What is the best way to install Linux on my computer?

- Collapse -

Rick

by phil66 Jun 26, 2006 1:24AM PDT

I have installed Linux on my Windows ME system.
I currently have Ubuntu Badger Breezy 5.10 which is a gnome desktop and Kubuntu which is a KDE desktop.

Both systems were easy to install as I had a cd to install from. I would gladly send you a Ubuntu 5.10 set of cd's which consist of a live cd so you can browse and see if you like the operating system.

As for as installing just use the defaults where you have any questions, you can also use the program to partition your hard disk (which I have 20gb) to use available free space or specify a size of your own.

The grub or dual boot system should be added to your MBR when asked to do so that way you can boot to ME or Linux.

I had no problems with hardware with the exception of the dial up modem which was a winmodem I had to change to a serial modem.

If I can be of further help let me know.
If you would like a set of cd's e-mail me thru cnet.

Ray

- Collapse -

What is a grub?

by PudgyOne Jun 26, 2006 6:55PM PDT

What is a grub?

You said,

The grub or dual boot system should be added to your MBR when asked to do so that way you can boot to ME or Linux.

I like that. Does that come with the full install CD? Or is this a seperate download?

I have downloaded the live CD for Ubuntu 5.10 (Breezy Badger) from here

http://releases.ubuntu.com/5.10/

I also downloaded the Install CD from here. Will try Live CD first. I just have to remember how I burned the CD to auto run. I think I have to burn the CD as an image file.

Can I still use hosts files, to keep the children from going to websites that I don't approve of?

I also appreciate the offer of the CD's but feel it might be more benificial for everyone to be able to download them.

You also said:

As for as installing just use the defaults where you have any questions, you can also use the program to partition your hard disk (which I have 20gb) to use available free space or specify a size of your own.

I have a 40gb hard drive. If I decide ti use the install CD, will it prompt me to partition my hard disk or is that something else I need to learn.

Many questions but in the long run I feel this is the way to go.

Thanks for your help

Rick

- Collapse -

Had to burn Install CD at a slower speed

by PudgyOne Jun 28, 2006 9:31AM PDT

Had to burn Install CD at a slower burn speed. Have it installed and updated.

Next problem.

How do I install programs?

How do I update Mozilla Firefox from 1.0.8 to 1.5.0.4 ?

I would like to start adding extentions to Mozilla Firefox but... I want the latest version first.

It's still new but I'm still learning.

Rick

- Collapse -

This message from Linux Ubuntu

by phil66 Jun 28, 2006 12:50PM PDT

Hi Rick

When installing from the synaptic package manager you will need to be on the net.
To download programs go to main menu=>systems=> administration=>synaptic package manager When asked for password use the one you set up at installation.When package manager appears use search to find the program you wish to install. Highlite it then click on packages=>mark for installation then apply.Follow prompts from there. You will get some additional program to download they are call dependecies and are needed for the programs to run correctly.

Firefox 1.5.0.4 is not in the package manager and you will have to compile it.Instructions are at
Http://www.mozilla/firefox/releases/1.5.0.4.html
Click downloadin=>download it here=>other systems and languages then Linux 686 English.To find instructions click=>back=>back scroll down to Linux/gtk2 once downloaded you will have to type the following in a terminal
tar -xzyf firebird-1.5.0.4.tar.gz
Do not remove Firefox 1.08 as it is part of Ubuntu operating system.
Here is a how to page from ubuntu
Http://help.Ubuntu.com/community/Firefox/Newversion
Also searching the Ubuntuforums.org has info from other members.

Hth
Ray

- Collapse -

mark for installation then apply

by PudgyOne Jun 28, 2006 1:46PM PDT

mark for installation then apply

is greyed out.

Now what did I do?

Rick

- Collapse -

Questions?

by phil66 Jun 29, 2006 5:46AM PDT

Rick

1) Are you logged on? Can you access websites using Firefox 1.08?

2)After entering Synaptic package manager have you highlited a program you wish to download.Are you trying to use a program that has already been installed?

3)When you click on packages at the top of the screen does "mark for installation" show to be greyed out.

4)After mark for installation then you would check the apply button with the big check mark next to it in the toolbar.

Let me know what happens
Ray

- Collapse -

I now have

by PudgyOne Jun 29, 2006 11:58AM PDT

I now have Firefox 1.5.0.4

It must have been with the upgrade. It now says Ubuntu 6.06 LTS - the Dapper Drake - released in June 2006

I go to synaptic package manager, it asks for the password. I type it in and it opens. I then tried to install avast4workstation-1.0.5.tar.gz so in search I search for Avast. It fings just the word Avast. I click on it and highlight it. Then I see nothing and go to click on installation and everything is grey.

Is this the right version of Avast?

Am I or did I do something wrong?

Ouch!

Rick

- Collapse -

avast

by phil66 Jun 30, 2006 1:39AM PDT

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-for-linux-edition.html

Rick
This the version I use from Avast downloads. Use the tar.gz version the rpm version is for some of the other Linux Distro's.

I do not have Dapper yet as my disc have not arrived and my dial-up is too slow to burn a cd. So I cannot duplicate the exact problem you are having. I downloaded Avast for Linux using Firefox.

Will any other programs install using synaptic package manager?

Ray

- Collapse -

From terminal

by phil66 Jun 30, 2006 2:10AM PDT

Rick
Have you tried from a terminal "sudo apt-get install (program name)"

Without the quotes or the ( ) marks.Use the program name you quoted in the last message. Linux is very case senitive so you have to have all spaces and etc correct.

Ray

- Collapse -

Questionn

by phil66 Jun 30, 2006 6:02AM PDT

Rick

Dapper is the newest addition to Ubuntu don't know how stable it is yet.

Hate to keep asking the same question but are you able to access the internet from Ubuntu. The synaptic package manager will not work if you are not logged on.

Here is a wiki on synaptic package manager which might help.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto

Ray

- Collapse -

Here's a tip guys.

by chuckieu Jun 30, 2006 9:03AM PDT

Been looking for and loading the hard way lately till I found this somewhere. Turned into a whole new ball game
then. After you open Synaptic, open "Settings" at the top, then "repositories". Check every one. Close, reboot.
How I installed VLC easily with dependencies. Had been going though the "Dependency Hell". Finally got to one last file, wxvlc, I think. It needed VLC, which needed
wxvlc. Anyway, hope this helps. chuck

- Collapse -

That didn't work

by PudgyOne Jun 30, 2006 1:15PM PDT

That didn't work.

I did notice that I get this message at boot.

starting PCMCIA Services - failed

Doe this have something to do with it?

I'm trying to give Linux a chance. I really like it, if only I could install the virus protection and then I's try to install another program or so.

Thanks

Rick

- Collapse -

What did not work

by phil66 Jul 1, 2006 12:06AM PDT

Rick

The pcmcia card are primarily used in laptops for memory,fax utilities. Although they can be in desktops its unlikely you have one. When shutting down my computer it shows "no pcmcia present". If the display is an annoyance then it can be fixed so it does not display.

We are at a point where we don't know enough information about what you tried what worked or what did not work.
Are you getting error messages from the the different items we suggested.

As in windows it is also necessary to convey this information to get the help needed.

Don't give up on Linux just yet it will work given time and effort.

Ray

- Collapse -

Let me start over

by PudgyOne Jul 1, 2006 6:46AM PDT

Let me start over

I opened Synaptic Package Manager

I clicked on search

I typed in Avast even tried AVG (for AVG Free for Linux)

In the left column the word I searched for appears

If I double click on it one file appears in the top right column

I installed it.

I cannot find the program.

Do I need to put these files somewhere for them to work?

What type of files can I install? rpm and/or tar.gz?

Can I play games that I have on a CD?

I still have to figure how to put in java for Firefox and a Media Player.

I cannot install my printer. It is a Lexmark X75 and it is NOT on the list. I even have the CD for the drivers.

I will try to be patient.

Is there a program or something that will help to install programs and/or games to Linux?

I really haven had a lot of time to read because of my work schedule. Will try to read some from here

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Dapper

when I get a chance.

Thank you for your time and patience.

Rick

- Collapse -

One of the Linux issues.

by chuckieu Jul 1, 2006 7:15AM PDT

Hardware support is spotty. All in one printers are particular problem, even in Windows. In Linux, you often have to use another model's driver, accepting lesser results. For the present, I'll link a driver for the X73 and X75. As far as Avast goes, I didn't mean you would find it even with the expanded sources list, just make it easier for other downloads. You are thinking Windows!!! There is a reason it is hard to find the security programs nesessary in Windows for Linux. And the ones you do find are for enterprise, large network setups. You are using Linux. Change your thinking. Oh, and to echo Ray, hang in there. At first, although easier nowdays, there is a learning curve. But, the more you learn, the more you understand. I started with Red Hat and a Lexmark Z515. A lot more work. I still boot into XP if I need to do Photo printing, etc. Good luck. chuck
http://www.linuxprinting.org/show_driver.cgi?driver=lxx74

- Collapse -

Find program

by phil66 Jul 1, 2006 12:36PM PDT

Rick

http://monkeyblog.org/ubuntu/installing/

This link with screenshots will show you two ways of finding your program.

I would like to tell you how without sending you more reading but since I do not know which program you installed I have to revert to giving you more reading.

Ray

- Collapse -

Automatix

by phil66 Jul 2, 2006 12:28AM PDT

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=177647

Rick

This program call automatrix is suppose to simplify the installation of Java Jre 1.5. and other programs.I have not used it yet. I installed mine the hard way.It installs debian programs which is the base of Ubuntu.

You can install rpm or tar.gz programs but tar.gz are designed for Ubuntu. And much easier to install and uninstall.

Ray

- Collapse -

Multimedia

by phil66 Jul 2, 2006 1:00AM PDT

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/MultimediaApplications

Rick

You can find a variety of multimedia players at this url.

I use rhythmbox but I only play music cd's.

Ray

- Collapse -

Help about Linux

by BilalGujjar203 Jul 9, 2008 11:13PM PDT

Hi Rick,

I am Bilal, i read your message on CNET.
I have a problem. I buy Linux 9, i install it but when it starts it ask me about login and passward. During installation i could not see any login or passward request. I am using Linux 1st time so if you know about it please reply me.

Waiting your reply

Bilal

- Collapse -

This is a very old posting you are attaching your question.

by ahtoi Jul 10, 2008 4:33AM PDT

Maybe you should start a new posting as to what your problems are. You said "I buy linux9", I have never heard of a distribution called "linux9".

- Collapse -

experiment with distros

by angryfirelord Jun 26, 2006 5:53AM PDT

I've used SimplyMEPIS with no problems at all. Detected my Wi-Fi card which is rare in Linux. Ubuntu worked as well but it didn't pick up the Wi-Fi card (5.04).

Now if you want to try something else, you can also use PC-BSD, which is based on FreeBSD. BSD is similar to Linux but there's something different with the file system i can't seem to remember what. Anyway, it works fine & is just as secure (i didn't notice a difference) but the bootloader isn't that fancy. It'll label Windows as DOS but it still works.

O yes when you download a distribution, it comes in a .iso file (image file). This cannot be simply dragged and dropped to the cd but needs to be burned a special way. If your cd recording software does not support burning image files, I've used ImgBurn with no failure and it's free. http://www.imgburn.com/

The only way to decide what distro is best for you is to try them but my recommendation goes to either SimplyMEPIS or Ubuntu to those who are starting out.

- Collapse -

For right now

by PudgyOne Jun 26, 2006 7:07PM PDT

For right now, I think I will try thr Live CD of Ubuntu 5.10 (Breezy Badger). I have tried a Knoppix CD before and I liked it. I want to make sure, before I dive into the waters, that I have all my pictures and important files copied on CD's. I have DSL (up to 768kb) so I don't think there will be a problem with that. No Wi-Fi card to worry about at this time. Not sure if I will ditch Windows ME or keep it in a partition(if I can figure that out), until I have everything up and running smoothly.

Any information provivde will be taken into consideration. I am always learning new things.

Thank you for your help.

Rick

- Collapse -

Since you have broadband,

by chuckieu Jun 27, 2006 6:28AM PDT

I would download the latest stable Ubuntu, which is 6.06 (Dapper Drake). I have tried most other Linux distros, and I really like this one. Like all OSs, it will take some tweaking to your tastes, but easy to do. There are a few things Windows will do better than Linux or Mac (very few, like games written for Windows), so keeping Windows on the primary partition is a good idea. Linux will install a boot-loader (Grub) as it installs. After that,
when booting, a menu will be offered with choices to pick. After 10 seconds, the default (Linux, but you can change to Windows) will load unless you choose another one. Using it as a live CD is fine until you are sure you like it. Hope this helps. chuck

- Collapse -

Not so dapper there

by lilsim89 Jun 27, 2006 7:35AM PDT

I've read a lot about Dapper Drake giving people fits about a ton of small quirks, especially during boot-time. They seem to reccomend staying w/ Breezy Badger until they get fixed. Have you experienced any of the small, but many quirks, Chuckieu?

- Collapse -

Boot from, read from, and write to "multisession" DVD

by septus Jun 27, 2006 6:55PM PDT

Hi "PudgyOne",
Realising that this is a very subjective reply, I feel most at home with Linux Puppy 2.01 on a "multisession" DVD-R, booting from, reading from (e.g. hard drive installations of other OS:s), and saving session to the same DVD-R, which also has all my personal/configuration data. Running entirely in RAM, it is faster than any other OS/method I have tried, which is important on dial-up connection.
Ubuntu on a HD is my close second choice.
Cheers
"septus"

- Collapse -

Yes, small problems

by chuckieu Jun 28, 2006 5:20AM PDT

Didn't realize about the multisession one on K3b until you said something. Haven't tried the other burners since K3b is the one I have always used and liked. Other issues include: No sound on Kaffeine-Xine-Totem for mpegs,wmv,avi,etc. Codecs don't seem to connect. Dvds will play correctly in Totem and Vlc works for everything else. At one time they all played everything, even Dvix. When I reinstalled , I must have missed whatever I did before. Biggest problem now is an unwanted thermal shutdown. I think it is Acpi having a temp that is set too low (40C). Just a guess. Don't know what it is measuring, I'm guessing the case temp, but it is too low for that, and way too low for a Cpu. For the arctic circle it may be okay, but not summer in Texas. Turning off Acpi didn't seem to work. Will work on that, but the multi-session issue is more important, since that is most of my recording in Linux. chuck

- Collapse -

"Multisession" DVD

by septus Jun 28, 2006 4:58PM PDT

Hi chuckieu,
I did not want to be too long winded. High temp. is not a problem in wintry Victoria, but I do remember the Houston Summer of 1976. Anyhow, I burnt my Linux puppy 2.01 ("seamonkey")iso file (some 70MB) with CD burner Pro XP (freeware) on to a blank DVD-R. "Puppy" gave me the choice at "poweroff" to save or not to save the "session" (with personal settings, downloaded extra programs, e-mail etc) to the same CD/DVD. The "save" choice just made it into a "multisession" DVD. It is very postable and works well on several other computers, even in the absence of HD.I understand Linux Astrumix has a similar capability, but my understanding of Latvian is too limited.
Cheers
septus

- Collapse -

Correction: Austrumi

by septus Jun 28, 2006 5:33PM PDT

Should read Austrumi.Mea culpa.
septus

- Collapse -

Nerolinux

by chuckieu Jun 30, 2006 8:53AM PDT

Just downloaded Nerolinux Demo. Will try it, although I
couldn't find the serial number on my disc. Could have sworn I had been inputing it from the sleeve in XP. It's
an OEM, so even if I recover SN from XP, not sure if it will work. Really disappionted in K3b. Has worked like a charm in every Linux distro I have ever used. Ubuntu broke it, as far as multi-session CDs. I don't do DVDs
that way, only ISOs and Movie backups. Loaded another
lib file or 2, maybe it will work now. chuck

- Collapse -

Re: Nerolinux

by chuckieu Jul 1, 2006 7:19AM PDT

Oem SN doesn't work, as expected. Still would rather get
K3b working correctly. I did realize I have less need for Multi-session now. The downloaded programs I was saving
are now grabbed by Synaptic. chuck

CNET Forums

Other Forums

Forum Info