To Linux or not to Linux?

[Tarnishedglitter]

Right, my computer is really slow, I have been informed by many people that this is because I'm using Vista. Ian has recommended Linux and has offered to help me install it and so on. I like the idea of Linux being all open source and lovely, but will it be any good?

My computer is a laptop and I use it for internet, watching dvds and writing essays.

[Tarnishedglitter]

Right, my computer is really slow, I have been informed by many people that this is because I'm using Vista. Ian has recommended Linux and has offered to help me install it and so on. I like the idea of Linux being all open source and lovely, but will it be any good?

My computer is a laptop and I use it for internet, watching dvds and writing essays.

Oh, also I use a program called inspiration that lets me make mind maps to get my head around essays. Is there a similar thing for linux?

[procopius]

Yes to all of the above. Including the mind mapping software. (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page)

[Tarnishedglitter]

Yes to all of the above. Including the mind mapping software. (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page)

Thanks, you've saved me a lot of wandering around the internet being confused there :)

[procopius]

Thanks, you've saved me a lot of wandering around the internet being confused there :)

Google sorted it in under ten seconds Lissy. The trick is to decide what the search term for the software you want is and then put 'open source' at the front.

[Beaker]

Personally I would dual boot. You don't want to totally go Linux unless you have used it for an extended period and know all the software does exactly what you want. That's why Linux loses a good number of people, they install it thinking it's good for everything, but then find some bits of software they want to use don't work well enough.

[Rutherford]

Personally I would dual boot. You don't want to totally go Linux unless you have used it for an extended period and know all the software does exactly what you want. That's why Linux loses a good number of people, they install it thinking it's good for everything, but then find some bits of software they want to use don't work well enough.

Slight thread hijack, but relevant. If you did dual boot linux and windows, would that take up a lot of disc space? I know vista seems to occupy a shit ton... Is linux big too?

[Beaker]

Slight thread hijack, but relevant. If you did dual boot linux and windows, would that take up a lot of disc space? I know vista seems to occupy a shit ton... Is linux big too?

depending on the Linux distro you'll use between 10Gb and as mush as you want. If you have an 80Gb HDD then you'll probably want to use it as 50Gb vista, and 30Gb linux. Vista can live on 40Gb with no issues, i've proven that. It can't have less than 20Gb though, that causes it to complain loudly.

[Rutherford]

depending on the Linux distro you'll use between 10Gb and as mush as you want. If you have an 80Gb HDD then you'll probably want to use it as 50Gb vista, and 30Gb linux. Vista can live on 40Gb with no issues, i've proven that. It can't have less than 20Gb though, that causes it to complain loudly.

This might be a noob question...

Well i'm a noob to anything but Windows, so that's allowed...

Does Linux cost money? or is it hippy free stuff? I've not seen it on sale, but I also haven't looked. (Lazy mo fo I know)

[Beaker]

This might be a noob question...

Well i'm a noob to anything but Windows, so that's allowed...

Does Linux cost money? or is it hippy free stuff? I've not seen it on sale, but I also haven't looked. (Lazy mo fo I know)

you can get paid-for distros, however they aren't any better than most of the free ones, it's just some folks like to pay.

[Rutherford]

some folks like to pay.


Hrm... can't accuse me of that.

Cheers for that info. Think I might dual boot this lappy when i've finished my thesisisising....

Look forward to many "how do I dual boot my laptop" guestions... :)

[Recreant]

Look forward to many "how do I dual boot my laptop" guestions... :)

I'll be holding a series of workshops on Linux (Ubuntu Linux in particular, seeing as it's pretty damned easy to use) at Harbl's fairly soon.

As far as dual boot goes: create Linux partition on your HDD, install, and then use your shiny new GRUB (or LiLO or whatever; usually GRUB) bootloader to choose your OS at startup.

The newer versions of Ubuntu can also run from inside Windows like any other program by using something called Wubi. That again, brings up a menu at startup.

[godonlyknows]

I strongly recommend getting a google account (www.gmail.com) and having a go with the "documents" bit.

you can import word documents, edit them, do a load of shit you can do in word (easily enough for essays, etc), download them back as word docs or PDFs wherever you are, and never worry about which PC or operating system you're on.

I think you'd be fine with linux (suse 11 or ubuntu) but be prepared not to know what to do if it goes wrong, and to know nobody who can help. ;)

[procopius]

I think you'd be fine with linux (suse 11 or ubuntu) but be prepared not to know what to do if it goes wrong, and to know nobody who can help. ;)

She's sharing a house with a fairly seasoned Linux expert, as it happens, so that particular one's not a concern.

[Beaker]

I'll be holding a series of workshops on Linux (Ubuntu Linux in particular, seeing as it's pretty damned easy to use) at Harbl's fairly soon.

be Prepared, I have a 2x4, and I use on people who know Ubuntu and claim to be Linux experts.

[godonlyknows]

She's sharing a house with a fairly seasoned Linux expert, as it happens, so that particular one's not a concern.

Bingo. I wouldn't dream of using windows if all I wanted to do was watch DVDs/internets. Not even for hating MS reasons. Just because it's a piece of horrible shit.

[Rutherford]

I'll be holding a series of workshops on Linux (Ubuntu Linux in particular, seeing as it's pretty damned easy to use) at Harbl's fairly soon.

As far as dual boot goes: create Linux partition on your HDD, install, and then use your shiny new GRUB (or LiLO or whatever; usually GRUB) bootloader to choose your OS at startup.

The newer versions of Ubuntu can also run from inside Windows like any other program by using something called Wubi. That again, brings up a menu at startup.

Techy words I understood in this < Techy words I didn't understand in this...

But I think I get the gist.

If it doesn't work can I hit it with my deadblow hammer and fix it? That's my usual approach...

Dead blow then Grandads Hammer (was actually my grandads ball pein) then masonary hammer then sledge. If that doesn't work it's fire, hackaw then buy a new one.

[procopius]

Techy words I understood in this < Techy words I didn't understand in this...

But I think I get the gist.

If it doesn't work can I hit it with my deadblow hammer and fix it? That's my usual approach...

Dead blow then Grandads Hammer (was actually my grandads ball pein) then masonary hammer then sledge. If that doesn't work it's fire, hackaw then buy a new one.

I am Highly Amused to note that I, too, have a ball-peen hammer that I inherited from my granddad.

[Rutherford]

I am Highly Amused to note that I, too, have a ball-peen hammer that I inherited from my granddad.

*salutes*

A man can never have enough hammers... and all the tools I have inherited are so much better than the crap you can buy today...

Especially the ones Grandad made himself. Him was real man!

[JohnnyYen]

I am Highly Amused to note that I, too, have a ball-peen hammer that I inherited from my granddad.

I was really looking forward to inheriting my grandad's shipyard riveters toolkit, he got it in the traditional Geordie way of realising you had one year to pension then nicking one of it's 200-odd items every day for a year, and on your last day your mates carry you and the box out of the front gate, and after all that some c**t burgled our garage and nicked it.

[procopius]

I was really looking forward to inheriting my grandad's shipyard riveters toolkit, he got it in the traditional Geordie way of realising you had one year to pension then nicking one of it's 200-odd items every day for a year, and on your last day your mates carry you and the box out of the front gate, and after all that some c**t burgled our garage and nicked it.

That would have been a fine thing to inherit. I'm waiting for my Irish granddad to start divvying up his toolshed, there are things in there that he nicked from his employers in his days as a railway fireman, and some of the stuff he got from the old GPO in the pre-BT days is positively arcane.

[Beaker]

That would have been a fine thing to inherit. I'm waiting for my Irish granddad to start divvying up his toolshed, there are things in there that he nicked from his employers in his days as a railway fireman, and some of the stuff he got from the old GPO in the pre-BT days is positively arcane.

oooooo, he'll likely have a mechanical wire spinner. Very useful bit of kit, mine broke and i've never got round to replacing it.

[procopius]

oooooo, he'll likely have a mechanical wire spinner. Very useful bit of kit, mine broke and i've never got round to replacing it.

He does. And no, I can't have it, apparently.

[Beaker]

He does. And no, I can't have it, apparently.

bah! they are really handy things for prototyping. Mine was battery powered, and the motor broke. Can't fix it though, and i've never had a huge need for a new one.

[Recreant]

be Prepared, I have a 2x4, and I use on people who know Ubuntu and claim to be Linux experts.

Then it's a ****ing good job I don't claim to be an expert and use Gentoo as my main desktop OS at the moment, isn't it?

EDIT: I'm not going to be asking people to compile their very own kernels from scratch: I'm going to be giving those who are possibly thinking about making the transition from Windows something to think about, show that Ubuntu Linux is actually a rather good OS from a Desktop standpoint, and despite the claptrap; Linux is actually a very user-friendly thing.

[JohnnyYen]

EDIT: I'm not going to be asking people to compile their very own kernels from scratch: I'm going to be giving those who are possibly thinking about making the transition from Windows something to think about, show that Ubuntu Linux is actually a rather good OS from a Desktop standpoint, and despite the claptrap; Linux is actually a very user-friendly thing.

I'd be well up for this, when is it?

[Beaker]

Then it's a ****ing good job I don't claim to be an expert and use Gentoo as my main desktop OS at the moment, isn't it?

EDIT: I'm not going to be asking people to compile their very own kernels from scratch: I'm going to be giving those who are possibly thinking about making the transition from Windows something to think about, show that Ubuntu Linux is actually a rather good OS from a Desktop standpoint, and despite the claptrap; Linux is actually a very user-friendly thing.

*chuckle*

I have a bee in my bonnet about some of the "Linux Experts" that are around. The great majority of them are Ubuntu Ze****s, and like any fanboy should be beaten then ignored. One guy on a technical forum was trying to beat us down with Ubuntu, until someone pointed out I've been a Suse user for years, the guy pointing it it out was a RHEL Certified admin, another dude is a SEL certified tech, another owns a webhosting company that has ~200 servers running all sorts of distros for customers, and that pretty much all of us with any Linux leaning had done Kernel compiles and the like. I loath Ubuntu Ze****s, so I have a shiny new Clue-By-Four to use on them.

[JohnnyYen]

*chuckle*

I have a bee in my bonnet about some of the "Linux Experts" that are around. The great majority of them are Ubuntu Ze****s, and like any fanboy should be beaten then ignored. One guy on a technical forum was trying to beat us down with Ubuntu, until someone pointed out I've been a Suse user for years, the guy pointing it it out was a RHEL Certified admin, another dude is a SEL certified tech, another owns a webhosting company that has ~200 servers running all sorts of distros for customers, and that pretty much all of us with any Linux leaning had done Kernel compiles and the like. I loath Ubuntu Ze****s, so I have a shiny new Clue-By-Four to use on them.

You lost me somewhere around "bee".

Will this shit make a laptop be less of a bastard with the internetz locking up and stuff taking ages to do and that?

[Beaker]

You lost me somewhere around "bee".

Will this shit make a laptop be less of a bastard with the internetz locking up and stuff taking ages to do and that?

Probably yeah. As long as you steer clear of KDE 4 for now you'll be fine. If you are using Ubuntu then you'll install Gnome anyway. KDE and Gnome are user interfaces, both of them are pretty usable. However the latest version of KDE isn't really much more than a Beta test anyway. It's more unstable than a teenage girl.

[Recreant]

*chuckle*

I have a bee in my bonnet about some of the "Linux Experts" that are around. The great majority of them are Ubuntu Ze****s, and like any fanboy should be beaten then ignored. One guy on a technical forum was trying to beat us down with Ubuntu, until someone pointed out I've been a Suse user for years, the guy pointing it it out was a RHEL Certified admin, another dude is a SEL certified tech, another owns a webhosting company that has ~200 servers running all sorts of distros for customers, and that pretty much all of us with any Linux leaning had done Kernel compiles and the like. I loath Ubuntu Ze****s, so I have a shiny new Clue-By-Four to use on them.

...and there I was, thinking you knew me better than that. I've never claimed to be a Linux expert, and never will, until I turn into Mr Torvalds overnight. I like Ubuntu as a gateway distro, Gentoo as a serious/hobby distro, and pureDYNE for multimedia work. I am by no means an Ubuntu fanboy, but I will wax lyrical about it because (shock horror) I like it.

[Beaker]

...and there I was, thinking you knew me better than that. I've never claimed to be a Linux expert, and never will, until I turn into Mr Torvalds overnight. I like Ubuntu as a gateway distro, Gentoo as a serious/hobby distro, and pureDYNE for multimedia work. I am by no means an Ubuntu fanboy, but I will wax lyrical about it because (shock horror) I like it.

heh, I like Ubuntu for users who need an intro (except the babyshit and marmalade theme). However I've a loathing for a certain group of people you'll no doubt come across when you start doing this. Gentoo i've never liked, don't know why not, just when I tried it I wasn't overly impressed. I think it was having to compile everything rather than just have it available. hence my reason for moving to Mandrake. I then got annoyed with Mandrake and moved to Suse even before they did the "OpenSUSE" thing. I've also used for various things RedHat/Fedora, PC Linux, Linspire, Slackware and various others (I particularly like CentOS-a RedHat Branch-for webservers). I wouldn't consider myself an expert, and I'm regularly stumped about stuff. However I'll not claim it either, and that's why I get Rather Angry at Ubuntu Wankers.

[Recreant]

Then hopefully, we've reached an understanding, and you know I'm not claiming to be an expert or anything of the sort! Just somebody who would like more people to get away from Windows, and is willing to help.

[Beaker]

Then hopefully, we've reached an understanding, and you know I'm not claiming to be an expert or anything of the sort! Just somebody who would like more people to get away from Windows, and is willing to help.

yeah, better than saying "Buy a Mac, it just works" which in itself is amusing as a few surveys are actually showing their laptops and periferals to be LESS reliable than Acer :D

[partyvan<3salcmene]

Since time immemorial man has gazed out of his cave and looked to the sky, and the skies once clouded by the dark of Redmond's filthy pollution now from which the giver of happiness and warmth shines down. Whenever you ask from where comes the warmth in my day, I say simply : Look to the Sun, giver of warmth, deliverer of bikinis and walked puppies, and Solaris.

[Beaker]

Solaris.

I would, I keep considering going back to it, but I just haven't had the inclination to re-learn it. it's been a long time since I did use it, and I remember a really liked it.

[JohnnyYen]

Oh FFS, what fresh hell is this? The flying internets don't work, everything's in an utterly execrable typeface, I have no idea where anything is and I'm 90% sure I'm at the very least going to spend ages making files and that work. Has anyone got an XP disc so I can get the reserve laptop working?

[Hex]

Oh FFS, what fresh hell is this? The flying internets don't work, everything's in an utterly execrable typeface, I have no idea where anything is and I'm 90% sure I'm at the very least going to spend ages making files and that work. Has anyone got an XP disc so I can get the reserve laptop working?



LOOOOOOOOOOL!

OH NOEZ I'M AFRAID OF STRANGE NEW THINGZ AND CHANGE.

STFU, stop whining, and I will teach you. The flying interbutts will be working soon, the typeface can be changed easily. :rolleyes:

[Beaker]

Oh FFS, what fresh hell is this? The flying internets don't work, everything's in an utterly execrable typeface, I have no idea where anything is and I'm 90% sure I'm at the very least going to spend ages making files and that work. Has anyone got an XP disc so I can get the reserve laptop working?

Drop it off, i'll fix it up for you. I WILL have an XP disk that works. I've to be fair no problem with Windows usability, however it's always good to have a spare working computer hanging around.

[Juggsy]

Drop it off, i'll fix it up for you. I WILL have an XP disk that works. I've to be fair no problem with Windows usability, however it's always good to have a spare working computer hanging around.

Do you want to extend your computer fixing generosity to the drJuggle household? we are in dire need of some technical expertise and a couple of people who'd said they'd sort it out haven't.

[Beaker]

Do you want to extend your computer fixing generosity to the drJuggle household? we are in dire need of some technical expertise and a couple of people who'd said they'd sort it out haven't.

what would be the problem?

[Juggsy]

what would be the problem?

I have two towers, the one we're using is in desperate need of a complete reload and I keep getting a low disk space message, plus it only has a floppy and CD reader. And I can't turn it off because then it won't turn on again and tells me the CPUfan isn't working properly. The other we got given and I haven't a scooby what's in it except that it has a CD writer so I want to make the best system out of the two of them and possiblyt use the leftovers just to run Cubase on for Andi's mad music ideas. And everything needs backing up because all my photos and shizz are on there.

[Beaker]

I have two towers, the one we're using is in desperate need of a complete reload and I keep getting a low disk space message, plus it only has a floppy and CD reader. And I can't turn it off because then it won't turn on again and tells me the CPUfan isn't working properly. The other we got given and I haven't a scooby what's in it except that it has a CD writer so I want to make the best system out of the two of them and possiblyt use the leftovers just to run Cubase on for Andi's mad music ideas. And everything needs backing up because all my photos and shizz are on there.

Sure, that's not a problem. I'll pick them up whenever is suitable. I'm just waiting for Herself to get up, and then I can actually make some space in my Office. I've also got some stuff to do for Chris, however I'm starting that from scratch again as I rather seriously Lost My Temper with it.

[Juggsy]

Sure, that's not a problem. I'll pick them up whenever is suitable. I'm just waiting for Herself to get up, and then I can actually make some space in my Office. I've also got some stuff to do for Chris, however I'm starting that from scratch again as I rather seriously Lost My Temper with it.

Thanks, that would be wonderful, whenever you have the time is cool, there's no rush. It will probably do us good to not have the internet for a few days or however long - our house will probably get tidied and stuff!

[Beaker]

Thanks, that would be wonderful, whenever you have the time is cool, there's no rush. It will probably do us good to not have the internet for a few days or however long - our house will probably get tidied and stuff!

*chuckles* yeah, there is that. Would probably take a full afternoon or evening once i've got the space.

[JohnnyYen]

And after a very impressive six hours of working...the flying internets have stopped working again. I have to say, the fact that the house's Linux evangelist still has a wire going upstairs to his room does not inspire confidence in this shit's ability to deliver.

[Beaker]

And after a very impressive six hours of working...the flying internets have stopped working again. I have to say, the fact that the house's Linux evangelist still has a wire going upstairs to his room does not inspire confidence in this shit's ability to deliver.

*chuckle* what version of Linux are you on? Is does it have a Babyshit and Marmalade colour scheme?

[JohnnyYen]

Linux Mint, I believe. Possibly "Elyssa" is part of it as well. Whatever it is it's getting on my tits.

[Beaker]

Linux Mint, I believe. Possibly "Elyssa" is part of it as well. Whatever it is it's getting on my tits.

heh, a Debian flavour then. Laptops are a bitch to get Linux on, WiFi support with *NIX is a pain in the arse to say the least. Most companies (Excluding Intel) don't even release Linux drivers.

[JohnnyYen]

Oh FFS now the sound's gone. Open source my open arse, I'm ****ing going back to Windows.

[Hex]

Oh well.

[Tarnishedglitter]

I like linux. It's my laptop, so I win.

(These are the kinds of things me and nick argue about :p )

[Recreant]

I like linux. It's my laptop, so I win.

(These are the kinds of things me and nick argue about :p )

Way to go Lissy ^.^

If you needs more help to configure it, bring it into Harbl's and I'll gladly have a go at fixing your broken bits and bobs.

[Beaker]

Oh FFS now the sound's gone. Open source my open arse, I'm ****ing going back to Windows.

It sounds like you have oddball hardware, you may just need a *NIX with more comprehensive driver support. Failing that drop the old machine off with me and i'll see if i can stream a copy of windows into it.

[Hex]

I used ndiswrapper to install the wireless drivers that I downloaded for the lappy's wireless card and it worked absolutely.

Then, suddenly, the following day, wireless stopped working. The ndiswrapper drivers are all loaded properly and recognised and everything. I just don't get it.

I failed the Duffy's.

[Beaker]

I used ndiswrapper to install the wireless drivers that I downloaded for the lappy's wireless card and it worked absolutely.

Then, suddenly, the following day, wireless stopped working. The ndiswrapper drivers are all loaded properly and recognised and everything. I just don't get it.

I failed the Duffy's.

dump ndiswrapper, try http://www.atheros.com/news/linux.html

Atheros it seems have finally upped the game!

[Hex]

dump ndiswrapper, try http://www.atheros.com/news/linux.html

Atheros it seems have finally upped the game!


Good Lord!

[partyvan<3salcmene]

I used ndiswrapper to install the wireless drivers that I downloaded for the lappy's wireless card and it worked absolutely.

Then, suddenly, the following day, wireless stopped working. The ndiswrapper drivers are all loaded properly and recognised and everything. I just don't get it.

I failed the Duffy's.

Give me the hardware specs and I will crystal ball you a working *nix. Currently I am the champion of getting stuff to work on proper operating systems (whilst being second or third on MS). I can even find ways to get HP Tablet PCs running *nix.

[Hex]

Give me the hardware specs and I will crystal ball you a working *nix. Currently I am the champion of getting stuff to work on proper operating systems (whilst being second or third on MS). I can even find ways to get HP Tablet PCs running *nix.


I don't actually know the hardware specs, but Nick or Lissy could probably bring the lappy into Harbl's at some point.

[partyvan<3salcmene]

I don't actually know the hardware specs, but Nick or Lissy could probably bring the lappy into Harbl's at some point.

If they would like to send me model number and manufacturer I will sort it out. It's easier than traipsing round with laptops.

[Hex]

If they would like to send me model number and manufacturer I will sort it out. It's easier than traipsing round with laptops.


I think Duffy's on it at the mo.

[JohnnyYen]

Toshiba Satellite Pro A200. Sound is now working again after I used all my technical know-how and skillz*, but flying internetz are still down.

Also what's the best torrent thing for Linux? If I was going to use torrents, which of course none of the honest and upstanding users of Prestone would, and even then only to download entirely public domain things.

*Turned it off and on again

[Hex]

Toshiba Satellite Pro A200. Sound is now working again after I used all my technical know-how and skillz*, but flying internetz are still down.

Also what's the best torrent thing for Linux? If I was going to use torrents, which of course none of the honest and upstanding users of Prestone would, and even then only to download entirely public domain things.

*Turned it off and on again


I reckon the best torrenting program is called Deluge.

Bring up the Terminal (start button > accessories > terminal) and type in this:

sudo apt-get install deluge

It will ask for your password, you should know it.

If it asks for y/n on whether you want to install the packages, just press 'y' then enter.

It will download then install deluge for you.

Once done, you'll find it in your "Elyssa > Internet" menu.

[JohnnyYen]

I reckon the best torrenting program is called Deluge.

Bring up the Terminal (start button > accessories > terminal) and type in this:

sudo apt-get install deluge

It will ask for your password, you should know it.

If it asks for y/n on whether you want to install the packages, just press 'y' then enter.

It will download then install deluge for you.

Once done, you'll find it in your "Elyssa > Internet" menu.

"Could not find package Deluge".

However that fortune cookie thing did say "You will make money through an illegal action", so I'll have to try again later.

[Hex]

"Could not find package Deluge".

However that fortune cookie thing did say "You will make money through an illegal action", so I'll have to try again later.



I shall pop downstairs and enable a few repositories. :)

[partyvan<3salcmene]

http://www.sun.com/bigadmin/hcl/data/systems/details/3291.html

This one ? It appears to be on the HCL for Open Solaris with one note for the ethernet drivers.

[Tarnishedglitter]

:) everyone is ace for helping us with our computer. I really like linux, but thats cos I a) like being different, yet also the same as the people I respect and b) I like being a smelly hippy.

Chris, should i click on that link, or should I wait till someone who knows what they are doing can click on it for me?

I fully intend on becoming dead good at linux, if only so i can baffle people by talking like the people in this thread.

[Hex]

Chris, should i click on that link, or should I wait till someone who knows what they are doing can click on it for me?


The link is just an OpenSolaris information page detailing that OpenSolaris is entirely compatible with the hardware of your happy lappy. A solution to the wireless problem, of course, is to install OpenSolaris on your lappy (OpenSolaris is a free, open-source version of the Solaris operating system by Sun Microsystems; it and Linux have their roots in the original Unix systems).

So there's that, or pass the lappy to Recreant who can fix the wireless problem on your current Linux Mint installation. :)

[Tarnishedglitter]

The link is just an OpenSolaris information page detailing that OpenSolaris is entirely compatible with the hardware of your happy lappy. A solution to the wireless problem, of course, is to install OpenSolaris on your lappy (OpenSolaris is a free, open-source version of the Solaris operating system by Sun Microsystems; it and Linux have their roots in the original Unix systems).

So there's that, or pass the lappy to Recreant who can fix the wireless problem on your current Linux Mint installation. :)

What would you recommend? tbh, I like the linux I have, apart from the wireless problem.

[Hex]

What would you recommend? tbh, I like the linux I have, apart from the wireless problem.


Allow Recreant to fix it for thee, then. It means, also, that any future queries you have I can probably solve; were you to install OpenSolaris I probably wouldn't be able to help you as my knowledge of Solaris is minimal.

Ultimately, it's up to you, but it makes sense to take a near-functioning Linux system to get fixed.

[Recreant]

What we on, atheros wireless and a soundcard thats a bit dicky in the driver dept? Should be easy fixed, I'll have a scout around for a solution to your problem, if you like.

[Hex]

What we on, atheros wireless and a soundcard thats a bit dicky in the driver dept? Should be easy fixed, I'll have a scout around for a solution to your problem, if you like.



Yeah, Atheron Wireless currently using the windows drivers using ndiswrapper (although Beaker posted up the recent Atheros OSS Linux drivers earlier in the thread) and sound that sometimes doesn't work. I wondered if the sound was because of some conflicts with ALSA and PulseAudio or something.

[Recreant]

Yeah, Atheron Wireless currently using the windows drivers using ndiswrapper (although Beaker posted up the recent Atheros OSS drivers earlier in the thread) and sound that sometimes doesn't work. I wondered if the sound was because of some conflicts with ALSA and PulseAudio or something.

Mmki. So far as Atheros goes, they're now officially supporting the MADWIFI project (http://madwifi.org) (http://madwifi.org) and you'd be best to get the source code from their page. You'll need build-essential, autoconf and automake from your repos for this. More instructions can be found on their wiki.

With sound, there is a way to completely disable PulseAudio, or if you prefer, there are a couple of lines in gdm.conf you can dick around with to make ALSA the default, otherwise it'll try to push Pulse through OSS and that shit ain't good. Otherwise, have a look in the ALSA conf at the model of the soundcard, and make sure it's correct.

[Hex]

Mmki. So far as Atheros goes, they're now officially supporting the MADWIFI project (http://madwifi.org) (http://madwifi.org) and you'd be best to get the source code from their page. You'll need build-essential, autoconf and automake from your repos for this. More instructions can be found on their wiki.

With sound, there is a way to completely disable PulseAudio, or if you prefer, there are a couple of lines in gdm.conf you can dick around with to make ALSA the default, otherwise it'll try to push Pulse through OSS and that shit ain't good. Otherwise, have a look in the ALSA conf at the model of the soundcard, and make sure it's correct.


Sounds a little too complex for me and I'm afraid of dicking with the wireless anymore in case I balls it up again.

[Beaker]

What we on, atheros wireless and a soundcard thats a bit dicky in the driver dept? Should be easy fixed, I'll have a scout around for a solution to your problem, if you like.
http://www.opensuse.com
http://www.ubuntu.com
http://www.mandriva.com


all have 100% compatability with that laptop. Plus, they all have package managers, much easier for a novice to use a package manager.

[Recreant]

http://www.opensuse.com
http://www.ubuntu.com
http://www.mandriva.com


all have 100% compatability with that laptop. Plus, they all have package managers, much easier for a novice to use a package manager.

Holy shit, Rick's suggesting Ubuntu, RUN. THE SKY IS FALLING

[Hex]

http://www.ubuntu.com


Linux Mint is essentially Ubuntu with some software pre-installed and a few custom apps.

[Tarnishedglitter]

Thankyou all for your help, is there anything I can do to help, or am I best leaving it to the experts?

[Beaker]

Holy shit, Rick's suggesting Ubuntu, RUN. THE SKY IS FALLING

Decent enough for novice users, I just don't think it's any good for a more advanced user.

[Beaker]

Linux Mint is essentially Ubuntu with some software pre-installed and a few custom apps.

But Ubuntu is showing all the hardware as compatible. Mint i'm sure should work fine :\

[Recreant]

Decent enough for novice users, I just don't think it's any good for a more advanced user.

Hence Mint. Debian base, Ubuntu repos, some custom stuff and root account functionality.

Lissy, you could always try standard Ubuntu (should work OOTB), and it's easy as pie. :/

[Recreant]

But Ubuntu is showing all the hardware as compatible. Mint i'm sure should work fine :\

There are a few niggles, admittedly. Not all Ubuntu driver support is included in Mint.

[Beaker]

Hence Mint. Debian base, Ubuntu repos, some custom stuff and root account functionality.

Lissy, you could always try standard Ubuntu (should work OOTB), and it's easy as pie. :/

Also, IIRC Suse and Mandriva both support the madwifi stuff out of the box.

[Hex]

But Ubuntu is showing all the hardware as compatible. Mint i'm sure should work fine :\


That was my reasoning.

Hence Mint. Debian base, Ubuntu repos, some custom stuff and root account functionality.

Lissy, you could always try standard Ubuntu (should work OOTB), and it's easy as pie. :/


I don't have Hardy on disc.

[Recreant]

Also, IIRC Suse and Mandriva both support the madwifi stuff out of the box.

But Mandriva is FRENCH, and it's going on a laptop that Nick Duffy has to use.

And OpenSUSE is German. Imagine what Nick's Polish customers would say...

I don't have Hardy on disc.

HAIIII

[soul phill]

ubuntu is great. No worrying when going on dodgy adult websites innit ;)

[Hex]

HAIIII

:D

So, what do you think I should do:

1. Get Lissy to bring her lappy in tomorrow for thee to look at and fix;
2. Hand me the Hardy CD and I shall install it on their lappy;
3. ?????
4. PROFIT!

?

[JohnnyYen]

I am gradually coming round to the whole Linux thing. It is faster, it does seem pretty much user-friendly and I'm sure that with the offer of a good home-cooked meal someone will be able to make the wireless work. Oh and is there a linux version of VLC? I'm not massive impressed with the video player.

[Hex]

I am gradually coming round to the whole Linux thing. It is faster, it does seem pretty much user-friendly and I'm sure that with the offer of a good home-cooked meal someone will be able to make the wireless work. Oh and is there a linux version of VLC? I'm not massive impressed with the video player.


Yes, VLC is available on Linux.

sudo apt-get install vlc

[Recreant]

Yes, VLC is available on Linux.

sudo apt-get install vlc

Ubuntu would be much easier for them, Ian, you have to admit. Add/Remove would have them giggling with joy.

[Hex]

Ubuntu would be much easier for them, Ian, you have to admit. Add/Remove would have them giggling with joy.


I suppose there is that. MintInstall, while a nice idea, is not very well developed.

[Tarnishedglitter]

What do I need to do to get this ubunti thingy? Should I try and download it myself, or will that lead to disaster/irritated housemates?

[Beaker]

What do I need to do to get this ubunti thingy? Should I try and download it myself, or will that lead to disaster/irritated housemates?

www.ubuntu.com

Just download it, burn it to disk and boot from the disk. If it works you'll know instantly as you can use it straight form the CD. It's a little slow when you do, but it does allow you to try before you take the final step and install it.

[Tarnishedglitter]

www.ubuntu.com

Just download it, burn it to disk and boot from the disk. If it works you'll know instantly as you can use it straight form the CD. It's a little slow when you do, but it does allow you to try before you take the final step and install it.

ah-ha, i have no blank cds in. I'll get some tomorrow. cheers!

[Betty]

What do I need to do to get this ubunti thingy? Should I try and download it myself, or will that lead to disaster/irritated housemates?



Hex here:

I have it downloaded and can burn it onto a CD and install it for you guys tonight/tomorrow. :)

[Tarnishedglitter]

Hex here:

I have it downloaded and can burn it onto a CD and install it for you guys tonight/tomorrow. :)

Hex, you rule. Also, betty rules for passing the message on, but not quite as much as hex does :)

[Betty]

Hex, you rule. Also, betty rules for passing the message on, but not quite as much as hex does :)

he used my laptop when i went to pee lol.

[Hex]

he used my laptop when i went to pee lol.


Glaswegian-Ninja-posting.

[Andy]

I've got my PC dual booted with XP and Ubuntu Hardy Heron. It's fun, as if I get bored, I just try and learn what to do on Linux :)

[Pod]

Question: What do you want to do on linux?

Infact, what can you do on linux that you can't do on windows? I currently have msys/mingw installed here at works, so I have the POWAR of the core gnu tools at my finger tips, and the power to play DX10 games in the background ;) WIN WIN.


edit:That was actually aimed toward andy, but any of you can asnwer it.

[Andy]

Purely just wanting to use Linux dual booted so I can have a play around and just get familiar with other Operating Systems etc. No deep meaning behind, I just like to tinker.

[Pod]

Personally I like tailor, solider and sail 'er.

[Hex]

Question: What do you want to do on linux?

Infact, what can you do on linux that you can't do on windows? I currently have msys/mingw installed here at works, so I have the POWAR of the core gnu tools at my finger tips, and the power to play DX10 games in the background ;) WIN WIN.


As an interesting side note, it is now possible to use DX10 on Linux courtesy of our very own Recreant.

[Pod]

As an interesting side note, it is now possible to use DX10 on Linux courtesy of our very own Recreant.

Did he make directX 10 drivers for linux, or something? It takes about 200 guys to do it for Windows... ;)

[Hex]

Did he make directX 10 drivers for linux, or something? It takes about 200 guys to do it for Windows... ;)


Nah. Linux + Wine + relevant DX10 dll libraries = DX10 on Linux Ubuntu.