linux

[Hawke]

how does it work? I know.. i should be able to know these things, but i don't.. i heard yaye was telling me about installing it etc....

help an old brain out... lol :P

[yaye]

Linux is an operating system that was developed by Linus Torvalds and many programmers working together over the Internet. The Linux code is available to anyone and can be modified by anyone. If programmers modify the code, they have to release the changes they made for everyone's benefit.

Corporations have benefited from Linux. Google runs on Linux and IBM uses Linux to run their Blue Gene/L (https://asc.llnl.gov/computing_resources/bluegenel/), currently the world's fastest supercomputer. Tivo uses Linux in their devices. Several routers manufacturers (Linksys) also use Linux in some of their products.

Programmers also benefit from Linux. All the Linux source code is available free of charge along with utilities (compilers, libraries, programming tools) to learn and write programs.

As a computer user, Linux and the programs (Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/), Open Office (http://www.openoffice.org/), K3B (http://k3b.plainblack.com/about), GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/screenshots/), Kino (http://www.kinodv.org/article/static/4), Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/), Stellarium (http://www.stellarium.org/)) that run on it give me a stable and secure computing environment that is free and can be put on as many computers as I want. Most of the viruses, spyware and other malware run on computers using Windows. They can't run on Linux (or Macs).

If you want to see what Linux is like, I would recommend trying one of the live CD versions. The live CD's (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, PCLinuxOS, Linux Mint (Irish), Mepis, etc. ) run from the CD/DVD drive and memory of the computer. They don't install on the hard drive unless you tell them to. They're a good way to see if your hardware is compatible with Linux. They can also be used to retrieve your data from a broken Windows PC (http://www.shockfamily.net/cedric/knoppix/).

There is probably a Linux User Group (LUG) in your area that can show you what Linux is like, answer questions and help you with any problems you have.

I hear a website named www.wetingonline.net (http://www.wetingonline.net) runs on the Linux OS (see attachment).


Links:

Site with a list of Windows apps. and Linux equivalents:

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Alternatives

Tutorial on Installing PCLinuxOS 2007:

http://howtoforge.org/the_perfect_desktop_pclinuxos_2007

Tutorial on Installing Ubuntu 7.04:

http://howtoforge.org/the_perfect_desktop_ubuntu7.04

Ubuntu 7.04 Screenshots:

http://www.seoexpertconsultants.com/index.php?linux&release=Ubuntu%207.04

PCLinuxOS 2007 Screenshots:

http://www.seoexpertconsultants.com/index.php?linux&release=PCLinuxOS%202007

Linux Mint Screenshots:

http://www.seoexpertconsultants.com/index.php?linux&release=Linux%20Mint%204.0

Linux Desktop Eye Candy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ImW0-MgR8I

_ImW0-MgR8I

[Hawke]

I hear a website named http://www.wetingonline.net runs on the Linux OS (see attachment).

yea.. I know :shy:

[yaye]

yea.. I know :shy:
:laugh:

:tux:

[yaye]

From PC Magazine (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2177657,00.asp), an article on Linux:

Linux - You Can Do It!
08.29.07

If you haven't tested the Linux waters yet, now's the time. In this starter guide, and in step-by-step instructions, we'll help you every inch of the way And you don't have to give up using Windows.

By Neil Randall

Linux is hot again. In fact, there's never been a better time for Microsoft Windows users to give Linux a whirl. The OS is more usable than ever, easier to install, and more compatible with PC hardware. It still helps to be somewhat tech-savvy to get the most out of Linux, but that's no longer a major requirement. If you're reading this magazine, you already have what it takes......more here..... (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2177657,00.asp)

[kingofsorrow]

also. the company called "G-TECH", that builds and supplies software for lottery machines in the U.S., uses Linux. the software that runs the "lotto" machines are Linux based.

[rags]

Hawke I have been using linux for a few years...I use Knoppix for testing peoples 'Windows" computers when it won't boot..

For my own use I have used the Ubuntu Distro...I recently installed Ubuntu 7.04

I strongly recommend just downloading one of them and go for it...yaye, Jamez and coming up far behind, me will be able to answer some of your questions....plus there are forums galore to help you.

[yaye]

Hawke I have been using linux for a few years...I use Knoppix for testing peoples 'Windows" computers when it won't boot..

For my own use I have used the Ubuntu Distro...I recently installed Ubuntu 7.04

I strongly recommend just downloading one of them and go for it...yaye, Jamez and coming up far behind, me will be able to answer some of your questions....plus there are forums galore to help you.


I installed Ubuntu 7.04 on a spare drive also. I used Falko Timme's guide (http://www.howtoforge.com/the_perfect_desktop_ubuntu7.04) and Automatix to set it up.

[yaye]

A New York Times article on Linux by Larry Magid. I read many of his articles in various computer magazines when I was first learning about computers. He has a knack for explaining computer topics in simple terms.


"Basics
The Next Leap for Linux (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/technology/circuits/04basics.html?ex=1349150400&en=f1e147767abb91ac&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink)

Dell is testing the waters with a Linux-equipped notebook computer, in a challenge to Microsoft and Apple. Dell's Linux PCs are cheaper than computers with Microsoft's Vista operating system because Dell does not need to pay a licensing fee.

By LARRY MAGID
Published: October 4, 2007

LINUX runs the Google servers that manage billions of searches each day. It also runs the TiVo digital video recorder, the Motorola Razr cellphone and countless other electronic devices." ........more here (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/technology/circuits/04basics.html?ex=1349150400&en=f1e147767abb91ac&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink)..........

[yaye]

One of the Screensavers on Ubuntu 7.10 (see attached). :smile:

[yaye]

Weatherbug now available for Linux. Thankfully, without the ads.

It's available as a package for .rpm based (Redhat/Fedora, PCLinuxOS, Mandriva) and .deb based (Debian, K/X/Ubuntu, Linux Mint) systems.

http://weather.weatherbug.com/labs/linux.html#download

[trecaz]

Movie pirate forced to ditch Linux
House-arrest Ubuntu fan left staring at Windows
By John Leyden
Published Friday 24th August 2007 11:26 GMT

A BitTorrent admin convicted of uploading movie files is being forced to ditch Linux if he wants to use his PC.

Scott McCausland (AKA sk0t), the ex-admin of the EliteTorrents BitTorrent tracker, was sentenced to five months imprisonment after he confessed to uploading copies of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith just before its theatrical release. He was also sentenced to a further five months of home confinement and slapped with a monitoring order after he was convicted of "conspiracy to commit copyright infringement" and "criminal copyright infringement".

McCausland, of Virginia, has served his time but his problems are far from over. The monitoring software the government plans to use to keep tabs on his internet connection only works on Windows PCs, so McCausland faces the choice of switching from Ubuntu Linux to Windows or being prevented from using his PC.

Using monitoring software and wearing a monitoring bracelet were bitter enough pill but switching to Windows is just too much for the Tux-lover, who intends to fight the decision.

"It isn't the fact that I have to be monitored that bothers me, it is the fact that I have restructure my life (different OS, different software on that OS) and that they would require (force) me to purchase software while I a currently unemployed and relatively unemployable with the two felonies that they gave me," McCausland told TorrentFreak.

"I think that this whole situation is just one more way that they can impose their will onto me. I have contacted my attorney, and we are going to fight this," he added. ®


http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/24/movie_pirate_linux_ban/

[Apocalypse]

which site dah come from?

[yaye]

which site dah come from?


The Register:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/24/movie_pirate_linux_ban/

[yaye]

also. the company called "G-TECH", that builds and supplies software for lottery machines in the U.S., uses Linux. the software that runs the "lotto" machines are Linux based.

I had my car inspected at a Mobil Lube Express. The mechanic told me the diagnostic equipment's OS is Windows and is always crashing. He showed me the software they use for their cash register. It's Linux with the KDE desktop.

[yaye]

Just an update here. IBM's Blue Gene/L (http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/13/ibms-bluegene-l-worlds-fastest-supercomputer-3-years-running/) is no longer the worlds fastest supercomputer. Roadrunner (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/technology/09petaflops.html?_r=2&oref=slogin) (built by IBM) is the new supercomputing champ and is the world's first pentaflop (one thousand trillion calculations per second) computer. It is twice as fast as Blue Gene/L. Roadrunner uses Redhat Linux as its operating system.

Link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/technology/09petaflops.html?_r=2&oref=slogin

[yaye]

The Linux Business Resource Center (http://www.thelinux411.com/) run by Intuit????????? Intuit, the Windows-centric maker of Quickbooks, Quicken and TurboTax? If they ever release Linux versions of Quicken and TurboTax, I may not need to run Windows again.

From c|net:

"Intuit joins the Linux revolution (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-10002957-16.html)
Posted by Matt Asay

Intuit has been sniffing around open source for at least a year now, but predominately as a platform (Linux) upon which its applications could run. It opened the door a bit more in April when it opened up QuickBase to developers, but now seems to be paving the way for a more complete launch into open source with its Linux Business Resource Center.

Yes, that Intuit. Promoting Linux and open source....."

[yaye]

From blog.internetnews.com (http://blog.internetnews.com/skerner/2008/09/large-hadron-collider---powere.html): The New Hadron Collider runs Linux

Large Hadron Collider - powered by Linux
By Sean Michael Kerner on September 10, 2008 9:31 AM

From the "tearing the fabric of space-time" files:

The most powerful physics project in the history of the known universe - The $10 Billion Large Hadron Collider (LHC)- shot its first light speed beam this morning around its 27 km circuit. Beyond the 20 years it took to build and half of all the world's astrophysicists, it also takes another key ingredient to make LHC work -- Linux.

[yaye]

Finally, a version of Linux for Legalize It: Hiweed Linux (http://www.hiweed.com/) . :D

[yaye]

Long time PC Magazine columnist John C. Dvorak has good things to say about Ubuntu 8.10:

From PC Magazine - Dvorak Likes Linux (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2342703,00.asp):

"Every so often I take a stab at Linux, to see exactly what I like and do not like about the OS. Many of its problems, for me, stem from its inability to run on my overloaded hardware, or the occasional driver that makes the OS impossible to use without hand-tweaking something or other. That said, I seriously like the Ubuntu 8.10 implementation and will now install it permanently on my latest machines. It's a winner."

[yaye]

From Tuxradar, a Linux FAQ for Newbies:

http://www.tuxradar.com/newtolinux

[Hawke]

yaye... is it difficult to install linux on your system? I have a spare PC.. and am just curious.. heck! You cant blame me

[yaye]

yaye... is it difficult to install linux on your system? I have a spare PC.. and am just curious.. heck! You cant blame me

No, if you can install Windows, you can install Linux (especially a desktop version like Ubuntu).

[Hawke]

but i have a laptop.. i only use laptops as I carry work with me, would Ubuntu still work for me? sorry if that is a silly question

[yaye]

but i have a laptop.. i only use laptops as I carry work with me, would Ubuntu still work for me? sorry if that is a silly question

What is the make and model of the laptop. The most likely problem would be the wireless chipset. Some of the wireless chipset manufacturers don't release drivers or specs so the Linux developers can write drivers more easily.

The best way to check compatibility with your laptop would be to try a Live CD of Ubuntu. I have Ubuntu installed on a Toshiba laptop that has an AMD Athlon processor and Nvidia graphics (can't remember the wireless chipset but wireless works).

[yaye]

-----Not fully awake yet, double post.

[Hawke]

God I forgot the specs of my PC, but I am seeing someone complaining about their wireless drivers not working after installing Ubuntu on their laptop

It's an old Acer 6920.. it's a gaming laptop so it got wonderful graphics and RAM

[yaye]

God I forgot the specs of my PC, but I am seeing someone complaining about their wireless drivers not working after installing Ubuntu on their laptop

It's an old Acer 6920.. it's a gaming laptop so it got wonderful graphics and RAM

Product page is here: http://us.acer.com/acer/productv.do?LanguageISOCtxParam=en&kcond61e.c2att101=37461&sp=page16e&ctx2.c2att1=25&link=ln438e&CountryISOCtxParam=US&ctx1g.c2att92=447&ctx1.att21k=1&CRC=3995699640

It has Nvidia graphics and Intel wireless chipset. You should be able to install it. I'm not sure about the Bluetooth working. Try the Ubuntu Live CD.

[Hawke]

I know.. but mine was modded, so i will have to find the sheet.. i knew the specs like the back of my hand =/

But thanx.. will really try it.. do you have a link as to how to do the install and so forth? In the mean time lemme see if there is anything on Youtube

[yaye]

Falko Timme's Guides are usually pretty good. Here's one for installing Karmic Koala: http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-ubuntu-9.10-karmic-koala

I usually don't install all the software applications in the list (just how many audio players does anyone need).

Addendum: I forgot to mention that I get the VirtualBox package from the Sun Microsystems website, not the OSE version in Ubuntu's repository. The Sun version has USB support and seamless mouse integration.

[yaye]

If you want to keep your Windows installation, you might want to use EasyBCD: http://www.worldsunited.net/showpost.php?p=205982&postcount=1

[yaye]

I know.. but mine was modded, so i will have to find the sheet.. i knew the specs like the back of my hand =/

But thanx.. will really try it.. do you have a link as to how to do the install and so forth? In the mean time lemme see if there is anything on Youtube

How was it modified?