Thinking of converting to Linux, HELP!!

greekmaster · 03-24-2005, 07:18 PM

I am highly interested in using Linux, but am a but nervous about venturing into uncharted waters. Any advice or encouragement about getting started with Linux?

Volt-Schwibe · 03-24-2005, 07:40 PM

i would suggest you obtain a copy of knoppix.

it's a version of linux that boots from a cd, and doesnt need a hard disk, but, if you have a hard disk, it will create a single file on the disk, but it will not change your file structure, so you won't have any lasting effects from running it.

except that one single file, but you can delete it no problems.

then, after you have used knoppix, you will know a little more about it, and will be able to make a good choice.

or, if you feel brave, you could download mandrake, it's the easiest to install in my opinion. and it's still full featured.

however, it's a little slow on slow machines.

mandrake and knoppix are both free.

www.linux.org has a nice data base of different distributions and applications.

**superflysmith** · 03-24-2005, 07:43 PM

I too am interested in switching. I will not switch my main computer until I know what I'm doing. I've learned everything on windows. I just wonder if I'd be able to figure out what the heck I'm doing on Linux. Someone ease my mind and tell me it's not that hard to figure out.

batty_professor · 03-24-2005, 07:47 PM

Hi, and thank you for your interest in Linux. I'd like to encourage you to look at some of the recent threads regarding this subject. Seems we get more interested parties as we go. You might be interested in a live CD to start with, as it requires no permanent installation to the computer, just start the computer from a "cold boot" and let the software do it's thing. See this thread. Knoppix and also this site, for more info. http://www.linux.org/info/wanttouse.html You are also encouraged to look at the http://www.linuxiso.org homepage. there is a wealth of information about getting Linux downloads and burning the .ISO files to CD. Please let us know here how we can help.

**Lectraplayer** · 03-24-2005, 08:11 PM

It isn't too hard to get yourself oriented in Linux for use in your day-to-day, and after using it some, I got to where I like Linux better. You can install it on your main machine and dual-boot, Linux comes with a boot-manager that will do that. Just feed it the disks as you install it and you're good to go. Want Windows when in Linux? Reboot, and when the bootloader comes up, cursor down to "windows" and you're back to Windows. Want Linux again? Reboot. The only thing Linux really can't do that Windows can is to write to NTFS partitions. What Windows do you run? You may have to add another hard disk or use a partition manager to open up a spot for Linux. ...then again, there's always something like Damn Small Linux, Knoppix, Slackware Live CD, or something to that effect.

**superflysmith** · 03-24-2005, 08:11 PM

Well thanks for your help. I'm d/l knoppix right now. So in roughly five hours from now I may have some more questions for you guys.

batty_professor · 03-24-2005, 08:28 PM

For those of you with lacking connections, you can try Beatrix. It's 182 MB. and has decent features. It therefore does lack some things found on the bigger distro's, like Knoppix, but it also will run better in smaller environments (ram).

**LoneWolf071** · 03-26-2005, 10:49 AM

Linux is a tough cookie for noob's, so get a LiveCD(Knppix) and test it. Linux has a lot of do-it-your self things, but it is totally worth it. also, many switch with out knowing, but you can't play normal windows games or programs on linux.

will182 · 03-26-2005, 12:18 PM

hey is linux as good as windows like what fetures does it have like can u create a network using one linux and one windows pc and can u have all games that only show that they support windows operating systems?

batty_professor · 03-26-2005, 12:54 PM

Truthfully, there isn't much for windows based games in Linux. Though there are some that have been 'converted" (for lack of the correct term at the moment) by the vendors. What the world needs is more Linux users crying out for the support from the vendors. Those vendors are market-driven as much as anyone else.

**LoneWolf071** · 03-26-2005, 07:21 PM

Linux is not a gaming system, it's realy a security/developer thing. there are very few games for linux, and there is an emulator, but it will make your sysem laggg

Volt-Schwibe · 03-27-2005, 12:45 AM

you may also be interested in Damn Small Linux. (DSL) linux.

it boots from a 50 meg cd.

although, it's very limited, but can be installed as a real os without any serious hassle.

and, once you install it, it gives you a simple package manager where you can download and add packages.

it's worth a shot, i myself would feel that my experiences weren't complete unless i have tried them all.

greekmaster · 03-28-2005, 02:07 PM

My main question about converting to Linux is being able to do regular word processing and other office type tasks. I am a Grad student and writing is a regular part of my life. What kind of word processor does Linux have or offer? Is there some type of office suite? I am clueless about this. . .

NR

Nemesis · 03-28-2005, 07:38 PM

Im not a huge linux user but I know that all distros of linux come with their own word processing suite, just like microsoft office, you have your word processing, and spreadsheets and so on.

**Lectraplayer** · 03-28-2005, 08:00 PM

I love OpenOffice, which comes with most modern Linux flavors, and I use it for all things I used to use M$ Office for. It reads and writes to files from the M$ Office suite without a hitch, which I use heavily. Office compatibility is almost guaronteed.

I use Linux for most of my "productive" work short of going online.

batty_professor · 03-28-2005, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gre*****ter

My main question about converting to Linux is being able to do regular word processing and other office type tasks. I am a Grad student and writing is a regular part of my life. What kind of word processor does Linux have or offer? Is there some type of office suite? I am clueless about this. . .

NR

For this, I would have to recommend Knoppix, or better yet, an installed Linux distribution. Knoppix comes packaged with Open Office, and that will, to my knowledge do pretty much everything that M$ Office will do, except crash when you're not quite done. ( Boy!! don't you just HATE when that happens!) I know, you're supposed to remember to save your work occasionally, and nobody teaches that better than M$! To learn more about the Open Office applications go to http://www.openoffice.org

greekmaster · 03-29-2005, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batty_professor

For this, I would have to recommend Knoppix, or better yet, an installed Linux distribution. Knoppix comes packaged with Open Office, and that will, to my knowledge do pretty much everything that M$ Office will do, except crash when you're not quite done.

So, since I am new at this, where is the best place to obtain Knopppix or an "installed Linux distribution?"

And just to be sure, I can use all of my Word files with the Open Office programs? They are 100% compatible?

greekmaster · 03-29-2005, 11:11 AM

If I wanted to be M$ free, could you give me a detailed, and easy to follow, step-by-step guide to doing this? What programs to get, in what order, etc.

I am deadly serious about this.

One more thing: WIth all the Adware and Spyware and crap out there, if I go M$ free, how much less trouble will I have? And does Linux (which ever version I choose to go with) have its own browser or will FireFox work?

03-24-2005, 07:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
greekmaster Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 OS: XP Pro	Thinking of converting to Linux, HELP!! I am highly interested in using Linux, but am a but nervous about venturing into uncharted waters. Any advice or encouragement about getting started with Linux?

03-24-2005, 07:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,241 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	i would suggest you obtain a copy of knoppix. it's a version of linux that boots from a cd, and doesnt need a hard disk, but, if you have a hard disk, it will create a single file on the disk, but it will not change your file structure, so you won't have any lasting effects from running it. except that one single file, but you can delete it no problems. then, after you have used knoppix, you will know a little more about it, and will be able to make a good choice. or, if you feel brave, you could download mandrake, it's the easiest to install in my opinion. and it's still full featured. however, it's a little slow on slow machines. mandrake and knoppix are both free. www.linux.org has a nice data base of different distributions and applications. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? New Members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. Power Tip: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

03-24-2005, 07:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
superflysmith An American Hero and Moderator, The Conversation Pit. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,576 OS: XP PRO	I too am interested in switching. I will not switch my main computer until I know what I'm doing. I've learned everything on windows. I just wonder if I'd be able to figure out what the heck I'm doing on Linux. Someone ease my mind and tell me it's not that hard to figure out. __________________ "Some people go their whole life wondering if they ever made a difference. Marines don’t have that problem." Bush made the Packers lose

03-24-2005, 07:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,609 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	Hi, and thank you for your interest in Linux. I'd like to encourage you to look at some of the recent threads regarding this subject. Seems we get more interested parties as we go. You might be interested in a live CD to start with, as it requires no permanent installation to the computer, just start the computer from a "cold boot" and let the software do it's thing. See this thread. Knoppix and also this site, for more info. http://www.linux.org/info/wanttouse.html You are also encouraged to look at the http://www.linuxiso.org homepage. there is a wealth of information about getting Linux downloads and burning the .ISO files to CD. Please let us know here how we can help. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

03-24-2005, 08:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lectraplayer TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 527 OS: Win-XP, Debian/Sarge, and SuSI 9.1	It isn't too hard to get yourself oriented in Linux for use in your day-to-day, and after using it some, I got to where I like Linux better. You can install it on your main machine and dual-boot, Linux comes with a boot-manager that will do that. Just feed it the disks as you install it and you're good to go. Want Windows when in Linux? Reboot, and when the bootloader comes up, cursor down to "windows" and you're back to Windows. Want Linux again? Reboot. The only thing Linux really can't do that Windows can is to write to NTFS partitions. What Windows do you run? You may have to add another hard disk or use a partition manager to open up a spot for Linux. ...then again, there's always something like Damn Small Linux, Knoppix, Slackware Live CD, or something to that effect. __________________ Finally, killed the Window! Microsoft free, baby!!

03-24-2005, 08:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
superflysmith An American Hero and Moderator, The Conversation Pit. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,576 OS: XP PRO	Well thanks for your help. I'm d/l knoppix right now. So in roughly five hours from now I may have some more questions for you guys. __________________ "Some people go their whole life wondering if they ever made a difference. Marines don’t have that problem." Bush made the Packers lose

03-24-2005, 08:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,609 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	For those of you with lacking connections, you can try Beatrix. It's 182 MB. and has decent features. It therefore does lack some things found on the bigger distro's, like Knoppix, but it also will run better in smaller environments (ram). __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

03-26-2005, 10:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 834 OS: Windows XP, Linux	Linux is a tough cookie for noob's, so get a LiveCD(Knppix) and test it. Linux has a lot of do-it-your self things, but it is totally worth it. also, many switch with out knowing, but you can't play normal windows games or programs on linux. __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

03-26-2005, 12:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
will182 Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 27 OS: xp pro	hey is linux as good as windows like what fetures does it have like can u create a network using one linux and one windows pc and can u have all games that only show that they support windows operating systems?

03-26-2005, 12:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,609 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	Truthfully, there isn't much for windows based games in Linux. Though there are some that have been 'converted" (for lack of the correct term at the moment) by the vendors. What the world needs is more Linux users crying out for the support from the vendors. Those vendors are market-driven as much as anyone else. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

03-26-2005, 07:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 834 OS: Windows XP, Linux	Linux is not a gaming system, it's realy a security/developer thing. there are very few games for linux, and there is an emulator, but it will make your sysem laggg __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

03-27-2005, 12:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,241 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	you may also be interested in Damn Small Linux. (DSL) linux. it boots from a 50 meg cd. although, it's very limited, but can be installed as a real os without any serious hassle. and, once you install it, it gives you a simple package manager where you can download and add packages. it's worth a shot, i myself would feel that my experiences weren't complete unless i have tried them all. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? New Members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. Power Tip: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

03-28-2005, 02:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
greekmaster Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 OS: XP Pro	My main question about converting to Linux is being able to do regular word processing and other office type tasks. I am a Grad student and writing is a regular part of my life. What kind of word processor does Linux have or offer? Is there some type of office suite? I am clueless about this. . . NR

03-28-2005, 07:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
Nemesis Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Va, USA Posts: 222 OS: Win2000.xp.vista.03server.	Im not a huge linux user but I know that all distros of linux come with their own word processing suite, just like microsoft office, you have your word processing, and spreadsheets and so on.

03-28-2005, 08:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
Lectraplayer TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 527 OS: Win-XP, Debian/Sarge, and SuSI 9.1	I love OpenOffice, which comes with most modern Linux flavors, and I use it for all things I used to use M$ Office for. It reads and writes to files from the M$ Office suite without a hitch, which I use heavily. Office compatibility is almost guaronteed. I use Linux for most of my "productive" work short of going online. __________________ Finally, killed the Window! Microsoft free, baby!!

03-29-2005, 11:11 AM	#18 (permalink)
greekmaster Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 OS: XP Pro	If I wanted to be M$ free, could you give me a detailed, and easy to follow, step-by-step guide to doing this? What programs to get, in what order, etc. I am deadly serious about this. One more thing: WIth all the Adware and Spyware and crap out there, if I go M$ free, how much less trouble will I have? And does Linux (which ever version I choose to go with) have its own browser or will FireFox work?