Favorite Linux

[zisme]

Okay. I'm wondering what Linux you would reccommend thats:
Interface (not sure what its called) is a lot like windows. (for parents sake)
Would work good as a web server.
Good documentation
Supports lots of stuff.

And also your favorite just as a home computer.

[nox-Hand]

Ah, what a question :P


Hm, well, to start off, for the newbies migrating from Windows, I think PcLinuxOS is by far the easiest in the interface, and should probably work as a web server, as all Linux is great at that :)
http://www.tuxmachines.org/gallery/albums/pclos93m/menu1.sized.jpg

That's the LiveCD installer. It's all GUI, so easy to install, and the slogan of this OS is 'Radically Simple', so it can't be all bad, now, can it?

I have, however, never tried it. I am not much of a carer about the OS atm, as I just use a specific desktop, so, whatever you like, really..

My desktop currently looks like this:

www.sector-42.frih.net/docs/screenshots/screenshot4.png

It's simple, but not for parents ;)

nox-hand

[Thirsty Ferret]

Mmm.. Linux

Damn you, broadband usage 'guidelines'!
Damn you, Laptop, for only running DSL!
Damn you, Windows!

Ahh, Firefox. That's better :D

[Hippy]

Linux can be made to look however you like. Some even come with Redmond (Windows classic) and Luna (XP style) window decorations.

Ubuntu is meant to be an easy to use distro, it doesn't look much like Windows by default though.

[nox-Hand]

That is true. Kubuntu is quite easy to use, and in my own opinion, easier to use than Ubuntu for newbies.

Remember, in two days; the new versions of Kubuntu/Ubuntu come out. Oh, and free postal shipping of CD's, Chris :D

nox-hand

[Hippy]

If I remember correctly, Ubuntu comes with Apache?

[nox-Hand]

If it doesn't, you can install it, that's for sure :)

nox-Hand

[Hippy]

Now there's an interesting concept: installing Apache! I've gotten so used to being installed for me when I install the OS I would surely breakdown :eek:

[nox-Hand]

it's a one line command, Hippy..

nox-Hand

[Macbeth]

How would one fix it (Jim ;)) for one to be able to 'switch' between different operating systems on a single computer? I believe this is possible, but I would have no idea how to go about doing it.

Because in reference to Zisme's request, having two OSes, one Linux and one Windows, would mean his parents were pleased and he can still go mad with Lunix. Sorry, Linux.

[zisme]

I'm actually using the home computer on my laptop (it's old so I need a fast OS). I'm wanting to run a dual boot on the main computer.

[nox-Hand]

Well, if you know how to partition your drives, then you can create a 'second' drive. On it, you can install Ubuntu, which will automaticly make a dualboot feature. Don't forget, the new version is just out today, with a graphical installer, a little like XP's after it's evil text based start.

nox-Hand

[zisme]

I know how to partition. Should I install XP or Ubuntu first?

[nox-Hand]

XP! Important.

When you install Ubuntu, it will ask you whether you want to install the bootloader, and say it's found this (( it'll probably say windows XP )) OS on your system, and it should be safe to install the bootloader. With XP, it just mercilessly deletes all bootloaders, and puts XP's on, so that'll be a right bummer.

Just say if you need more help :)


nox-Hand

[zisme]

Only problem is, once I start re-formatting, partitioning, and all that jazz, I won't be able to ask for help :(
And of course, 2 days ago my CD writer stopped writing, reading fine, but no writing. :( So I can't even start till I take it up to get it fixed (opening case voids warranty) and I can't do that beause I need the computer for school. *sighs*

[nox-Hand]

Hm. Right bummer.

Well, get Ubuntu somehow. You don't have to delete windows to partition, you can just use the available space.

Then, install Ubuntu, which should be rather straight forward (( REMEMBER WHAT YOUR NEW PARTITIONS SIZE IS!!, as you can then easially select the correct drive to install on :) )), and the bootloader shall be there. After install, you shall have a full desktop system with FireFox :)

nox-Hand

[zisme]

Could you reccommend a good partition size changer? Free also? That won't lose my data?

[corey84]

hmm Im waiting on my free Ubuntu 6.0 cds YAY they should be shiped out soon and then i can go linux mad, I downloaded the live cd and it looked good so I ordered

[nox-Hand]

@ zisme >> An easy one is Partition Magic Pro. I don't know where you'd get that though. Actually, if you right click on the My Computer Icon, then click Administration, there should somewhere be a thing where you can view 'Storage Devices' (NOT DEVICE MANAGER), and be able to partition there. I've only used it once, and that was ages ago.

@ corey >> The order you will get in the post, is two CD's; Live and Install :)

I ordered ten of Ubuntu and ten Kubuntu :D


nox-Hand

[zisme]

An easy one is Partition Magic Pro. I don't know where you'd get that though. Actually, if you right click on the My Computer Icon, then click Administration, there should somewhere be a thing where you can view 'Storage Devices' (NOT DEVICE MANAGER), and be able to partition there. I've only used it once, and that was ages ago.I found it 1) I don't have $53 to spend and 2) My HD is 120 GB, and that can only manage up to 80 GB.

[Thirsty Ferret]

Doh! Zisme is too big for it to handle ;)

I've been looking for a reliable partition manager for a while... on a budget though ;)

[nox-Hand]

I use a BootCD called Hiren's BootCD, which has Partition Magic DOS version, yet I never bothered to check out the legality :devil:

Just Google (http://www.google.dk/search?hl=da&q=Hirens+BootCD+8.1&btnG=S%C3%B8g&meta=) :rolleyes:

And no, I did not suggest illegal things, as I don't know whether this is legal ;)


nox-Hand

[Thirsty Ferret]

Sure.... :P

[nox-Hand]

Hey, I mean it. I have wondered 'bout how legal that is :P

Anywho, if you didn't notice, click the Google link ;)


nox-Hand

[zisme]

Is that shipped to you or do you download? If the second, where do you download?

[nox-Hand]

Your choice :)

The ShipIt service sends you a nice CD case with both the LiveCD and the Install CD with a short manual. Free :)


Just...takes four-six weeks..

Or, you can download. Takes ages though. A whole CD :eek:


nox-Hand

[nox-Hand]

Oh, and I ordered ten Kubuntu and ten Ubuntu CD's the other day. It works, I got the previous version four months ago, yet, with the new version, I might be giving out to a few. The LiveCD is handy. You can break people's logins with them if you know how :devil:

[zisme]

Um... I meant the Hirens thing... I'm planning on downloading Ubuntu...

[nox-Hand]

I use a BootCD called Hiren's BootCD, which has Partition Magic DOS version, yet I never bothered to check out the legality :devil:

Just Google (http://www.google.dk/search?hl=da&q=Hirens+BootCD+8.1&btnG=S%C3%B8g&meta=) :rolleyes:

And no, I did not suggest illegal things, as I don't know whether this is legal ;)


nox-Hand

There be a link. Top Google, there is a download. Under 100 MB. A lot less AFAIK.

nox-Hand

[Piperwolf]

Remember, in two days; the new versions of Kubuntu/Ubuntu come out. Oh, and free postal shipping of CD's, Chris :D

Thats fantastic, I think I'd just rather d/l it and burn it to my own CD, but I'll give it another go. I tried the current version and it took over an hour to get everything booted on the Live CD, took about 15 mins on my fiance's slower dell computer, was recommended on the forum to submit a bug report, but I honestly tried and could never figure that "bug report" stuff out. After waiting an hour or so for the thing to load my patience was thin, I think I only looked for about 5 mins for it though.

I wish ntfs was supported. I know, I know, not linux problem, windows being protective and all that. Is there an easy way to partion a bit off my current NTFS to allow a live cd to store info (like how to boot up faster next time or just some music stuff?).

[Piperwolf]

I wonder if freedos has a partion thingie that'd work. You can boot freedos just off a floppy with most of the OS right there. I used to follow their progress a few years back.

[zisme]

Nox, I must be going insane. I can't see the download link for that Hirens thing...

[Macbeth]

I think he means this (http://www.google.dk/search?hl=da&q=Hirens+BootCD+8.1&btnG=S%C3%B8g&meta=) link.

Wait, hang on, I see what you mean. Is it this (http://www.9down.com/downloads.php?fileid=336) one? At the bottom of all the lists?

[zisme]

Quick question for Nox: It doesn't cost a thing to get Ubuntu shipped to your house does it?

[Thirsty Ferret]

Not nox, but still

No, they give them away free.

[nox-Hand]

Thats fantastic, I think I'd just rather d/l it and burn it to my own CD, but I'll give it another go. I tried the current version and it took over an hour to get everything booted on the Live CD, took about 15 mins on my fiance's slower dell computer, was recommended on the forum to submit a bug report, but I honestly tried and could never figure that "bug report" stuff out. After waiting an hour or so for the thing to load my patience was thin, I think I only looked for about 5 mins for it though.

I wish ntfs was supported. I know, I know, not linux problem, windows being protective and all that. Is there an easy way to partion a bit off my current NTFS to allow a live cd to store info (like how to boot up faster next time or just some music stuff?).

You can mount NTFS volumes in Linux, yet writing support isn't great, and you can crap up your HDD if you do that. But, you can mount and read/copy/run files from your NTFS drive :)

nox-Hand

[nox-Hand]

Quick question for Nox: It doesn't cost a thing to get Ubuntu shipped to your house does it?

No, that is free :)

nox-Hand

[nox-Hand]

Nox, I must be going insane. I can't see the download link for that Hirens thing...

Look at Macbeths post:

I think he means this (http://www.google.dk/search?hl=da&q=Hirens+BootCD+8.1&btnG=S%C3%B8g&meta=) link.

Wait, hang on, I see what you mean. Is it this (http://www.9down.com/downloads.php?fileid=336) one? At the bottom of all the lists?

The (( is it this one? )) part. The 9down link..

It couldn't get much simpler :P

nox-Hand

[zisme]

Hey, most the times I'm on here is about 2-5 am. It's 5:00 am here and I haven't slept yet.

[nox-Hand]

Meh, so you did find the link? ;)

nox-Hand

[zisme]

Yes. I'm tired I guess...

[corey84]

hmm to mount a windows partition in ubuntu use this


sudo mkdir /media/windows/ *this is where you will find it
sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows -t -o umask=0222 *will mount the HDD to your folder


Its all in the help files :)

[nox-Hand]

hmm to mount a windows partition in ubuntu use this


sudo mkdir /media/windows/ *this is where you will find it
sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows -t -o umask=0222 *will mount the HDD to your folder


Its all in the help files :)

Assuming hda1 is your Windows drive :)

I, personally, like to make a folder in my /home/nox/ (( in your case, /home/<yourusername>/ folder, so I can easially access it, but that's all about taste :)

nox-Hand