Posted on 01/24/2014 6:48:04 AM PST by ShadowAce
Most of the time when I write articles on this blog I will have planned them out and worked out when and how I will publish them. (I know some of you might be thinking "Really?").
Occasionally though a nugget drops straight into your inbox and you really don't need to put much thought into it at all. Today is one of those days.
Earlier this week I received an email containing a link to a very interesting video, from Steve Barth, who produces videos for CBT Nuggets.
The video linked below is split into two main sections.
In the first part there is an overview of what Linux actually is, from Shawn Powers, who is a trainer for CBT Nuggets.
The second part of the video has 10 points which give an overview of the things that make up a Linux based operating system and how best to try it out.
It really is an overview but a good place to start.
After you have watched the video check out these links for more help:
Also--I'd imagine (though not certain) that the link for creating a bootable Linux USB from Vista also applies to Windows 7.
My #1 tip is don’t plan to use it as your primary desktop unless you plan to dedicate a bunch of time to maintaining it. And never ever ever try to install a program by compiling it unless you want to play hunt the next library. :-)
bookmark for future reading
in ubuntu the command line apt-get takes care of most of that library hunting stuff.
On the other hand. The 10 steps can be condensed down to 1.
1. Get a Mac.
: )
I use it as my primary desktop and perform virtually zero maintenance.
And no one ever installs a program by compiling it any more. It's all automated.
I spend less time maintaining linux than Windows 7. I have a dual boot system. I run Debian Stable, all defaults, and it is like a rock.
/johnny
Thanks for posting this.
I have a desktop that I haven’t fired up in a couple years, think I might install Linus and play around with it for the first time.
There’s a decent-sized community here on FR that can assist if you have questions. Don’t hesitate to ask.
I’ve been using Linux casually for about 3 years now. I have now migrated all of my web related activities to Linux Mint with some apps still on a web-disconnected XP machine. I’m in the process of either migrating to open source Linux applications and for the ones (some legacy programs) that I don’t have equivalents for, I am using those Windows apps under Wine.
Working out really well.
Let me say, in this explanation I use “CD-rom”, that is actually probably, a DVD-rom. Also I do not accept responsibility for any lack of success, or even if you completely obliterate your system, leaving you with an inert bit of hardware forever. That said, here is my explanation and I have mostly not fried any hard drives.
(mostly)
The first step in my opinion, is just go buy a second hard drive. Then download a Linux install CD from some place (I have ubuntu, there are a lot of places to unload a Linux CD however)
That is it. Have a blank extra hard drive, and (before you start) copy an install CD (DVD).
That’s all you need.
Remove your hard drive from your computer, which will keep your operating system 100% intact, unless you are completely lacking at basic repair skills. This involves removing some screws and some basic (very basic) mechanical effort. Very basic.
Put your new hard drive in your PC. Your computer is now no longer functioning, don’t worry. A blank hard drive. Then load your CD with the installation CD you saved.
Follow the instructions.
Others can probably offer advice, but this is my simple set of instructions.
My biggest suggestion is however, the extra install CD-rom needs to be copied first.
Or you will now have an inert bit of cool-looking plastic now on your desk.
One of those two... :D
"Automated" and "compiled from source" aren't mutually exclusive. I run a small group of Gentoo machines, and almost all of the programs are compiled from source, automatically (well, on demand).
The downside is that it can take from a few seconds to a few hours to install a new program (compiling firefox, chromium and other big programs takes a relatively long time).
That’s not true. Everytime I want a new program it’s not on my version of Linux at that time so I’m left playing find the lib.
for the past decade Linux fans have been saying that issue is solved and its not. Until they can standardize on a common platform it won’t be.
I’ve been hearing much improved for the past 20 years and it always falls way short. It is improving though but not really ready for common user desktop use.
I use it for more advanced things like accessing hard drives for recovery of data and WiFi snooping analysis.
Android is basically a version of Linux w/Java.
The tablets are selling really well and most people find them very easy to use.
Could one use a external hard drive?
Tip 11: grow a thick skin for ‘peer support’ along the lines of ST*U NOOB!
I ran a Wireless ISP, and there are NO better network sniffing tools than on Linux.
/johnny
Probably.
My experience has been limited to install on a CD, which is completely new/overwritten.
I know a lot of people have done other alternative, I leave others to comment.
Good luck.
It’s a simple install, except when it’s not.
So sort of use judgement. I’ve not had any trouble on several PC’s.
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