View Full Version : Please don't ban me for this question...
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 07:05 PM
What makes Linux better than, xp or the mac os? I have been intrested in looking into it. Where would one go to find a copy?
bird603568
10-05-2006, 07:08 PM
its more stable, its free, its harder to get rooted and pick up viruses. and it depends on that distro you want.
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 07:11 PM
See that is another thing i am unsure about, "Distro", how do i know what is good for me? Also will it run all my windows apps? Like iTunes, and Fire Fox and so on?
wyckedone
10-05-2006, 07:15 PM
See that is another thing i am unsure about, "Distro", how do i know what is good for me? Also will it run all my windows apps? Like iTunes, and Fire Fox and so on?
Firefox definitely runs. In fact, many distros come with it already installed. Windows only apps won't unless you use Wine (http://www.winehq.com/) or CrossOver Office (http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxoffice/).
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 07:17 PM
Ok my next question, do most people run both Linux and Windows, and just boot btweent the 2? Also, how do you run both?
bird603568
10-05-2006, 07:17 PM
edit wyckedone beat me to it
wyckedone
10-05-2006, 07:21 PM
Ok my next question, do most people run both Linux and Windows, and just boot btweent the 2? Also, how do you run both?
You can dual-boot or download VMWare Player (http://www.vmware.com/products/player/) (free) and a VM Appliance (http://www.vmware.com/vmtn/appliances/) to run a virtual system. There are a few Linux VM appliances ready for download you can test out.
If you want to dual-boot, install Windows first and then the Linux distro so that the Linux installation will put the choice to boot into Windows into the boot menu.
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 07:23 PM
So if i have windows already installed on my laptop, all i need to do is install a version of Linux? I also read something about using CDs to run and not installing it?!?!?:confused:
wyckedone
10-05-2006, 07:25 PM
You can use a Live CD. It won't alter any files on your hard drive. Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com) (Gnome desktop) or Kubuntu (http://www.kubuntu.com/) (KDE desktop) seem to be the most popular choices for someone wanting to try out Linux.
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 07:32 PM
So do i have to run a fresh install of XP?
wyckedone
10-05-2006, 07:34 PM
No. Especially if you just want to use a Live CD.
If you do decide to install Linux and dual boot:
1. Drop to the command prompt in Windows (Start -> Run -> cmd -> OK) and run the following command:
chkdsk /f
You will have to restart in order for checkdisk to run but that will fix any hard drive corruption.
2. Defragment the hard drive.
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 07:52 PM
Thanks for the info....:D
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 07:55 PM
Ok i do have another question, can i run linux off an external HD? Or if i am runnic a Live CD can i run programs off a HD?
JAPPO
10-05-2006, 08:11 PM
As far as I know, you can run it off an external hard drive. I don't see why you couldnt...?
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 08:22 PM
Hmmm, i might do this, sound easy so far...
I am also thinking about when i get my new desktop running linux only on the lappy....
wastern
10-05-2006, 08:31 PM
I would think you'd only be able to install it on an external drive if your bios will support booting from said drive
unless GRUB of lilo can manage that.
Though having an install on an external usb drive would be nice. you could take it anywhere, plug it in and have your system just how you like it wherever you are
ThirdCoast
10-05-2006, 08:33 PM
I would think you'd only be able to install it on an external drive if your bios will support booting from said drive
unless GRUB of lilo can manage that.
Though having an install on an external usb drive would be nice. you could take it anywhere, plug it in and have your system just how you like it wherever you are
I was only wanting to know if you could run a live cd for the OS then run programs off of a external HD....
noonebutme
10-05-2006, 09:00 PM
Partition your hard drive with Partitionmagic then install your choice of linux - and it'll install grub or lilo as a boot loader so you can select to boot to XP or Linux.
If your computer supports booting to USB drives, you can do so - grub supports booting whatever device you tell it to boot from, so if your mobo supports it, then grub should manage it.
As for using a livecd and only installing app's, why not just install the entire distro? It'd be much easier..