Linux. It's Greek 2 me.

[Ray Stainer]

Hi experts all.
One of my grandsons has brought me a book from the library and wants me to teach him all about "Corel Linux". A Linux CD is included, but I daren't try to load it onto my main computer as it seems to be quite separate from "Windows". I have another Windows98 comp. but would actually prefer to try the Linux out on a 496 25MHZ which I have.
Is Linux and application, an operating system; does it require Windows etc., etc..

Any help will be appreciated. Even something like "Don't use it".

Thanks

Ray

[Gallaeglagh]

It would be best to toy around with Linux on your old computer first. Linux is an OS of which there are many different "flavors". Probably the easiest to install and use would be Mandrake.

------------------
The most likely way for the world to be destroyed, most experts agree, is by accident. That's where we come in; we're computer professionals. We cause accidents.
Nathaniel Borenstein

[Ray Stainer]

Thanks Gallaeglagh,

Good job I asked first then.

May I just ask you whether Linux is worth learning, bearing in mind that my grandchildren only need to know what is necessary for qualifications eventually. Does anyone out there use it perhaps, who could give me some idea of how simple it can be just to demonstrate.

Thanks again

Ray

[Gallaeglagh]

Linux is a realtively stable operating system especially when used in a server enviornment.

"Is it worth learning?" - I guess that depends on your perspective. If you mainly do email, websurfing and are comfortable using non-MS office programs than Linux is ideal - it's cheap and stable. Bear in mind that it's not as user friendly as Windows there is a learning curve from days to months depending on your commitment.

The easiest way to demonstrate would be to load Red Hat within the Windows enviornment but this method you'd be missing out on various advantages on Linux.


------------------
The most likely way for the world to be destroyed, most experts agree, is by accident. That's where we come in; we're computer professionals. We cause accidents.
Nathaniel Borenstein

[hiredgoonz]

In case you're worried, I would try it as a dual-boot with your current OS...that will give you all the advantages of Linux (as Gall. points out, running it from inside windows is not the best way to go) wihtout the danger of leaving yourslef without the system if you need to do something that Linux doesn't support...

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

Drivers (http://www.driverguide.com)

Google (http://www.google.com)

[Ray Stainer]

hiredgoonz,

...sounds perfect. I'll do that.

Thanks to you all

Ray

[andyswork@beci.net]

I installed linux 8.1.
I run a 4 o/s boot.
Linux is differant and is very challenging.
So far I am learening it and like what I see.
MJC and Rick both have been running linux for a while, and have helped me out.
Try it what have you got to loose?

------------------
One day I will be a pro, Thanks Andy

[This message has been edited by andyswork@beci.net (edited 03-26-2002).]

[hiredgoonz]

Good luck with it...I have Mandrake installed on one of my systems and I like it...there is a lot of stuff to learn (it's like starting over with learning a program) but I have it easy because I have a LAN internet connection, no winmodem to worry about...

It can be frustrating, but if you remember that you can do everything with Linux that you can with Windows and at a FAR cheaper price, it provides some incentive to learn http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

Drivers (http://www.driverguide.com)

Google (http://www.google.com)

[yawningdog]

I like Linux. Check out my sig to see why in a nutshell.

I've found that linux users are happier with their operating system because they've been learned a lot about their machines by jumping through the hoops required to get certain tasks done.

Another great thing about it is that it's not a resource hog when you run it from the prompt. I's a little like DOS, but with power.

Dual booting is a great way to get your feet wet, but you're going to have to re-partition, which is a tremendous pain in my opinion.

May I recommend the book "Running Linux" by O'Reilley press. There is great info to be had in there, and support for linux on the internet abounds.

Good luck. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Linux- Because you wouldn't buy a car with the hood welded shut, why should your O.S. be different?

[kenja]

Here's a great deal on the 1999 edition: http://shop.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=0GD2IBVH9E&mscssid=VKGJPF288TK58P4ECB142NBR3C4N8VGD&isbn=1402818688

Buy another item, and get free shipping (I did).

[kenja]

I just noticed... my 'econo' version has text that slopes; the pages were not cut in alignment with the printing. Still very useable; this book has an excellent reputation. (I plan to read it, one of these days... )

Oh, free shipping only within the U.S. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by kenja (edited 04-04-2002).]

[Vic 970]

so what's the difference in the various 'flavours'? and/or what would be a 'starter' to learn on?

I've just been looking at cd for sale here
http://www.aleph1.co.uk/armlinux/debian/

but what comments on 'debian'? or where to get 'mandrake' or others mentioned?

------------------
for every question there's an answer. Then a load more questions.
Definition of Upgrade "A means of introducing new bugs to a program to replace the ones that you have eventually found fixes for"

Regards..,
Vic.

[pentachris]

VIC:

Look here (ftp://ftp-linux.cc.gatech.edu/). Try the Pub folder first. Last night I was simultaneously downloading the three ISO images for Mandrake at a combined average speed over 400 KB/s. I love my cable modem. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.