Linux for NOOB

Hi. I have never used Linux, but heard it was very stable OS. I do not know anything about Linux thou, so I got some questions. Can a laptop with intel pentium M run linux, or does it have to be amd 64? Can you recomend any websites where I can find more information about OS? If you install it on a laptop, where do you get drivers if you need them?

and Does it worth installing at all?

Thanks

ACER TM3201XCI 60GB 5400RPM HD ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9700

 

Yeah I don't know much about linux myself, but I know that your laptop with pentium M will run linux no problem just look for something with x86 build.

The only site that comes to mind is www.linuxiso.org you can get most of the different distributions of linux there.

Could someone recommend a free 64 bit distribution of linux that has good driver support?

Has anyone had any experience with ubuntu or kubuntu distributions of linux?



"If you find yourself in a hole, it's time to stop digging."

 

Being a Noob with Linux. Should I download Debian, or Libra net?

Thanks

ACER TM3201XCI 60GB 5400RPM HD ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9700

 

Hi,

As always, noobs help noobs, and here's my contribution:

For starters, go HERE:

http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php

It's still in beta, but it really works.

For more comprehensive Distro info go here:

http://distrowatch.com/

I suggest you use Ubuntu though, It's a great distro, with great laptop support, and generally, a well rounded distro.Also, It's completely free.They'll even mail you CDs for free!! Here, look:

http://www.ubuntulinux.org/shipit/link_view

I suggest you download the "Live-CD", burn it, reboot, boot from CD, and see if you like freedom!!

Good Luck!!

 

I have been successful installing Debian on every laptop I have owned. Ubuntu is a derivative of Debian so I expect this will also be straightforward. If Ubuntu does work, the installation is beautiful. It comes on a live CD, which means that a completely usable system boots straight from the CD, including windowing system, web browser, open office. Also, Ubuntu was able to sense my wifi card (a linksys 8010-g card). The atheros cards are also pretty straightforward if you download and install madwifi. This requires some familiarity with linux, including knowledge of makefiles, tar-balls, etc. The documenation is pretty good, and usually, you will find people to help you through.

My personal prejudice is that Debian and its derivatives have the advantage of the best package management system, aptitude or apt.

My $0.02

 

Try Ubuntu first. I runs Ubuntu 6.1 on my laptop and it is great.

I found a great podcast for new Linux users http://www.linuxreality.com
I started last month and that has helped me. He also has one episode dedicated to resources for Linux users. Check it out.

 

Ok, for starters Ubuntu is probably going to have some of the best hardware support you can get. Stick to the 6.06 LTS version though as it is a good bit more stable than the 6.10 version. Only try 6.10 if there is something that you cannot get drivers for in 6.06, which is pretty unlikely as 6.06 is getting updated with very similar drivers as 6.10. There is a reason 6.10 is code named edgy (as in rough around the edges) so in general avoid it for the next few months, just give it a little time to develop and it will be a great distro.

The best way to give Linux a try is to Download it to a CD and then boot from the CD, doing this will actually run Linux in something kinda like an emulator. So it will not alter or in any way harm your Windows XP and you will be able to see what Ubuntu, or whatever OS you want, looks like.

Downloading the ISO is relatively easy, just follow the links given in the guide. Your hardware should not have any issues. there might be a few drivers you have to download, but that is unlikely. I have Ubuntu running on a P4 laptop and Ubuntu recognize everything, including my wireless card.

I for one have greatly enjoyed using Linux, it is far more stable than XP and boots a tun faster. You can also customize it to look however you want, from vista to mac. It is a little challenging to set up at first but after you do it a couple of times, setup becomes second nature. After the Linux OS is setup though, there is very little maintenance and you don't have to constantly worry about getting a virus. Also if you have any issues just boot into XP and ask for help. Thats when you will discover the great linux community out there. Give it a try and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

I would like to add that a LiveCD version of the distribution is required to boot from the CD and "test it ou" as RefinedPower suggested. Not every distribution has this option, so booting from a CD that doesn't have the option will just take you through the install process.

 

That is true, but if you stick to the more popular distros there should not be to much trouble, although even there you can find a few odd exceptions. Ubuntu offers free LiveCDs with free shipping, so that might be worth checking out. Its definitely the easiest way to go, though the shipping is verrrry slow.(around 2-3 weeks)