New to linux

[norelec]

ok, so I've picked up an old computer that I want to turn into a DVR/Home theatre set up. But, I want to use Linux. Now, I'm completely new to linux but feel fairly comfortable in being able to learn new things. I am just wondering if you know what version and where to get it will work best for what I am looking for. Thank you

[sugarsickness]

ok, so I've picked up an old computer that I want to turn into a DVR/Home theatre set up. But, I want to use Linux. Now, I'm completely new to linux but feel fairly comfortable in being able to learn new things. I am just wondering if you know what version and where to get it will work best for what I am looking for. Thank you

Well, you could use MythTV (There is a Systm ep about setting it up, though it may be outdated it should help you out still).

I use My Media System ( http://mms.sunsite.dk/ ). I can't say how advanced it is compared to MythTV as I haven't used it. It works for me, I have a comp set up for it and I use it to conveniently play video/audio (As well as emulators and other games like Frozen Bubble <3 ).

I can't say how they compare in terms of features (Though I think MythTV is the more flexible and featureful one) as I've only used mms but I'm sure one of them will let you do what you want. As for distribution, I don't think it really matters. I run mine on Ubuntu simply because I don't have to mess with anything after install really, just put mms on it and start watching my videos and stuff. Hope this is of some use.

[jdhore]

Well, you could use MythTV (There is a Systm ep about setting it up, though it may be outdated it should help you out still).

I use My Media System ( http://mms.sunsite.dk/ ). I can't say how advanced it is compared to MythTV as I haven't used it. It works for me, I have a comp set up for it and I use it to conveniently play video/audio (As well as emulators and other games like Frozen Bubble <3 ).

I can't say how they compare in terms of features (Though I think MythTV is the more flexible and featureful one) as I've only used mms but I'm sure one of them will let you do what you want. As for distribution, I don't think it really matters. I run mine on Ubuntu simply because I don't have to mess with anything after install really, just put mms on it and start watching my videos and stuff. Hope this is of some use.

i've used MMS too and i rather like it, but i don't think it will work for the guy asking the question since you can't watch TV with it, it has no guide and you can't record with it...if you want a really easy to use MythTV install, i recommend KnoppMyth (kind of like pre-configured MythTV on Debian so it gives you apt-get and all that fun stuff) or MythDora (preconfigured MythTV on top of Fedora Core linux)

[sugarsickness]

i've used MMS too and i rather like it, but i don't think it will work for the guy asking the question since you can't watch TV with it, it has no guide and you can't record with it...if you want a really easy to use MythTV install, i recommend KnoppMyth (kind of like pre-configured MythTV on Debian so it gives you apt-get and all that fun stuff) or MythDora (preconfigured MythTV on top of Fedora Core linux)

Are you sure? I do not have the hardware required so I haven't tried but this part makes me think you can --> http://mms.kicks-ass.org/wiki/index.php/MMS_Features#TV

And right under that shows a television guide.

[spartan777]

ubuntu mce edition is probably the best. I haven't used it myself, but everyone talks about how easy it is.

it is ubuntu with mythtv preinstalled and preconfigured.

[zetas2k]

If you've never used linux before i seriously suggest you install a redhat-like distro like fedora or cent. Ubuntu is nice, my favorite actually, but it can prove difficult to new users, i would suggest fedora core 3 or 4 if you have a broadband internet connection (who doesnt) as you probably have to download all 4 disks (650-700mb each). Also, in my opinion it's much easier to find pre-compiled rpm's for programs rather then having to either find .deb's or alien the rpm which helps if your not familiar with custom compiling apps.

The only reason i would think about reccomending Ubuntu is its a 1 disk distro, 700mb download, burn, and install through gnome, can't be easier. It really took the venom out of the exhausting debian ncurses & dselect install process. Not too mention, i believe ubuntu is now the most popular distro in the world which is good news for the amount of support available.

If your final goal is run a mythtv-like-setup and not really learn linux then i would use knoppmyth as it really is a breeze to setup, its almost windows-esqe how easy it is, knoppix has damn-near the best hardware detection available. Be warned though, if your interested in myth-tv to save the $10 or $15 a month charge for TiVO service, i would stick with TiVO. Myth-tv is really only a bargain if you have a need for a fully featured multimedia station in your living room, if all you want to do is record shows and play them back there's no reason to invest in the hardware required for a good myth-tv setup.

If you eventually want to run some services from this box, like a lamp (linux, apache, mysql, php) then its definitly easier to do that on a fedora box, ubuntu/debian lamp's are beeotch to setup and maintain thanks to the foobar'd docroots and such. Also, its a nono to try to run a LAMP and a Mytv setup on one linux box, while you can do it, streaming video/audio takes a lot of processing power that those other services gladly eat up.

The main thing to remember about linux is, it's not like windows, repeat that 10 times, its not like windows. The number one reason people give up on linux is because they expect it to be a replacement for windows, or venture into the linux world with a windows mindset. No, there is no central place to go to get info/patches/programs, use google. Yes, it CAN replace windows, but even i'll agree windows has its uses. There's no reason to try to hammer a nail into wood with your bare fist, why not use a hammer? Do you think i feel like getting my games like EQ2 and WoW to run under Wine in linux? Hellz no.

Having said my piece i'd be more then happy to help you out further, send me a PM if your interested and ill shoot you over my e-mail address.

Thanks,
Zetas

[spartan777]

I don't want to start a argument, but it is hard to understand anyone who recommends fedora core over ubuntu. I have tried both, and now use ubuntu. ubuntu, to me, is clearly the better, smoother experience. especially with automatix, everything is so much easier. if I wanted to install mp3, dvd, wm* codecs i'd most likely have to do some terminal commands and messing around in fedora. Another thing is that 1 cd is incredibly easier, especially to someone new to linux. 4 cd's? please.

Also, fiesty will make things even easier, making installation of proprietary codecs ( like mp3, dvd) automatic, making automatix less necessary.

if you want to set up a lamp server, it couldn't be easier with linux. download the 6.06 LTS version, and that's is one of the install options. I'm not sure it is included in version 6.10, though it might be.

also, besides the gigantic number of packages installable from the repositories in ubuntu, there is now getdeb.net, which is an easy source for the newest .deb's. besides that, .rpm's themselves continue to be buggy. development on the rpm format has really slowed.

general development on fedora core has slowed too, Red Hat has continued to devote less attention to FC, and more to their enterprise stuff, where they make their money.

don't get me wrong, FC was one of the best distros a couple of years ago or so, but recently so many people have joined the ubuntu community, making it the strongest distro through is stability and user-friendliness.

[zetas2k]

No need to start an argument, im sure your opinion is valued. I only suggest FC3 or 4 because part of my job function at work is to convert people with little to no windows knowledge beyond barely the ability to use it, to linux.

These people thrive in the fedora world, i can't exactly explain why, but every time i put ubuntu on one of thier computers, 9 times out of 10, they will reject it and demand i reinstall windows for them. Fedora just seems to be easier for the typical person who just wants be able to use thier office apps, check mail and surf the web. That is why i recommend it as a starting platform, but don't get me wrong, ubuntu is surely the superior distro. I've always been partial to debian anyway, but i know when something works better for different people.

Thanks,
Zetas