Thread: Linux

  1. #1
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    Linux

    I've been considering using linux and if I don't like it switch back. Of course I have some questions.

    1. I've never connected to the internet w/o my sbc yahoo dsl connection manager. How would I connect without this or can I use it in linux?

    2. Will all of my files and what not be deleted when I install Linux?

    3. Will I need a whole bunch of special programs for linux? Will gimp work? Can I still do stuff like listen to music?

    4. Do I need a c++ compiler in linux?

    and lastly

    5. Will linux work on a mac? Can you still use mac programs?
    My computer is awesome.

  2. #2
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    1, 3) Linux often requires different programs because of the need for system calls in most programs. Check the documentation for your connection manager and it should tell you whether or not you can use it. If not, you might need to switch ISPs

    2) Depends on how you partition your disk and such. To be safe, I'd back up all my stuff before trying anything, just in case.

    4) Being a VERY open-source OS, a C++ compiler will almost definitely be included in any Linux package (especially if you're compiling your own kernel)

    5) Mac OS is based is also based on Unix, but the actual hardware architecture is quite unique. Most Linux packages are aimed at something like 80486's and other more common architectures.

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    Quote Originally Posted by cerin
    I've been considering using linux and if I don't like it switch back. Of course I have some questions.
    5. Will linux work on a mac? Can you still use mac programs?
    there are several linux distros that run on Mac, like gentoo, debian and yellow dog. You can use mac programs in you mac OS if you want linux you wll be running linux apps or portages. I would suggest http://www.linuxiso.org as your way to go, take a look on power pc distros. Any problems just ask good luck. Oh about the compiler sure linux has great c++, c, java, fortran and whatever compilers. And most of them are free.

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    I know that there is other people who have connected w/o the connection manager.
    I don't plan to switch ISP's. I just won't get linux.

    Is it complicated to use? My entire family uses this computer and they aren't very good with it.

    I'm sorry, but I don't know how to back up my disk.

    If I put linux on my mac the school would probably have a ........ fit. Which is just fine heh heh.

    Compiling my own kernels...... I don't know what this is.
    My computer is awesome.

  5. #5
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    man do you people know how to SEARCH i mean for crying out loud....

  6. #6
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    Well I'm downloading it....................... if I'm not on for awhile it means I ........ed up.
    My computer is awesome.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by cerin
    Well I'm downloading it....................... if I'm not on for awhile it means I ........ed up.
    Wow....I can't wait.

  8. #8
    Registered User Scribbler's Avatar
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    I would most emphatically recommend that you don't jump into linux on your own if you have zero knowledge of it. You will save your self a substantial amount of headache if you contact a local Linux Users Group (almost every major city has one) and see if they host any install-fests, which are basically large gatherings of Linux enthusiasts who encourage you to bring your computer to the fest and help you install linux on your system. As well as have a lecture or two on various points relating to linux.

    Replacing your OS on your own without knowing what you are doing is very very risky. Some people will claim that it's the best way to learn, but I think that's a lot of bull. I highly recommend you have somebody physically sitting down with you to walk you through it, and explain to you each and every step along the way what you are doing and why. Along with the install help, they should also be able to give you some instruction as to how the OS operates and ensure you have a grasp on what you are doing.

    I would also recommend getting a second harddrive, or at the very least repartition your current harddrive to handle a dual boot system. Then you can boot up into either OS. Migrating to Linux over time is sometimes preferrable to just jumping into the deep end of the pool.
    Last edited by Scribbler; 02-09-2005 at 11:36 PM.

  9. #9
    Registered User major_small's Avatar
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    I recommend using something like knoppix first, because a live CD doesn't have to touch any of your hard-drives unless you tell it to, and in the worst case scenario, you just reboot your computer, take out the CD before your computer gets a chance to load knoppix off it, and your entire nightmare is gone until the next time you try it again.

    the only downside to these is that they take alot of memory to run in, and the first time you load a program, it will take a long time to load.
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  10. #10
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    The quickest, safest and most useful way of going about this is to get another machine to practice with, then you can really mess up big-time without any worrying. The worst than can happen is you reinstall Linux.

    Any second-hand machine with a pentium you can get will be capable of running enough linux for you to figure out whether you're doing the right thing or not. Then if you get stuck, you've still got your primary machine handy to go surfing the net for information and help.

    Alternatively, just get a second hard disk and swap that in and out of your current machine.

    Having a couple of spare hard disks lying around is not a bad thing anyway IMO. You never know when a disk might start to fail and you want to make a quick backup, or you want to just reinstall everything onto a new disk, then manually copy what you want to keep from your old disk.
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  11. #11
    Mayor of Awesometown Govtcheez's Avatar
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    Once again, cerin, you prove that you want to try stuff you're not ready for yet. You don't install Linux without having any idea of what you're doing unless you want things to screw up. There are a million resources on the web with instructions. Use them.

    I know you're going to ignore this, but SLOW DOWN.

  12. #12
    Registered User Scribbler's Avatar
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    Should we start a pool? Pick the date and time of his next post? Whether it's from his own machine or a "Please help! I'm stuck using the public library's machine cuz I tanked my system! What'd I do wrong?" post?

    Based on the following....

    Yesterday (9 Feb) 9:40pm
    I just won't get linux.

    Is it complicated to use?

    I'm sorry, but I don't know how to back up my disk.
    30 mins later 10:10pm
    Well I'm downloading it....................... if I'm not on for awhile it means I ........ed up.
    I'm gonna pick 13 Feb, 11:59pm MST. "How do you re-install Mac OS? I'm at a friend's house, tell me how? Do give me instructions, parents are angry and have a screwdriver. Tell me how!"
    Last edited by Scribbler; 02-10-2005 at 09:32 AM.

  13. #13
    Cat without Hat CornedBee's Avatar
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    I pick 12 Feb, 12:30 AM MST.

    "I used this fdisk thing, now all my files are gone. How do I get them back?"
    All the buzzt!
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  14. #14
    Crazy Fool Perspective's Avatar
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    ill go with. 11 Feb 12:56 PM MST

    "I installed <distro-name>.x86.iso on my mac, but nothing happens...."

  15. #15
    Redundantly Redundant RoD's Avatar
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    I bet he never comes back. Ok im dreaming. I'm going with feb 12th, but it wont last he'll crash again.

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