101 uses for Linux???

Discussion in 'Computer Science & Culture' started by papa_smirf, Jun 15, 2001.

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  1. papa_smirf Registered Senior Member

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    I installed Red Hat 7.0 on my Dell 1G Pentium 3. I can't go on the internet because I have a win modem and I can't go into graphical mode without having screwed up resolution and colors because my video card isn't supported. That said, I'll get to my point. What can I do with Linux that is easier, better, or just can't do with a Windows OS. I ask since I'm debating whether or not to reformat my Linux partition.
     
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  3. Lynx Registered Senior Member

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    argh

    papa_smirf? Your computer sucks, get a new one.
     
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  5. Chagur .Seeker. Registered Senior Member

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    Counterpoint!

    I don't think it's the computer, Lynx.

    I played with the idea of having Dell install Linux on the Inspiron 4000 I ordered a couple of months ago, but after looking into it a bit decided that for my intended use (doing the Internet) I'd go with Win 2000. Linux is great for servers, or if you want to set up an intra-net, but it is limited in a number of ways on a PC unless you love to tinker.

    My faithfull 486 DX still sits on my desk. loaded with DOS programs that get the work done and OS2/Warp for when I need a few bells and whistles. I'd say, a lot depends on what you want from the OS.
     
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  7. Lynx Registered Senior Member

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    i know that

    I know that it's probably not the computer, considering I had the same problems on a p100 with 32 megs of ram. But after selecting different hardware each time I installed RH7, I got it to run smoothly. I have a strong feeling papa_smirk is a newbie to Linux (as am I, kinda) and just needs to hack around when installing it, choosing different types of hardware that his real hardware is equivilent too. Hope that helps!

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  8. papa_smirf Registered Senior Member

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    Well your right, my computer does suck (I crash it every hour or so), but it's mostly Windows Millenium. Also, I am a newbie to Linux.

    When I installed it I did try multiple drivers for my video card. Some of them froze my card when i did the test, others looked fine then but once i was in Linux things were all messed up. How do I change the driver for my video card once I've installed the program. After installing it 5 times in order to change this, I got kind of sick of doing it the hard way and gave up. Thanx for the attention and mild insults, I need them

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  9. Lynx Registered Senior Member

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    =/

    Hey,

    Sorry to inform but if you have only installed Linux five times, consider yourself lucky. Most people install it more than that. I am unaware of how to change the video card drive with out recompiling the kernal or reinstalling. I had this EXACT same problem and never figured out how too. I had to reinstall and when installing RH7 there should be a test function for the video card you are selecting. Try this and if it doesn't work maybe try "surfing" over to www.linuxnewbie.com and get help from them. If all else fails, get a new video card. There are anywhere from $80 for a cheap one too one that you could play some hardcore games on at $150. And if you are obsessive you could spend $500. You can visit www.directron.com for some extremely cheap (less $$$) but good in quality hardware.
     
  10. dexter ROOT Registered Senior Member

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    ok, may i be the first to ask: what kind of video card is it?
    and lynx, his pentium 3 is wayyy better than your pentium 266. im sure it doesnt turn off when you type too hard :-/ "

    re-compiling the kernel might be a little advanced for you as well (n/o) but it is hard.
    another thing, did u check to make sure your video card was on the list???if it wasnt, then click on a generic one. make sure you picked the right resolution as well. installing linux is getting easier and easier these days. personally, i have trouble installing windows on a system. but i can install linux with my eyes closed (accually, i tried it, it didnt work. but if it auto found my hardware, i could have!)
    red hat has auto hardware detection. so it should find you video card if it is supported.



    now, for your winmodem. i had this same problem! as i am sure 75% of linuxers did at one time.go to http://www.freshmeat.net and search for your modem, or just winmodems.
    linux.org and sourceforge.org might help you as well.and i h ave seen a lot of winmodem stuff on linux newbie......

    so, good luck with linux. you could always not run X. which is accually kind of a relief for me.

    -dexter
     
  11. Lynx Registered Senior Member

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    shut up!
     
  12. papa_smirf Registered Senior Member

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    Well the video card I've been having trouble with is a "DDR ATI Radeon 4X AGP." The Generic Video Card didn't work to well. Neither did any of the others. Some even froze the screen test.

    So like I stated at first, what can i do with linux thats easier then or can't be done with windows?

    Thanx for the links. I found out that Mandrake should be easier for my newbieness then Red Hat; so, I'm downloading it as we speak.
     
  13. dexter ROOT Registered Senior Member

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    at the moment, i am on windows. and i can tell you why it is better.

    linux is more compatable, i know everyone is saying la"windows is the most. blah blah " but you have to think of all the programmers that use linux, they need windows tools, so they write them themselves, and most of the time they are evan better than the origanal microsoft programs.
    linux is a very powerful OS, you know all those blue screens you get?? linux doesnt freeze. it doesnt get blue screens either. do you enjoy restarting you computer after changing some settings, or once your computer starts lagging (usually after 10 minutes) in linux, the only time you have to restart your computer, is to isntall hardware, only for the fear of getting shocked and blowing your hardware. you also have to reboot when you re-compile your kernel.

    linux is all about speed. it is damned fast. as well as its multi tasking abilities. it has multiple users, and im not tlaking about that windows crap, these have real multi users.

    it is also open source, so you can d'load most all the software for it for free, you can get it for free, people are always inproving it as well. becase, you can see the src code, unlike those greedy microsoft assholes.....

    -dexter
     
  14. papa_smirf Registered Senior Member

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    I'll see if i can heed your words and take them to heart. Only time will tell.
     
  15. dexter ROOT Registered Senior Member

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    uh-huh
     
  16. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    I installed Madrake without much trouble... It works fine.
     
  17. wet1 Wanderer Registered Senior Member

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    Linux

    Call me curious. I know nothing about Linux. So what's good about it? What's difficult about it, besides what's been mentioned so far?
     
  18. Bowser Namaste Valued Senior Member

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    Well, being a new USER myself, I can't give you a comprehensive answer. My understanding of LINUX is that you can tweek the OS for your specific machine. As for the GUI...there are several to choose from.

    Most of what I know is what I have heard and read. I'm still new and just started using it.

    A missing driver for a pci card, my mandrake installation didn't have one for it. Overall, I get the impression that LINUX is best suited for those who want to tinke OS that stands between them and the hardware.
     
  19. dexter ROOT Registered Senior Member

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  20. papa_smirf Registered Senior Member

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  21. dexter ROOT Registered Senior Member

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    hrmg *~*gasp*~* its red hat :-/


    hrmph, in 11, i am runing Xchat for some reason... please dont hold that aganst me....

    also... i am running enlightenment outa gnome

    so.. its all good.
     
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