Linux Transition Thread

[Matrixhasu77]

I got a few questions... I'm planning to set up a dual boot windows XP Pro and Linux Mandrake 10.1. However, I'm confused on how to it up. The computer I'm planning to install it on has had its drive completely blanked by Darik's Boot and Nuke.

When I partition the drive, can I use the windows setup to partition my xp partition and leave the space for linux unpartitioned? Or must I set both up at the same time(by using paud)?

Should I install XP before Linux or can I do it after installing Linux?

I'm just extremely confused on how I should partition the drive and when I should install Linux.

 

[skip0110]

When I partition the drive, can I use the windows setup to partition my xp partition and leave the space for linux unpartitioned? Or must I set both up at the same time(by using paud)?

Should I install XP before Linux or can I do it after installing Linux?

I'm just extremely confused on how I should partition the drive and when I should install Linux.

Since you are starting with a blank disk, it should be very easy. PAUD is only needed if the disk already has Windows on it.

Install windows XP first, leave the Linux space unpartitioned.

Then install Mandrake--I am not familiar with the installer but you want to try and get it to install a bootloader (GRUB) in the MBR (as a clue to the options you should select).

GRUB will most likely autodetect your Windows partitons and give you an option to boot to it. When I get back home later tonight, I'll give you the instrucitons on how to set up GRUB in case it doesn't recognize XP.

You can look though these screenshots to get a feel for the installer:
http://shots.osdir.com/slideshows/slideshow.php?release=147&slide=1

 

[Matrixhasu77]

Since you are starting with a blank disk, it should be very easy. PAUD is only needed if the disk already has Windows on it.

Install windows XP first, leave the Linux space unpartitioned.

Then install Mandrake--I am not familiar with the installer but you want to try and get it to install a bootloader (GRUB) in the MBR (as a clue to the options you should select).

GRUB will most likely autodetect your Windows partitons and give you an option to boot to it. When I get back home later tonight, I'll give you the instrucitons on how to set up GRUB in case it doesn't recognize XP.

You can look though these screenshots to get a feel for the installer:
http://shots.osdir.com/slideshows/slideshow.php?release=147&slide=1

That helps a lot. I'll try and install XP now.

 

[Matrixhasu77]

Ok, I've got another question... when you install linux, it asks you to pick a security level. After you install, can you change the security level to a higher/lower level at a later date?

EDIT: Better yet, what kind of security level should I choose... I'm planning on possibly setting up a local server but still want to use the computer itself under linux as a normal computer also.

The choices are Standard, High, Higher, and Paranoid. I'm leaning between High and Higher.

 

[Matrixhasu77]

I haven't given up on trying linux out yet. I've put together a decently performing system using the athlon 2100+ that was in my gaming rig until yesterday. It was replaced by an athlon 3000+.

My latest round of linux experimentations has had me installing debian. I've completely installed it but have ran into a snag.

I cannot get the GUI to start through Gnome(gdm). Debian reports a "screen not found" when attempting to start gdm through XServer. I believe it may have something to do with the configuration of the XFree86 video driver. The videocard for the system is an nvidia Ti4200. When I configured XFree86, I chose vesa as the driver because I was unsure. Should I have chosen nv instead? Or rather, what is the XFree86 nvidia video driver for linux? Reinstalling is an option if I cannot fix this otherwise. If anyone has an answer to this that would be great.

Thanks in advance!

 

[lzybm22]

um, sorry if this is a n00b linux question, but....
to get Fedora core 1, do i have to download all of the 3 i386 disks, or can i get away with the first ISO

(im pretty experianced with knoppix, which is the only linux cd i have right now, been thinking about building a linux box. would it be worth it? sorry for reviving a dead thred.)

 

[Matrixhasu77]

um, sorry if this is a n00b linux question, but....
to get Fedora core 1, do i have to download all of the 3 i386 disks, or can i get away with the first ISO

(im pretty experianced with knoppix, which is the only linux cd i have right now, been thinking about building a linux box. would it be worth it? sorry for reviving a dead thred.)

I haven't installed FC1 but I would assume that you will need all three discs in order to successfully install the OS. When I installed FC3, i needed only discs 1 to 3 in order to install it. It really depends on the packages you select when you install the system.

 

[Matrixhasu77]

Does anyone know of a decent gnome based cpu temperature monitoring program/applet through lm_sensors? I've got lm_sensors working but cannot seem to find a decent temperature monitoring program that works with Gnome 2.6.

 

[dougiemeats]

I just installed the RC of Ubuntu 6.06, and I must say, I am pleasantly surprised. Last time I used Ubuntu was Flight 5 of 6.06 and the boot times are much faster and the interface is very polished. Also, since I hardly ever leave the house without my camera: http://picasa.google.com/linux/

Anyone else have a chance to check out the RC?

 

[Viper_Maniac]

I have 5.10 installed. I wont be installing the new one til it goes final.

 

[KieranMurphy]

After upgrading the guts of my own PC, I built a new PC out of bits and pieces I had lying around. All I needed was PSU and case, so I got them in my local PC store.

I don't wanna fork out for another copy of Windows, so I downloaded the latest release of Ubuntu and installed it. It's only been a couple of hours, but I'm impressed already. First of all, the installation procedure was painless. It was easier and far quicker than Windows XP.

Secondly, I didn't need to go online and hunt down device drivers. The nVidia graphics drivers and nForce mobo drivers were on the disc and installed automatically. Whenever I install Windows, I always have to then install the motherboard drivers and graphics drivers before I'm up and running and ready to rock n' roll.

It's a hell of a lot smoother and more user friendly than when I had Mandrake running on my PC a few years ago. Has Linux come a long way in the past 2 years or is this just a better version?

I still need Windows XP on my main PC for games though. It'd be nice to make the complete switch away from Windows.

Before I get too comfortable with Ubuntu, is there any good reasons I shouldn't be using it? Different versions of Linux all seem to have their fans and detractors and it's hard for a newbie to know which version to use. I want something as user-friendlyt and stable as possible.


KM.

 

[emad]

Before I get too comfortable with Ubuntu, is there any good reasons I shouldn't be using it? Different versions of Linux all seem to have their fans and detractors and it's hard for a newbie to know which version to use. I want something as user-friendlyt and stable as possible.

Ubuntu is fine. I've been through Mandrake/Mandriva, Fedora, Debian, and Knoppix at various points over the past 2 years and they all did the same job. I prefer Ubuntu over all of them simply because of the package manager. It saves me from having to learn the command line which is what scared me off of Linux in the first place 👍

 

[dougiemeats]

User-friendly and stable? Then you made a fine choice with Ubuntu. I'm assuming you're running 6.06 (Dapper Drake)?

I agree with emad here. With Ubuntu, I think they have eliminated the feeling of "intimidation" when first using Linux. I have also had a good experience with Fedora Core 5, but as emad has stated, Ubuntu's package manager is one of the better ones out there IMO.

One final thing is the forum community for Ubuntu. Any question you have, someone has an answer (and if you search the forums, chances are it has already been answered).

I hope that provided some reassurance for you.

 

[KieranMurphy]

User-friendly and stable? Then you made a fine choice with Ubuntu. I'm assuming you're running 6.06 (Dapper Drake)?

Yup, it's 6.06 I'm using. However, I downloaded the 64-bit version because I'm on an Athlon64 and I'm going to ditch it in favour of the 32-bit version. Flash isn't supported and quick a Googling reveals that there's other stuff that won't work. There's workarounds for lots of them, but I couldn't be bothered.

Is there much of an advantage to running the 64-bit version anyway?


KM.

 

[emad]

Yea, it'll be optimized for your cpu. It'll just operate faster and more efficiently.

 

[MugenVTEC]

Ubuntu is fine. I've been through Mandrake/Mandriva, Fedora, Debian, and Knoppix at various points over the past 2 years and they all did the same job. I prefer Ubuntu over all of them simply because of the package manager. It saves me from having to learn the command line which is what scared me off of Linux in the first place 👍

I'm wanting to enter the Linux scene and I'm also a little scared of the command lines. So I'm currently checking for a Linux I'm not forced to use command line but can, because I want to learn to use them.

I ordered Ubuntu and Kubuntu, it should arrive at my door in less than 6 weeks.

 

[dougiemeats]

For everyone trying out Ubuntu for the first time or for anyone having trouble with it; here is a fairly extensive Starter Guide. It's being maintained by the University of Latvia's Linux Center, so it should be a quality guide.

Ubuntu 6.06 Dapper Drake Starter Guide



Edit: There are also starter guides for Fedora Core 5 and Mandriva. The links are in the top-left of the page.

 

[Sprite]

hi guys after talking to you about the Ubuntu desktop CD in the other thread, I finally took the plunge and tested it, but first I needed a CD well actually I didnt, I converted the ISO from a CD one to a DVD one and burnt it to DVD using DVDdecrypter. And boy what an awsome OS I didnt think it would be so good, yes it was a little slow at loading (off the dvd to be expected) but running the apps was quite quick and easy to do, I have one question tho.

1) how much space would a basic install take up on a HDD?

I ask this question because ive got a 128mb pen drive, and was wondering if I could install it to that, then using the option on my MOBO I would be able to boot from it and use it normally (im even thinking about installing it onto my I-pod mini) could you guys enlighten me in the ways of Ubuntu installs.

BTW i nearly killed my pc lol, I did the dumb ass thing of deciding to partition my HDD and install Ubuntu, but changed my mind at the last second and canceled it, and windows had loads of corupted files when I booted it back up, I sugest if you are going to go this rout make up your mind before hand.

Thanks guys for pushing me to try it out, because even tho I was told about how good it was, I didnt have the guts till I read the threads on here.

 

[dougiemeats]

If you're looking to boot from a flash drive, then Ubuntu is not the way to go. I think the hardware requirements for Ubuntu call for at least 3 or 4 GB hard drive space.

You can check out Damn Small Linux if you want a very small and fast Live CD (also bootable from flash drive). The interface is not as polished as Ubuntu's, but that's to be expected from a 50 MB distribution. It's a fun little distro, check it out.

For instructions on installing Damn Small Linux on your flash drive, refer to USB Booting.

Edit: Now that I think about it, if the Live CD fits in a 700MB CD, then couldn't someone make a bootable 1GB flash drive?

 

[Matrixhasu77]

1) how much space would a basic install take up on a HDD?

I ask this question because ive got a 128mb pen drive, and was wondering if I could install it to that, then using the option on my MOBO I would be able to boot from it and use it normally (im even thinking about installing it onto my I-pod mini) could you guys enlighten me in the ways of Ubuntu installs.

I'm not sure if a basic install of a linux distro would fit on a 128mb pen drive. Even a basic install of Fedora Core 4 is at least 1 gig in size excluding the swap space needed by the operating system.

BTW i nearly killed my pc lol, I did the dumb ass thing of deciding to partition my HDD and install Ubuntu, but changed my mind at the last second and canceled it, and windows had loads of corupted files when I booted it back up, I sugest if you are going to go this rout make up your mind before hand.

Drive partitioning is destructive in most cases (with a few exceptions). Cancelling a partitioning is the equivalent of turning your hard drive into a paperweight. It's best to wait until a partitioning is done. I know from experience... I killed a hard drive during an XP install by resetting my system during partitioning.

 

[Sprite]

Drive partitioning is destructive in most cases (with a few exceptions). Cancelling a partitioning is the equivalent of turning your hard drive into a paperweight. It's best to wait until a partitioning is done. I know from experience... I killed a hard drive during an XP install by resetting my system during partitioning.

To be honest i wasnt that bothered about any data an the HDD, But I was lucky, windows whent into Check Disk Mode and repaired the whole mess, and thankfully no major harm was done.

I may install that Damn Small Linux onto my I-pod and use it as a portable PC between here and friends houses.

 

[dougiemeats]

Here's a question for Ubuntu users (or Linux users in general):

Do you guys use Evolution as your mail application? I use it for a calendar app but I downloaded Thunderbird for mail, since I'm more familiar with it.

Since they already include Mozilla Firefox as the default browser, I think they should have Firefox-Thunderbird-Sunbird combination for browser-mail-calendar in future releases.

...and for Kubuntu (and KDE users), how's KMail? Just looking for opinions on a good mail application.

Edit: Nevermind... I've decided on Evolution for my email

 

[dougiemeats]

Here's something interesting: Mandriva 2007 to use Cedega engine to play mainstream Windows games.

 

[dougiemeats]

But you bet dougiemeats, I'm interested in Linux. But first, what's with the "Kubuntu, Ubuntu"....etc.?

Basically, it refers to the default desktop environment of each distro.

Ubuntu - GNOME
Kubuntu - KDE
Xubuntu - Xfce

Here's the Wikipedia entry on desktop environments.

Since I'm assuming that you've never used Linux before, I'm almost tempted to recommend Fedora Core 6 to start out with. I installed FC5 some time ago, and it was the most stable and professional distro I've ever used. I'd take FC5 over Ubuntu Dapper any day. However, I have to suggest Ubuntu for the beginner user for these reasons:

* Ubuntu Forums
* Synaptic Package Manager
* Only one install-CD vs. Fedora's five CDs (or one DVD) - but to be fair, you only really need the first two for a basic installation
* Live CD + installer combination
* Fast and easy installation (Edgy only took me 14 minutes to install!)
* EasyUbuntu or Automatix

 

[GT4_Rule]

Are there any features missing from Ubuntu that's in FC6, and vice versa? If not significant then I might go with Ubuntu, since I still don't know how Linux will be, and...

I have to reformat and wipe my computer so often. I have just done that again for the second time in this month. My PC is simply unstable POS.

 

[dougiemeats]

Are there any features missing from Ubuntu that's in FC6, and vice versa? If not significant then I might go with Ubuntu, since I still don't know how Linux will be, and...

I haven't used FC6 yet, but one of the differences is the package manager. Many users prefer Ubuntu's, and I'd have to agree with them. Also, while they have many of the same applications included in the default installation, their version numbers may vary. For example, Edgy will have Firefox 2.0 (final) and Gaim 2.0 Beta 3(or 4?) while FC6 will have their previous versions.

Go with Ubuntu, since you can download the live CD and play around with it before you get around to installing it. I know some people had problems with wireless on Dapper, but I don't know if these issues have been resolved.

I'm no expert at dual-booting, since I'm not a huge fan of it, but I think it's best to use the live CD's built-in partitioner to make two partitions, and install Windows first. Once installed and running, I have more tips and suggestions, but I'll wait until then.

If you have more questions, fire away! I probably can't answer them all, but I know there are many GTP users that use Ubuntu as well.

I have to reformat and wipe my computer so often. I have just done that again for the second time in this month. My PC is simply unstable POS.

Well, that's definitely not normal. Maybe it's all the 3rd-party apps (the fish!) you have installed?

 

[GT4_Rule]

Nah its not the fish. Nice try though. I suspect it was ZoneAlarm - I didn't install it this time and its running okay so far.

Anyway, by dual-booting you mean the process where you select the OS to boot with, don't you? I know and can create partitions so that won't be a problem.

Just another question though: after reading through the Vista thread, you posted that Edgy is released. Is it an updated version of Ubuntu, or is it just another one of the few hundred different packaging that Linux offers?

I really hope Linux will support my wireless internet driver.

 

[dougiemeats]

Anyway, by dual-booting you mean the process where you select the OS to boot with, don't you? I know and can create partitions so that won't be a problem.

Yeah, I was just making sure you remember to install XP first.

Just another question though: after reading through the Vista thread, you posted that Edgy is released. Is it an updated version of Ubuntu, or is it just another one of the few hundred different packaging that Linux offers?

It's the newest version of Ubuntu. They release a new version every 6 months, and an LTS (long-term support) every two years. The next version, Ubuntu 7.04 the "Feisty Fawn" will be released in April.

I really hope Linux will support my wireless internet driver.

I'm practically clueless when it comes to wireless, since I've never had a wireless connection (yeah, I need to get with the times). If it doesn't work on Edgy, try Dapper. The live CD will give you an idea of what works and what doesn't.

BTW, Dapper is an LTS, so it will be supported (security and software updates) for quite awhile, so don't worry about using an "older" version of Ubuntu.

 

[standard235]

Well, I'm ready to give Linux a go. I've downloaded the ISO Images for Fedora Core 6. there's 6 of them, and then there's this SHA1SUM file.

Now, I've been reading for about 3 hours and I haven't found out more than it's all the Linux commands or something like that. (I feel like a total n00b)

Anyways, First go at the boot disc got me scratching my head. As did the second. Anyone have any ideas? I have Roxio Easy CD Creator 5 and can make bootable discs, and CD Burner XP Pro which does this too.

Do I just put the SHA1SUM file on every disc? 5 discs and a Rescue Disc... Please help.

 

[Evolution.]

I'm practically clueless when it comes to wireless, since I've never had a wireless connection (yeah, I need to get with the times).

Wireless networking still has a long way to come before I'll even consider it. It's not all it's hyped up to be. The only advantage to it that I can see is that, if you move around alot, it's nice to have. Or maybe if you have a PSP or other wireless device it could come in handy. Other than that, it's worthless IMO.