Linux Transition Thread

[skip0110]

This thread is designed to ease the trasition from Windows to Linux, and help in setting up a dual boot system.

STEP 1: Make sure you have the hardware

• 3 (or 4) CD-R's or CD-RWs, and burning software

• Fast internet connection to download iso's, or about $10 to buy CD's

• 5 or more gig of free space

• motivation and time

STEP 2: Get the software
First, pick your distro. I would recommend Fedora Core 1, since Fedora Core 2 has a documented bug that can make getting it to play with Windows a bit tricky. Download the iso images, and burn them to CDs. (For most of you, you want to get them here. This is Fedora Core 1 for i386 systems--not 64 bit--and you want files named yarrow-i386-disc*.iso. Download them all.) If your connection is slow, you can buy CDs from this store; I have had good experience with them.

STEP 3: Make hard drive space.
This can be done two ways.

1. Partition Magic. This is pay software, but it has a nice GUI.
2. PAUD. (http://paud.sourceforge.net/) This is free software, but you need to use command line to get your partitioning done . Good news is, it is fairly reliable. You need a windows program to put the *.img file on a floppy, then reboot to your floppy drive. When you get a prompt, type parted. (If you have multiple hard dirves, you have to specify which one--they are named /dev/hda, /dev/hdb, etc. So: "parted /dev/hdX".) Then type print to have a look at your partitions--make a note of which partition you will be resizing. The type resize, and follow the prompts. This manual will give you an idea of the text you will see, you may want to skim through it before you jump in. (By popular request, I have also made a PAUD bootable CD iso image: http://s5.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=211A427C86F2775D708D33D4B18F2AA3)

STEP 4: Install.
Put in CD1 that you burned. Be sure to select "manual partitioning" and put Fedora on the free space you made in step 3. Also, use GRUB as the bootloader, it should automatically detect your Windows partition. I will expand this later, once I get screenshots. I have to get my VMware working.

Enjoy your dual boot system .

 

[emad]

is it possible to put paud onto a cdrom? My laptop doesn't have floppy

A word of advice about Partition Magic - If you use it, DO NOT use fdisk to modify your partitions later. The chance of things going wrong with that combination is huge

 

[MistaY]

I just wish there was a (Race) idiot proof gude for installations (Or mainly compiling) and driver installs. Oh and maybe some sort of gude to all the various different commands that are available in the command line part. Or just some guy who would just explain almost every aspect of Linux's workings to me in easy one hour lessons.

 

[emad]

www.gentoo.org - follow the instructions in the installation manual. By the time you finish installing, you will have learned a great deal about the Linux OS

 

[MistaY]

Eh, when I get my PSU and get me box uup and ruuning i'll give it a go. Although i've heard that it takes a while for Gentoo to install, complie and configure. Eh, I need time and motivation more than anything else.

Edit: Warning, gratuitous usage of 'eh'

 

[CDailey]

Nice instructions skip. 👍

I'm with emad here too. Can we put puad on cd? My Floppy drive is broken.

 

[skip0110]

Nice instructions skip. 👍

I'm with emad here too. Can we put puad on cd? My Floppy drive is broken.

I found this CD image, it claims to also have parted.

http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/system/recovery/RIP-10.3.iso.bin

I am checking it out right now, I'll edit this post with my review/instruction on it in 10-15 min.

EDIT: Drat, I cant find a single CD-R in my dorm! Someone else will just have to try it out, then.

 

[sUn]

I'm planning on installing Fedora this weekend, I hate the fact that I can't save anything onto the Live version. It gets deleted when I take out the CD.

 

[skip0110]

Ok, using the friendly instructions on this site I converted the .img to a .iso.

Here it is, it is 1.39 MB but should create a bootable CD that is the same as the PAUD image.

http://s5.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=211A427C86F2775D708D33D4B18F2AA3

 

[LoudMusic]

Everything is simplified in the latest distributions. Most of them are as simple as Windows and Mac OS. Point and click ...

I guess most of you don't remember how horrible Windows was in the begining. Windows 3.11 was HORRIBLE for installation. And forget about hardware support. Improvements take time. I think Linux is just about there. Now all we need is a butt-load of software.

 

[emad]

hardware support for linux is about 90% there at the moment

If anybody is wondering why some linux installations are so rediculously big, this will explain it:
Installation of mainstream distros like Mandrake and Fedora INCLUDE just about every major application that a user would need. Everything from office apps to network security tools is included. All you gotta do is select which software libraries you need during the installation process and they will be installed for the user. Once installation is complete, you'll very rarely need any apps afterwords

This also makes these mainstream distros rediculously easy to set up and install (when compared to windows xp)

 

[Event]

I have linux installed, but I'm too lazy to try and get it up and running again. I need to format my Linux partitions and I'm too lazy, ATM. I have Mardake 10.

 

[Viper_Maniac]

Isnt there a Fedora Core 3? Is it good?

 

[skip0110]

Isnt there a Fedora Core 3? Is it good?

Fedora Core 2 was released this spring (as I recall). Fedora Core 3 is still in the development phase, so unless you fell like fixing lots of bug in your OS, it is no good.

 

[Jordan]

I just don't understand why anyone would want to run Linux on their desktop machine. Unless you're some kind of developer who has to work with Linux servers on a regular basis, what is the point? Maybe I just have a bad taste in my mouth from messing with Linux on our server...it's the most over-complicated thing I've ever used. Why would anyone want to deal with that, along with all its complications and shortcomings (software and hardware support), on a daily basis?

 

[Burnout]

I just don't understand why anyone would want to run Linux on their desktop machine. Unless you're some kind of developer who has to work with Linux servers on a regular basis, what is the point? Maybe I just have a bad taste in my mouth from messing with Linux on our server...it's the most over-complicated thing I've ever used. Why would anyone want to deal with that, along with all its complications and shortcomings (software and hardware support), on a daily basis?

I suppose you'd get used to it after a while, but I do ask myself that same question whenever the Linux vs Windows discussion arises.

At the moment, Windows XP/XP Pro are almost as good as I'd expect any OS dealing with so many software titles can get. I never have crashes, and after some tweaking it's quick as heck. The only reason I had Linux installed at one time was for the novelty.

I have a question, though. Why exactly do people do a dual-boot with Linux for browsing the web and stuff, and Windows for games? That makes no sense to me right there.

Perhaps if I had grown up using Linux, but not after I'm so used to Windows. However, when Microsoft finally screws up Windows beyond usability, aka Longhorn, I may consider switching to another OS...

[edit]Nice 'tar, Jordan.👍

 

[skip0110]

Open source software gives me hundreds of dollars worth of software, for no cost. This allows me to explore various technologies (programming languages, 3D modeling, digital art, etc.) freely without any investment (aka financial commitment).

Also, open source give me complete control over my computer--nobody can collect information from me without my full knowledge of it.

 

[emad]

Perhaps if I had grown up using Linux, but not after I'm so used to Windows. However, when Microsoft finally screws up Windows beyond usability, aka Longhorn, I may consider switching to another OS...

For that reason, I'm going to be installing linux onto an ancient laptop I have laying around and will be giving it to my cousin's 6 year old kids to play with

 

[Event]

I got Linux up and running again, but now I can't install firefox. I downlaoded it (the Linux version), extracted the files,a nd i double clicked on the firefox-installer-bin file, and nothing happens... Anyone have any ideas?

 

[emad]

you might have an easier time compiling it yourself
go into bash, navigate to the directory and type the following (in this order):
./configure
make
make install

 

[skip0110]

I got Linux up and running again, but now I can't install firefox. I downlaoded it (the Linux version), extracted the files,a nd i double clicked on the firefox-installer-bin file, and nothing happens... Anyone have any ideas?

I ran firefox-installer, not firefox-installer-bin. Run it as root, from a console (using su). Also you may want to make sure it has executable permissions--"chmod +x firefox-installer".

 

[Event]

I got that now, (linux n00b) and now i'm trying to install the ATi drivers and I get this message

Installation failed:
file /usr/X11R6/lib/libGL.so.1.2 from install of fglrx-4.3.0-3.12.0 conflicts with file from package libxfree86-4.3-30mdk

i need the ati drivers.... the mandrake site says I have XFree 4.3

 

[skip0110]

I got that now, (linux n00b) and now i'm trying to install the ATi drivers and I get this message

Installation failed:
file /usr/X11R6/lib/libGL.so.1.2 from install of fglrx-4.3.0-3.12.0 conflicts with file from package libxfree86-4.3-30mdk

i need the ati drivers.... the mandrake site says I have XFree 4.3

you can force the install with the rpm --force option, so

rpm -ivh --force fglrx-whatever.rpm

But you might want to check if you already have a better version installed, first, like:

rpm -qa | grep -i fglrx

HTH.

 

[Event]

you can force the install with the rpm --force option, so

rpm -ivh --force fglrx-whatever.rpm

But you might want to check if you already have a better version installed, first, like:

rpm -qa | grep -i fglrx

HTH.

rjensen helped me install this. I think I got it. I wasn't in the root directory, or something. Now, I just need to know why the resolution won't go over 1024x768 and games run excrusiatinly slow... I don't think it is installed right...

 

[skip0110]

Check out your XF86Config...it is located in /etc/X11/. Find Section "Screen" and add the approprite modes to your SubSection "Display" this is the approprite part of my XF86Config, for your comparison.

You can ignore the line commented with the # sign.

To switch resolutions, usr Ctrl-Alt-NumPad+.

Section "Screen"
	Identifier "Screen0"
	Device     "Videocard0"
	Monitor    "Monitor0"
	DefaultDepth     24
	SubSection "Display"
		Viewport   0 0
		Depth     24
		Modes    "1280x1024" "1280x960" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
#		Modes    "1600x1200" "1400x1050" "1280x1024" "1280x960" "1024x768" "800x600" "640x480"
	EndSubSection
EndSection

Oh yeah...and make sure the ATI driver is selected in the Videocard section, like

Section "Device"
	Identifier  "Videocard0"
	Driver      "radeon"
	VendorName  "Videocard vendor"
	BoardName   "ATI Radeon Mobility M9"
EndSection

 

[sUn]

Guys I need help; My friend is running Windows 98, I gave him the Linspire Live disc, when he reboots it boots normally, does that mean it's not booting of the drive? He doesn't know how to change it so that it boots of the disc. Please help!

 

[skip0110]

Guys I need help; My friend is running Windows 98, I gave him the Linspire Live disc, when he reboots it boots normally, does that mean it's not booting of the drive? He doesn't know how to change it so that it boots of the disc. Please help!

He needs to change the boot order in his sytem bios. He should press <Tab> to remove the branding logo he sees when he boots, then press the F-key that enters his bios. Then he should make sure that the CD-ROM is first in the boot order.

If it still does not boot from the CD, he may have an older CD-ROM drive that is not compatible with booting. In this case, most distro's have a .img file that you write to a floppy. Then you boot from this floppy, and then stick the distro CD in. (I am not sure where this is on the Linspire CD.)

 

[sUn]

He doesn't know much about the bios, is it easy to navigate?

 

[emad]

relatively so. Just go through all the options till you find the right one

 

[rjensen11]

I just don't understand why anyone would want to run Linux on their desktop machine. Unless you're some kind of developer who has to work with Linux servers on a regular basis, what is the point? Maybe I just have a bad taste in my mouth from messing with Linux on our server...it's the most over-complicated thing I've ever used. Why would anyone want to deal with that, along with all its complications and shortcomings (software and hardware support), on a daily basis?

People all have their reasons. Why do some people use OSX? Why do others use BSD? Why do people use Windows? Personally, I use Linux because that's just what I'm used to now. I started using it because I thought it would help me out with the Playstation 2 Linux Kit, which I never ended up getting. I put it away, then dug it out later and started digging at it. Its main appeal for me is the experience. I've been using Slackware, which is the oldest distrobution that's still around, and I like their philosophy of start with the bare bones, then the user can decide what to add on top. I understand your frustration with trying to get the server up and running, but from the administrators that I talk to (one for our school district, for example), he does nothing but complain about the Windows servers. His biggest problem with them is that whenever you upgrade one thing, it breaks 10 other things., which means that the system isn't built modularly (which in the idea of servers is very stupid. You want things to be modular for servers, so that if something happens, you can take out that one part and keep everything else running, or put something new in and not have it conflict with other processes). The way I have my computer set up now, the only thing my mother can't do on Linux that she can do on Windows is use Ikea's programs that you download. I have OpenOffice running, which for most purposes is more than sufficient. No, it's not as powerful as Office, but if you really need Office, dish out the $50 or whatever it is to purchase Crossover Office, which is a special version of Wine (a program that lets you run many Windows programs under Linux. And no, it's not an emulator, it just basically makes the program communicate with the hardware as it would in Windows, it doesn't load Windows libraries or anything.) The only problem I'm having right now that is a semi-serious problem is that my OfficeJet K60 drivers aren't perfect. Everything prints, it's just that for some reason everything is slanted slightly. One corner is 1/8th of an inch higher than another. I'm not sure if it's due to the USB drivers for the printer or just the printer drivers in general. This isn't a common problem, though, so most people shouldn't be concerned about my situation.

rjensen helped me install this. I think I got it. I wasn't in the root directory, or something. Now, I just need to know why the resolution won't go over 1024x768 and games run excrusiatinly slow... I don't think it is installed right...

Linux drivers aren't where Windows drivers are, yet. Keep in mind that most hardware venders are playing catch-up. Expect to see great performance increases with ATI's new generation of cards under Linux. Traditionally, ATI also doesn't create as good of drivers as nVidia for Linux. They're catching up, and the community's really hoping they do since many of us have ATI cards, but we're still skeptical. If you're in the market for a new card, definately look toward nVidia, they have a new card coming out for PCIE in the $200 price range, but there should be an AGP version coming out in a few months (sorry I can't remember the model name.)

Also keep in mind that "problems" can come from the software venders. Games like America's Army run much better on nVidia hardware under Linux than it does on ATI cards. Other games, like Unreal Tournament 2004, can't really say because I havn't heard many complaints. I will say that UT2k4 runs much better than AA on my 1.7ghz computer w/ its ATI Radeon 8500


Like I keep on saying, I'm not trying to start a crusade for Linux. If Windows works for you, great, keep on using it. If you're considering switching over to Mac, definately look into it, decide which you would prefer. If you're looking at an alternative to Windows but don't want to have to buy all new hardware, check out Linux. You don't have to end up using it, but it's still there as an option.