RAM.
It's a neat way to get a feel for Linux without messing around with your hard drive installing a dual boot configuration.
Where do I get "Knoppix"?
I have had some Linux distros for a while. I have Red Hat 6.0, Mandrake 8.0 and 8.2, Slackware (version unknown) and was sure that I had Corel but can't find it. I could make more empty room on my Hard drive with Partition Magic. I don't have high speed internet right now (will within a few months) and so would prefer not having to download another distro. I could though, if you think that a new one is important.
Budfred
06-19-2003, 08:15 PM
You could try Knoppix, (http://www.knoppix.net/) but make sure you get the English version.
Steve
06-19-2003, 08:23 PM
Where to get Knoppix? Why at Knoppix.org (http://www.knoppix.org/) of course.
Knoppix is a 699MB download. Could take quite a while on dialup. You can also purchase a pre-made CD for around $5. Order info is in the link.
I recommend it. Knoppix is a good thing...;)
I bought a Knopix CD on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3623794446&category=41881&rd=1#ebayphotohosting
I have dial-up and the download would take forever.
I popped the CD into my drive and it told me that I don't have enough memory to run KDE. It claims that I need 85 MB and I have 96 MB of physical memory installed? It gave me the option of creating a swap file. I selected that and the compuer seemed to freez. Fortunately, I could just take the CD out, reboot and was back in Windows.
I assumed that I could just start using it imediately after I got it. Did I miss a step?
pentachris
09-05-2003, 09:33 AM
Is your video integrated? If so, some of that 96 MB is being used by your motherboard for video.
yawningdog
09-05-2003, 06:47 PM
Knoppix is a little resource intensive. I've tried it on some older machines and it took around ten minutes to load, appearing to seize up at the desktop screen. If you're patient, it will work for you, but it's a long run for a short slide.
Ok. When it appears to hang the computer, I will just wait it out. What do I do when it boots up? How do I view the directory of the hard drive? How do I use the CD and Floppy drive? Is there a "help" command like in DOS that allows me to explore the commands?
jeeza
10-16-2003, 02:01 PM
Originally posted by Budfred
You could try Knoppix, (http://www.knoppix.net/) but make sure you get the English version.
Damn Small Linux is based on Knoppix.
jeeza
10-16-2003, 02:03 PM
Originally posted by pentachris
Go with Linux because a)it's readily available and Unix isn't; b)you can get it for free, again not so with Unix (possible exception - FreeBSD is I think a freely available Unix for x86 platforms); c)you get a lot more than just an OS with most Linux distros - a Windows-like GUI and lots of open source apps and toys to play with.
Like Setoguro, I recommend Mandrake. Lots of Linux geeks swear by Suse, though. I think Slackware is supposed to be the most Unix-like of the Linux distros. [/B]
Suppose my OS is Linux and I am visiting the games page of yahoo.
Will the games I am downloading work on my computer ? I suppose not.
It seems to me that preferences are often subjective.
Some swear by this or that distribution or variant, other say no, this one is really the best...
I think they are all better for some purposes than others, you just need to know what you are expecting from them.
pentachris
10-16-2003, 03:49 PM
I think the games you're referring to are java. So sure, they would work as long as you have downloaded and installed java for linux (http://java.sun.com/linux/).
jeeza
10-17-2003, 10:06 AM
It depends ; there are Java games and there are flash games too, maybe there are still other kinds.
Linux can have both Java and Flash....
yawningdog
10-17-2003, 10:56 PM
Jeeza. I play chess at yahoo all the time on my Red Hat box. Getting the Java plugin to work is an experience, but I've done it a few times and it gets easier each time. You don't need to download the whole development kit for java, just the runtime environment.
Oh yeah. Flash plugins don't work with the Konqueror browser, but they works fine in Mozilla.
Actually for me it is the Flash plugin that I can't get to work....
pave_spectre
10-18-2003, 08:14 AM
How odd, I never had any trouble with either flash or java in linux.
Must be just lucky.:)
setoguro
10-18-2003, 10:53 AM
I had trouble getting flash installed from a tar can't remember what the problem was now. But I found an rpm and that did the trick.
I can't get Mozilla or Firebird to recognise it......Knoqueror, NS4.7, etc all recognise and use the Flash and Java plugins.....just not my favorite browser :(
pave_spectre
10-19-2003, 07:40 AM
I use Galeon which requires mozilla, and have installed the plug-ins from both tarballs and RPM packages. Either Im incredibly skilled and just didnt realize it :rolleyes: or more likely Im extremely fortunate.:cool:
Konqueror I have only ever used for local file browsing and occasionally configuring with Webmin.
jeeza
10-19-2003, 07:44 PM
Originally posted by pave_spectre Konqueror I have only ever used for local file browsing
If all you want is just local file browsing, doesn't just opening a Windows Explorer window perform the same trick ?
jeeza
10-19-2003, 08:02 PM
Deleted this as it was posted twice by going back on my browser.
In Windows it does.........:D
pave_spectre
10-19-2003, 10:27 PM
How strange that windows explorer isnt available in linux:confused:
What a tragedy.:rolleyes:
jeeza
10-20-2003, 08:09 AM
At least we can see that Windows isn't all bad and does indeed have its advantages over Linux. :rolleyes:
jeeza
10-20-2003, 08:13 AM
Besides, I was wrong, and, unwittingly, you were too, mjc. :cool:
It doesn't.
Typing the file location in the address bar does.
:D :)
Can I use my HD and other drives (floppy, cd,....) via Knopix? Can I put Knopix on the hard drive so when booting I can just select Windoze or Knopix?
Budfred
10-25-2003, 07:29 AM
Knoppix is designed to run from a CD, so you don't have to install it on the hard drive. I imagine that you could, but then you would be as well off installing any of the other distros of Linux to get a more complete experience with them. You would just need a bootloader so you could select between Windoze and Linux. I think most Linux distros come with a bootloader for that purpose.
OK. I have a copy on CD of Mandrake 8.2 in my hands now. On this system there is one hard drive on wich is installed Windows 98 SE. I want to set up a dual boot of the Win and the Linux so that I can learn Linux and still go back to Windows if I need the familiar environment. What is my first step?
jeeza
10-26-2003, 01:09 PM
I would make a new partition and install Linux in it.
Others might have a more knowledgeable reply available, so far none has replied, so...
I just make a new partition with FDISK, stick the Mandrake 8.2 CD in the
drive and let it go? (I would have to tell Mandrake to use the second
partition, of coarse). If I were to do that now, I would have to wipe the
drive and start fresh with Windows. Could I just use my Partition Magic to
make the new partition or does it have to be with FDISK?
Budfred
10-26-2003, 08:21 PM
I think you can make the partition with whatever you would like, Linux will have to reformat it anyway. I believe some distros of Linux will do the partitioning for you, but I am not sure about that....
pentachris
10-26-2003, 10:24 PM
Best solution: make a ghost image of your hard drive, zero fill the hard drive, repartition the hd with just a primary partition using only enough space for windows, restore your windows image on to that partition, boot to the linux disk and let the linux setup create and format the partitions it needs on the hd space that's left.
OK solution: defrag your hd, boot to the linux disk and tell it you want to use the unused space on your existing windows partition. It will trim the partition down, create and format its own space.
pave_spectre
10-26-2003, 11:00 PM
Or you can use partition magic to create another partition and tell linux to format and use the new partition during the install.
I tried to install Mandrake 8.2 and after defraging my drive Mandrake told me that it could not open/find (or something to that affect) the secondary ram drive. (?)
So I tried Mandrake 8.0 (with better results). It also couldn't find the secondary ramdrive but went on to the second stage (Mandrake 8.2 just stopped there) and eventually told me that it couldn't find the basepackage. This is where I took the Mandrake CD out and rebooted, puting me back to Windows. Maybe I should download a new distro. Mandrake 9?
pentachris
10-28-2003, 10:08 AM
I'm not ignoring the thread, I just don't have a good answer and haven't had a lot of time to search around the web to try to find one. But I'm not inclined to believe that version 9 is going to go any more smoothly. Have you looked around the Mandrake website for help? Post back if you figure out what was going wrong.
Also, did you check the mdm5 checksums on the iso's you downloaded?
What is the mdm5 checksums?
I have looked for help at the Mandrake website. I see that I need to buy the product from them in order to get product support, or am I wrong? Did I overlook it?
The forums are open to anyone (paid or not) there are also some searchable KB type areas.
The MD5s are a method of generating a unique checksum based on a hash of certain parts of the the code of the program.....so if the numbers match you have an exact copy.
I
pave_spectre
10-31-2003, 02:51 AM
To check an MD5.
From a linux commandline type,
md5sum filename
where filename is the name of the file you wish to verify the MD5 checksum of.
Or for windows
md5sum.exe (http://downloads.activestate.com/contrib/md5sum/Windows/)
Then wouldn't I need to do an MDM5 checksum on the whole CD? How would I do that?
I tried searching the Mandrake Archives useing the words "What is a secondary RAM drive." It turned up nothing of use. It didn't find RAM drive.
You would do the MD5 on the iso, before burning it to CD.
I beleive www.linuxiso.org lists MD5s for the most recent releases.
I didn't download it so I never did have an ISO. I think I got the CD from somewere on the Internet.
Should I download one?
setoguro
11-15-2003, 12:51 AM
I would but I would get Mandrake 9.0. I liked 8.2 but I like 9 better.
Also I think you better have your stuff all backed up because it's easy to trash everything setting up your first multiboot. But it's also a good thing to reinstall Win98 every once in a while. ;)
You could use fdisk to set up an extended partition and see if you can get it in there. If that works you may have to use a boot manager here (http://www.ranish.com/part/) to be able to boot them each up.
Is this the right place to get it?
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/ftp.php3
An then I would download the second link, the Mandrake 9.2/i586 ISO image?
setoguro
11-15-2003, 08:10 PM
Go here (http://www.linuxiso.org/) or here (http://www.distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=mandrake) .
I wouldn't get 9.2 just yet. There are some problems with it just now and a lot of updates (about 300mb worth). I'd give that version a couple more weeks till things get ironed out.
Do you think that I should wait a few weeks and get 9.2 or should I get an earlier version. I can't find Mandrake 9.0. I am not sure that it is on the Mandrake.com page. Maybe I have to go somewere else to get the older versions.
setoguro
11-16-2003, 02:21 PM
You can get Mandrake 9.0 here (http://www.linuxiso.org/distro.php?distro=29 ). You could go for 9.2 but remember that it's buggy and needs updates and I don't know if everything is worked out quite yet. I have to say I threw a spare hdd on my main rig and installed 9.2 last night no updates. It went on easy and looks good to me. But I used a spare hdd and this is just my check out install. No problems yet and I really like it. The choice is yours to make if it were me and I had broadband I'd get them both.
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?lc=en&docName=bph06784
Would that make a difference? "upgrading is not recommended for all HP Pavilion Desktop PCs..."
Over the period that I have owned this computer (just over four years), I have tried to install many difference distrobutions of Linux. I have never been able to get a good install.
setoguro
11-18-2003, 01:08 AM
I have a Pavilion 8260 P2 266 with 192mb of ram that I have had some distro problems with. It didn't like Debian, Lycoris, Red Hat 9.0, 7.3, Mandrake 8.2 or FreeBSD 5.1. But Slackware 8.1, 9 and FreeBSD 4.6 went on fine. I know that RH 9 didn't go on well because it's a resource hog. Debian acted the same as RH 9. Lycoris never made it past the hardware probe. With FreeBSD 5.1 I think I have a bad disk. RH 7.3 and MDK 8.2 should of gone on ok just didn't. I can't understand why not. With Slackware no problems at all. With FreeBSD 4.6 there were problems but they turned out to be the user. After the user got it more together everything was ok. I have a spare 4gig HDD I may throw it in and see how it likes MDK 9.0.
pave_spectre
11-18-2003, 05:39 AM
With FreeBSD 4.6 there were problems but they turned out to be the user.
Good old Code 18 (http://www.netlingo.com/lookup.cfm?term=code%2018).
setoguro
11-18-2003, 08:45 PM
Yea I was trying to remember that. :D
setoguro
11-19-2003, 08:07 AM
Jes I installed MDK 9.0 last night on that Pavilion. It was a basic install but went on with no problems. But that doesn't mean that it will go well on your Pavilion. :)
My Mandrake 8.2 cds are from Tux CDs (http://www.tuxcds.com/) so couldn't I be quite certain that the checksums would be fine?
pentachris
11-28-2003, 06:38 PM
If you ordered the CD's, there should be no problem with the data. Checksums would be irrelevant.
I booted from my Mandrake installation disk and after it loaded into memory (about 20 minutes), I got this error message:
"Could not uncompress second stage ramdisk. This is probably a hardware error reading the data. (This may be caused by a hardware failure or a linux kernel bug)"
My CD drive seems to read all other CDs without problem. What should I do now?
setoguro
12-02-2003, 07:38 PM
I think that I got the same error message on my Pavilion with MDK 8.2 but I can't be sure. I would try it again but alas my Pavilion is no more. I picked up a Asus P2B-f P3 500 so it was cannibalized for parts. I sent the board and case to the trash. I'm thinking that you may have better luck getting MDK 9.0 and above on (if you are loading it on a Pavilion).
Ok. I don't have a broadband connection but I know people who do.
I have went to LinuxISO.org to look and I see that Mandrake 9.0 is not abailable anymore so I will have to go with the slightly newer versions. What is an i586 or a PPC?
When I dowload the .ISO file, what do I do with it? Do I just burn it to a CD in .ISO format or is there something that I have to do to it before that?
pave_spectre
12-02-2003, 11:31 PM
PPC i think is Power PC which I believe is an Apple(?).
i568 means it can be used on a regular modern PC.
What you do with the ISO exactly depends on what burning software you have. Nero for example you could go to File > Open and then search for the iso file and open it and then burn it to CD.
My burning software is Adaptec.
pave_spectre - Do I just burn it as the .ISO format then? I was just wondering if I had to run it in some other program or something.
So I just download the .ISO, burn it to a CDR, and boot from the CD?
pave_spectre
12-05-2003, 05:58 AM
I have never used adaptec so I dont know the specifics of that program.
Once you have the ISO and opened adaptec up you should be able to do something worded along the lines of 'open file' or 'burn image'. You will need someone who has actually used adaptec though to be able to give you the specific method.
I know how to use my burner. I was just wondering if I had to burn it in .ISO format or change it to somethings by doing something to the file before burning it.
pave_spectre
12-06-2003, 12:10 AM
Dont have to do a thing to an ISO file.
OK. I have my broadband connection now and I want to start exploring Linux. Should I go for Mandrake 9.2 now?
pentachris
01-21-2004, 04:10 PM
I've read (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22703) a few complaints that Mandrake is getting more and more bloated. (That's not the only place I've seen complaint; just a quick example.)
It might be advisable to look for 9.0, or even 8.2.
setoguro
01-21-2004, 09:38 PM
I would go for the newest even if it is bloated the challenge would be to try and unbloat it and try and fine tune and change it into what would make me happy. You can start with the newest and if that doesn't work out for you then go down to the next. You have broadband :D you could pick up 8.2 to 9.2 and it's no big deal anymore. Just picked up DSL myself and a bunch of cd's :p.
pave_spectre
01-21-2004, 10:49 PM
Even bloated as it is, Mandrake is still a good distro for first time or comparitive newbies to use.
I have heard that 9.2 has some major bugs, if I can find the link where I read it I'll post it, and 9.0 definitely had a security hole that allowed any user to grab root access, that I think was fixed in 9.1, so if you want a newer version try 9.1 rather than 9.2.
Where can I get it? Mandrake.com only has 9.2 (and 9.1 for Mac).
pentachris
01-23-2004, 09:17 PM
Look here (http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/ftp.php3#older). Or search here (http://www.filemirrors.com/) for "mandrake". Looking at the file names, the version should be obvious.
setoguro
01-25-2004, 09:28 PM
You can get MDK 8.2 here.
http://lame.lut.fi/linux/Mandrake/8.2/iso/
This (http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/91/) appears to be what I want. I just can't find a link to download from.
pave_spectre
01-31-2004, 10:32 AM
ftp://mirror.fis.unb.br/pub/linux/Mandrake-old/iso/
OR:
ftp://mandrake.redbox.cz/Mandrake-old/iso/
you want the file called Mandrake91-cd1-inst.i586.iso
Ok. Got it. Now I just burn it on to a CDR as is?
pave_spectre
02-02-2004, 01:42 AM
Yep, just be careful how you burn the iso with the software you use, or you could end up with a CD containing the ISO as a single file.:p
What do you mean by that? What do I have to do?
pave_spectre
02-02-2004, 09:36 AM
Different burning software can deal with ISO files slightly differently. Nero for example required that the file be 'opened' rather than burned to a standard data CD.
If I rememebr correctly, you use Adaptec? I have never used that program so I dont know how it expects ISO's to be handled, someone else may or you should be able to find out by experimenting or maybe checking the help files.
-- EDIT --
Or just folloew these instructions from HERE (http://http://www.e-smith.org/docs/howto/CD_burning_howto.php3#AEN72)
Instructions using Easy CD Creator (Adaptec/Roxio)
1.Insert a blank CD into the CD writer.
2.Launch Easy CD Creator.
3.In the File menu, select "Create CD From Disk Image".
4. Browse to the location where the ISO image was saved on the hard drive.
5.Select ISO from File Type.
6.Select the ISO image file.
7. Click on OK.
8.Click on OK once again.
Yeah, that worked. I should have realized that I had to burn from the image. Thanks.
I tried installing it, it says "Can't install the second stage ram disk". It said that the problem could be the kernel or my hardware. Do you think that my hardware is hootched?
setoguro
02-04-2004, 11:21 PM
It's possible that you just got a bad download or something was corrupt on the burn. I would first reburn it on the slowest speed then give it an other try.
pave_spectre
02-05-2004, 03:16 AM
Try setoguro's suggestion first but since thats the same error you got with a the version of mandrake that you purchased from Tux CDs, then it may very well be a problem with the hardware somewhere.
Also did you check the MD5 of the ISO before burning it?
If not you can use DigestIT (http://digestit.kennethballard.com/) to generate an MD5 or compare to the ISOs expected MD5.
pave_spectre
02-05-2004, 06:01 AM
I cant find anywhere in the thread if you've mentioned the spec of the hardware you're trying to install onto, but a couple of threads I've found on other forums regarding similar problems seem to conclude that its a hardware issue.
ONE (http://www.linuxiso.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3154&highlight=second+stage+ram+disk) suggested disabling DMA in the BIOS before installing, though this apparently resulted in slow performance.
Do you think that my pc is now doomed to run Windows for eternity?
pentachris
02-05-2004, 01:53 PM
This guy (http://forums.devshed.com/archive/33/2002/2/4/31313) had a similar problem that turned out to be corrupt data on the disc. You could try checking the MD5 checksums, downloading the iso file(s) again (unless the md5's check out OK), and/or burning at a slower speed or on a different brand cd-r.
pave_spectre
02-05-2004, 11:58 PM
Originally posted by jes
Do you think that my pc is now doomed to run Windows for eternity?
Not even slightly. Check the MD5 sums, burn at a slower speed if they check out, download again if they dont. try again.
One thing I learned the hard way is that you HAVE to check the MD5sums. I spent nearly a week trying to get debian to run once only to discover that the MD5 sums for the downloaded packages didnt match. Now the first thing I do with just about any package is check the MD5 sum. (Have I said it enough?:p)
I have been looking back in this thread. I thought that someone had explained to me how to check the sum somewhere along the way but if it is there, I can't find it, so I ask "How do I check the MD5 sum?".
pave_spectre
02-06-2004, 03:55 AM
Originally posted by pave_spectre
you can use DigestIT (http://digestit.kennethballard.com/) to generate an MD5 or compare to the ISOs expected MD5.
Just a few posts up the page. If you're in a windows environment:D:D
Of course if you are already in a linux environment, from the commandline you just type md5sum filename
Strange...This link wouldn't work. I had to cut and paste into my browser.
Anyway, I am in a Windows environment. I have the digetit 2004.zip.md5 file downloaded. Winzip can't open it becase the .zip is before the md5. How can I open this file? Did I download the right one? I got it from here (http://www.digestit.kennethballard.com/digestit%202004.zip.md5).
pentachris
02-06-2004, 11:20 AM
Nope, you got the md5 checksum for the program you're trying to download.
Sort of a vicious cycle, isn't it?
You want this (http://digestit.kennethballard.com/digestIT%202004.zip).
Ok. That explains that. Thanks. Now on to the next question in my little series. What do I do with an .msi file?
pave_spectre
02-06-2004, 11:49 PM
Just extract the file and run it. msi, I believe stands for "MicroSoft Installer" (I could be wrong).
Once its installed several options should be added to the right-click menu that will allow you to check the MD5 of a file or compare the file to an already known MD5.
Please excuse my ignorance but I'm not sure what you mean. When I double click on the file, that window opens with all the possible programs to open the file with.
pave_spectre
02-07-2004, 11:26 PM
It should just automatically install if you extracted it to a folder first.
If it doesnt work then try MD5SUM.exe (http://downloads.activestate.com/contrib/md5sum/Windows/md5sum.exe), it runs from the command line.
To make it easy place md5sum.exe in the same folder as the iso file change to that directory from the command-line and run:
md5sum Mandrake91-cd1-inst.i586.iso
This should generate a string of numbers and letters that you can compare to the MD5 that should be available from the same place you got the iso file.
The string it generates shpould match
6f1581974e12420fef87868ed6caa31f
pave_spectre
02-08-2004, 01:28 AM
If you are running win98 then THIS (http://download.microsoft.com/download/WindowsInstaller/Install/2.0/W9XMe/EN-US/InstMsiA.exe) file is why DigestIT wouldnt install. (I forgot it requires a newer version of the windows installer than 98 has :rolleyes: )
Should I try the command line one then?
pave_spectre
02-08-2004, 10:50 AM
Either install the newer windows installer:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/WindowsInstaller/Install/2.0/W9XMe/EN-US/InstMsiA.exe
and try installing digestit again, or go for the command-line, whichever you feel more comfortable doing. Both should produce the same output.
DigestIT just makes it easier to compare sums.
It was 6f1581974e12420fef87868ed6caa31f Mandrake91-cd1-inst.i586.iso
What do I compare that to?
pentachris
02-08-2004, 07:04 PM
This (http://isolinux.xtec.es:8081/mandrake/mandrake91/Mandrake91-cd1-inst.i586.iso.md5).
I'll save you the effort - it's right.
You could try burning again, at a slower speed perhaps.
Alright. It is a few years later but I have still not been able to get Linux to work (talk about procrastination, eh). My computer has a 40 GB HDD installed with XP Pro and a 13 GB HDD that is empty and I want to fill it with Linuxy goodness.
What would be a good distro to start with? Where can I get it? Is there a place where I can just click on one link to download a complete distribution and then burn it onto a CD?
yawningdog
08-09-2006, 02:54 AM
I've been using Ubuntu (ubuntu.org) since I got here in Iraq, and so far I like it and recommend it. I like that it downloads in just one CD, and installation went pretty smoothly. I also like that installing software is dead simple, as long as the software is supported by Ubuntu. You can also install Debian packages, but you'll have to brave the command line, albeit briefly. And, of course, you can always compile from source if you're truly brave and/or savvy.
Wow, this thread is old. :eek:
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