Linux?

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I installed OES2 (SLES10) on my server today. Needless to say, that lasted all but 20 minutes. I will never use Linux again. Unbelievable.

Why? What went wrong with it?

I couldn't figure out how to do anything, despite following the guide carefully. it sucks giant balls.

I'm going back to NetWare...

That's not very specific... and if you give up on something after 20 minutes, it's hard to see how you would ever accomplish anything at all.

I'm just not capable of using Linux. It's just generally hard.

I've found using Linux to be noticeably easier than using Mac or Windows. It's installing Linux that can be a b***h at times, especially since most of the guides assume at least a certain level of knowledge that new Linux users simply would not have.

I have yet to find any source of information, regarding Beginning Linux, that does not assume prior knowledge. I have looked at so many books at the local library, and nothing.

That's probably Linux's biggest problem- and some Linux geeks even want to keep it that way, to make sure that Linux remains the exclusive domain of the alpha nerds. Still, if you're having trouble or need something explained, you can always come here for help. I'm new enough to Linux that I still remember having no idea what these guides were talking about, and (hopefully) how to explain them a bit more clearly.

Of course, any of my advice should probably be taken with a grain of salt anyways. I was playing with some new software yesterday, and somehow... er... overwrote my Documents folder. There goes a semester's worth of schoolwork, but at least it had all been turned in already.

There's lots of good documentation concerning Linux.

Have you looked at the documentation from The Linux Documentation Project ?

Wikipedia sometimes has good information regarding different applications, but if you're after manuals for different applications you can also use the man command.

I want to use Linux, but I have several reasons that I haven't downloaded it.

1. I'm trying to keep my (though fairly large) hard drive from accumulating too much data since it's supposed to last my for a few more years. (for this I'm planing to get an external hard drive)
2. I've heard it has a few problems on laptops.
3. I'd be too lazy to learn the basics and I don't do well with command prompts.
4. Spore and such games WINE won't work on.

Don't get me wrong, I really do want to give Linux a spin, but I've always been kinda "better safe then sorry".

Let me address those points for you:

1. 2-4 gigs needed. Thats all.
2. broadcom lan devices are the only problem I know about, and I bet its solved now.
3. command line is not needed in most modern distros. The rest is all buttons, clicks and double clicks.
4. Spore specifically has been made to work in WINE. That doesnt mean it will for you, but..

5. a liveCD will let you check out linux without permanent changes to your hard drive. It will also show you pretty quickly if you are going to have hardware problems.

Follow the instructions here for a little adventure. http://www.linuxfortravelers.com/ubuntu-live-cd-guide

All it is going to cost you is some time and a blank CD. If you dont have a cd burner(or DVD) then you can order one as well from Canonical. The first one you order is free. Shipping is free too. It can take weeks to arrive though.

On number one I meant I want to keep my C: drive as risk free as possible as I still haven't backed it up yet. I've also looked into live CDs just haven't gotten permission from my parents to order an all ready made one. Although I am kinda nervous about making a live CD (since I have to first save it to my computer) but I'll read up on it anyway. If it comes down to it I could always ask my computer teacher for help on it, he's said that he's installed Linux before so that means I have someone to get troubleshooting done in person.

Thanks for the help! Oh, and will Windows DVD Maker work, or is that only for media?

One more thing, I've read it's hard to find Device Drivers for ATI Radeon Since I have a laptop I can't really use a different graphics processing then then one built in.

Canonical will send you a free Ubuntu livecd if you want one, and they'll even cover shipping costs.

And the broadcom issue has been resolved by now, Fuzzy. Oh, it was so wonderful going to Ubuntu 8.10 and having wifi out of the box.

Its great to have a local expert. Dont let him push some obscure distro at you though, go with something friendly to new people, like Ubuntu or Mandriva. Later you can experiment.

If you wish to avoid the downloading to the hard drive, a thumb drive may be an alternative.


Not sure! My xp machine has the nero package for burning stuff, but I use a free application that only needs a right click. You'll have to look specifically for that information regarding Win DVD.


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Definately not. While debian based distros like Ubuntu seem to prefer nvidia, I used ATI cards and drivers for the first two years of my linux experience. In fact, Most of my machines are still using ATI. Its just that the driver is not open sourced. It is in the public domain however.

Nvidia on the other hand has developed an open source driver to be used with their cards in linux. This makes performance a lot better, specifically for games like eve online.

I'm updating my software so that I may upgrade to 9.04. Bleeding edge man! Bleeding edge!

But not my production machine. 9/04 is still alpha 1 until dec 18th. Too risky..

I meant that he's had a little experience with downloading. He mostly deals with Windows Troubleshooting so that's what his real expertise is. Besides To my knowledge the only distro he's dealt with is Red Hat. I just mean that if I hit a wall he'll have enough knowledge to break me out of it.

How's Mint? I read that it's based off of Ubuntu and it has a few more built in plug-ins for media.