[resolved] Linux. Is It Worth It?

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 10:54 AM

I am thinking of changing over to the open source solution. I have used microsofts windows since I had my very first computer, and watching all these gadget shows and reading all these computer magazines I cant help but feel that Linux no matter what version is so much better. Know if I knew how and it was simple I would change over to Linux anyday, but I dont. I know you cna download free version of Linux an so on or you can pay for ones like Suse Linux, but I dont want to pay because I'm tight, so whats the best FREE linux you guys think there Is and where can I get it?

Also I am providing the internet connection for my whole house, so if i install Linux will it affect my router because if I lose the router drivers NO one in my house gets the internet, and I want to be able to simply pop in a cd or run a download and install Linux and have everything as it was before jsut as if I was upgrading my windows. Is this possible?

Edit: Sorry if this is wrong forum to be posting in, I could not find another one that seemed to make any more sense.

Oh and one more this, I noticed there is another post with the same sort of topic, but that does not answer all of my questions, I have more, MANY more.

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 10:59 AM

Your Computer Is Your Router Or You Have A Seperate Router, Because No Drivers Are Really Need For A Freestanding Router... And As For The Best Linux, It Really Depends On What You Want To Do... Ubuntu And Xandros Are Great Windows-Like Linux Versions, But They Don't Offer You Everything, Also, You Could Duel-Boot, Meaning Have Windows and Linux Existing On The Same Box, Because That Switch Over Can Be Hard...

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 11:01 AM

I have a stand alone router. its simply plugged into my pc THRO my broadband modem.

How easy is it to have linux and windows on the same hard drive. does it involve partiotioning and stuff. is that easy to do?

and the Linux , ive been looking around for mandrake but I cant find it. The website doesnt seem to work anymore. have mndrake changed there name to mandriva ? because they seem to have the same mandrake star logo.

tgo · 08-01-2005, 11:28 AM

yes mandriva is the old mandrake.

to dual boot yes you will have to partition but its very easy using fdisk or cfdsik.

you can get almost any distro from http://linuxiso.org/

If your router is plugged into your cable modem and then your other computers either plugged into your router or are wireless then converting one box to linux will not affect the rest.

If your box acts as the router then yes it will affect it until you put some iptables onto it.

**Fox** · 08-01-2005, 11:30 AM

Redhat is a nice easy distrobution to start out with. They have a new project out now, called Fedora, which I haven't experimented with, but I have Redhat 9 and I'm pretty happy with it.

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 11:39 AM

Mandrake Is Now Mandriva, They Changed The Name After Going Corperate... And Should You Decide To Duel Boot, Mandrake Come With Lilo, Although you would Have To Partition Yourself, There Are Programs That It Come With To Partition. www.distrowatch.com has tons of linux distros for your pleasure...

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 11:40 AM

RedHat Just Came Back, They stoped providing support when they went corperate, but i have yet to try it out... Fedora Core 3 Is Based Off Of Redhat and i would recommend it too, beware though, there is Fedora Core 4 and it was a flop, go with 3 or another distro...

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 11:43 AM

well Im downloading knoppix now, you know test it out b4 I decide, my router is a wireless one and everyone is connected to it wirelessly but we have not set it up on a network, they simply plugged some atennas into their pc's I told tehm the security pass adn they use the internet, jsut as if someon stood outside my hosue and cud use it, if i never had a pass, doe I still have to move the iptables over then , if i do how cos I dont even kno what the hell iptables are.

um Im on the mandriva linux website and I am going to download it so Im ready to install if i decide to. One thing, because im so st00pid I dont know what one to download, does the intel586 thingy mean anything? will it affect the way linux works?

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 11:49 AM

well you might want to lock down you wireless connection because people can do bad things on it, but linux shouldn't mess it up...

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 12:02 PM

my wireless connection is all locked down, security pass adn stuff. :) and Im the only one who knows it. so if i suddenly lose my memory. well we are all buggered.

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 12:15 PM

the download, 586 refers to yu processor Arch, what processor are you using?

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 12:22 PM

Pent 4 2.66GHz

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 12:41 PM

then you have i686, and any arch, i386, i486, i586, or i686 will work, the higher the arch, the faster it is...

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 12:58 PM

thanks, and thanks to you all youve been a great help, im pretty sure I want to swap over to linux now, ill think about it some more but im downloading mandriva so I probably will oh and one mroe thing, my router is stand aloen as i sed, so I do not need to bother with putting in iptables an so on do i?

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 01:36 PM

all you ip tables are stored on you router, so go ahead

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 02:41 PM

hey guys im using Knoppix right now to post this message and I LOVE IT!
I dont know how I never used this before it looks so good, its got a very mac looking font and desktop without haiving to download anything. Im so happy. Im pretty sure Im going to use Mandrake (cant remember wat its called now). thanks for 'converting' me Im gonna use linux from now on. Is there a permanent version of Knoppix thats good or should I just ue the Mandravira (

) im downloading? oh and how do I find my game or cant I play them seen as im running knoppix temporarily

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 03:42 PM

Ok ive decided FOR SURE , I am going to change to Linux and seen as Knoppix seemed so easy to use and I didnt have to make any big changes I want to use Linux On my computer permanentaly. i am going to install it on a partition so if i hav any trouble I always have windows to fall back on. So software to create a partition comes with mandrake right? and one other thing, while using knoppix i cud not run any of my games or apps. is this simpl because knoppix is a sort of demo or do i need to use an emulator or somit like that?

**LoneWolf071** · 08-01-2005, 04:00 PM

no, you need an emulator, that's why i told you to keep windows... also, mandriva has a tool, but i will admit, it's not the easiest or nicest thing to use, but all other alts. cost money, but irecommend partitions magic...

Caoctane · 08-01-2005, 05:37 PM

so if im on linux and i fell like playing a game, if i havent got a emulator i have to switch to windows. well knoppix came with an emulator, so no doubt mandavira will too, but thanks for the partitioning advice its much appreciated.

with a partition does it mean as i boot up ill get a screen to select what OS i want? If so thats good cos Ill always no I go windows if i need it.

**Fox** · 08-01-2005, 05:38 PM

Don't waste your time with WINE or any other emulator...they just don't run enough programs to make them useful. If you're switching to linux, count on running linux.

I would seriously recommend not using Knoppix as your main OS. If you really like the look and feel of knoppix, try out Debian linux, as it's pretty much Debian with a different frontend adapted to a CD. I've installed knoppix to the hard drive in the past, and it really doesn't jive well at all. There's really no way to run GUI as root, which makes installing some software properly impossible.

08-01-2005, 10:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	Linux. Should I Join The Open Source Solution? I am thinking of changing over to the open source solution. I have used microsofts windows since I had my very first computer, and watching all these gadget shows and reading all these computer magazines I cant help but feel that Linux no matter what version is so much better. Know if I knew how and it was simple I would change over to Linux anyday, but I dont. I know you cna download free version of Linux an so on or you can pay for ones like Suse Linux, but I dont want to pay because I'm tight, so whats the best FREE linux you guys think there Is and where can I get it? Also I am providing the internet connection for my whole house, so if i install Linux will it affect my router because if I lose the router drivers NO one in my house gets the internet, and I want to be able to simply pop in a cd or run a download and install Linux and have everything as it was before jsut as if I was upgrading my windows. Is this possible? Edit: Sorry if this is wrong forum to be posting in, I could not find another one that seemed to make any more sense. Oh and one more this, I noticed there is another post with the same sort of topic, but that does not answer all of my questions, I have more, MANY more. Last edited by Caoctane; 08-01-2005 at 11:00 AM. Reason: PS

08-01-2005, 10:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	Your Computer Is Your Router Or You Have A Seperate Router, Because No Drivers Are Really Need For A Freestanding Router... And As For The Best Linux, It Really Depends On What You Want To Do... Ubuntu And Xandros Are Great Windows-Like Linux Versions, But They Don't Offer You Everything, Also, You Could Duel-Boot, Meaning Have Windows and Linux Existing On The Same Box, Because That Switch Over Can Be Hard... __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 11:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	I have a stand alone router. its simply plugged into my pc THRO my broadband modem. How easy is it to have linux and windows on the same hard drive. does it involve partiotioning and stuff. is that easy to do? and the Linux , ive been looking around for mandrake but I cant find it. The website doesnt seem to work anymore. have mndrake changed there name to mandriva ? because they seem to have the same mandrake star logo. Last edited by Caoctane; 08-01-2005 at 11:05 AM. Reason: mandrake

08-01-2005, 11:28 AM	#4 (permalink)
tgo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 185 OS: slackware 10.1	yes mandriva is the old mandrake. to dual boot yes you will have to partition but its very easy using fdisk or cfdsik. you can get almost any distro from http://linuxiso.org/ If your router is plugged into your cable modem and then your other computers either plugged into your router or are wireless then converting one box to linux will not affect the rest. If your box acts as the router then yes it will affect it until you put some iptables onto it. __________________ My new homepage:

08-01-2005, 11:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Redhat is a nice easy distrobution to start out with. They have a new project out now, called Fedora, which I haven't experimented with, but I have Redhat 9 and I'm pretty happy with it. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

08-01-2005, 11:39 AM	#6 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	Mandrake Is Now Mandriva, They Changed The Name After Going Corperate... And Should You Decide To Duel Boot, Mandrake Come With Lilo, Although you would Have To Partition Yourself, There Are Programs That It Come With To Partition. www.distrowatch.com has tons of linux distros for your pleasure... __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 11:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	RedHat Just Came Back, They stoped providing support when they went corperate, but i have yet to try it out... Fedora Core 3 Is Based Off Of Redhat and i would recommend it too, beware though, there is Fedora Core 4 and it was a flop, go with 3 or another distro... __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 11:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	well Im downloading knoppix now, you know test it out b4 I decide, my router is a wireless one and everyone is connected to it wirelessly but we have not set it up on a network, they simply plugged some atennas into their pc's I told tehm the security pass adn they use the internet, jsut as if someon stood outside my hosue and cud use it, if i never had a pass, doe I still have to move the iptables over then , if i do how cos I dont even kno what the hell iptables are. um Im on the mandriva linux website and I am going to download it so Im ready to install if i decide to. One thing, because im so st00pid I dont know what one to download, does the intel586 thingy mean anything? will it affect the way linux works? Last edited by Caoctane; 08-01-2005 at 11:54 AM. Reason: something else

08-01-2005, 11:49 AM	#9 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	well you might want to lock down you wireless connection because people can do bad things on it, but linux shouldn't mess it up... __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 12:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	my wireless connection is all locked down, security pass adn stuff. :) and Im the only one who knows it. so if i suddenly lose my memory. well we are all buggered.

08-01-2005, 12:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	the download, 586 refers to yu processor Arch, what processor are you using? __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 12:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	Pent 4 2.66GHz

08-01-2005, 12:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	then you have i686, and any arch, i386, i486, i586, or i686 will work, the higher the arch, the faster it is... __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 12:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	thanks, and thanks to you all youve been a great help, im pretty sure I want to swap over to linux now, ill think about it some more but im downloading mandriva so I probably will oh and one mroe thing, my router is stand aloen as i sed, so I do not need to bother with putting in iptables an so on do i?

08-01-2005, 01:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	all you ip tables are stored on you router, so go ahead __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 02:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	hey guys im using Knoppix right now to post this message and I LOVE IT! I dont know how I never used this before it looks so good, its got a very mac looking font and desktop without haiving to download anything. Im so happy. Im pretty sure Im going to use Mandrake (cant remember wat its called now). thanks for 'converting' me Im gonna use linux from now on. Is there a permanent version of Knoppix thats good or should I just ue the Mandravira ( ) im downloading? oh and how do I find my game or cant I play them seen as im running knoppix temporarily

08-01-2005, 03:42 PM	#17 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	Ok ive decided FOR SURE , I am going to change to Linux and seen as Knoppix seemed so easy to use and I didnt have to make any big changes I want to use Linux On my computer permanentaly. i am going to install it on a partition so if i hav any trouble I always have windows to fall back on. So software to create a partition comes with mandrake right? and one other thing, while using knoppix i cud not run any of my games or apps. is this simpl because knoppix is a sort of demo or do i need to use an emulator or somit like that?

08-01-2005, 04:00 PM	#18 (permalink)
LoneWolf071 Be Free Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 840 OS: Windows XP, Linux	no, you need an emulator, that's why i told you to keep windows... also, mandriva has a tool, but i will admit, it's not the easiest or nicest thing to use, but all other alts. cost money, but irecommend partitions magic... __________________ Suicide Command in Linux : rm -rf / ;) AIM:TheLoneWolf071@aim.com--If You Need Help, Don't Hesitate...

08-01-2005, 05:37 PM	#19 (permalink)
Caoctane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: London, England. Posts: 82 OS: Win XP SP3	so if im on linux and i fell like playing a game, if i havent got a emulator i have to switch to windows. well knoppix came with an emulator, so no doubt mandavira will too, but thanks for the partitioning advice its much appreciated. with a partition does it mean as i boot up ill get a screen to select what OS i want? If so thats good cos Ill always no I go windows if i need it. Last edited by Caoctane; 08-01-2005 at 05:40 PM.

08-01-2005, 05:38 PM	#20 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Don't waste your time with WINE or any other emulator...they just don't run enough programs to make them useful. If you're switching to linux, count on running linux. I would seriously recommend not using Knoppix as your main OS. If you really like the look and feel of knoppix, try out Debian linux, as it's pretty much Debian with a different frontend adapted to a CD. I've installed knoppix to the hard drive in the past, and it really doesn't jive well at all. There's really no way to run GUI as root, which makes installing some software properly impossible. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!