Tuesday, May 21, 2013

What Linux Distribution should I put on my other hard drive partion?

Q. I have to hard drive partions, with one partion being Windows XP, and the other getting ready for Linux. I am wondering what Linux distribution I should use. The computer I use is for Home use, like homework, web browsing, ect... Any suggestions?

A. I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 7 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 9.04 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled

Linux Mint 7 Download
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38

Linux Mint 7 User Guide
http://www.scribd.com/doc/15884753/Linux-Mint-7-Gloria-User-Guide

The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 7 (Gloria)
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-7-gloria

You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 7 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

Linux Mint 7 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive

INSTALL LINUX MINT WITHIN WINDOWS

Linux Mint has a feature called mint4win based on the Wubi installer (Ubuntu) http://wubi-installer.org/ which enables you to install Linux Mint within windows (Windows 7 run mint4win in vista compatability mode)

You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.

mint4win like Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.

Boot in to windows insert the LiveCD you have just created and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where mint4win comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.

Once Linux Mint is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint

Installing a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning
http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi

CURRENT SESSION

Linux Mint 6 ext3 with switchable Beryl 0.2.1* and Compiz 0.7.8
http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=31
http://www.scribd.com/doc/21224431/Linux-Mint-6-Felicia-Official-Users-Guide
http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-6-felicia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_%28window_manager%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiz
*Beryl 0.2.1 sourced from Ubuntu 7.04 repositories


LUg.

What Linux distribution is best for me and how much should i partition?
Q. I am going to make a dual boot system and i was wondering what linux distribution would offer new things that windows dosent. It would be nice if the distribution was free. I was also wondering how much i should partition off for linux

A. Linux is petty good in not taking up much space. I'd recommend partitioning about half as it is the easiest option and is done by default in most Linux installers.

As for which distro, that is a matter of personal preference. I personally like openSUSE and use it both at home and at work.
http://opensuse.org

Many recommend Ubuntu for beginners. However I despise the Gnome interface, so I'd go with Kubuntu (Ubuntu with the KDE interface.
http://ubuntu.org
http://kubuntu.org

In any distro, to get multimedia files to play and 3d acceleration to work, you will have to do some tweaking. This is due to the fact that many of these drivers and codecs are proprietary. Older ATi graphics cards can be iffy under Linux. The graphics will work, but you may not have 3d acceleration.

Playing DVDs may even require you to break the law by downloading decss to break DVD encryption. Seems odd to have to break the law to allow the legal use of your DVD, doesn't it?

There are guides for getting all that to work.
http://www.softwareinreview.com/linux_optimizations/hacking_opensuse_10.3.html
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats

What is the Linux distribution that you can boot directly from CD and run without installation?
Q. I once had a 1-CD Linux distribution. I could boot from the CD and run the OS without installing it on the hard drive. It is very useful when you want to do some experiments in Linux but don't want to mess up with all the (Windows) stuff on the hard drive. I forgot the name of the distribution. Can anybody tell me? Thanks!

A. it's called Knoppix. go here: www.knoppix.org

There's also a distribution of Linspire (which has a similar interface to windows) which can be run live but it is not free like knoppix.



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What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages to the computer buyer when using one of the free?

Q. operating systems such as google chrome and linux rather than windows?

A. i don't know about linux
but google chrome was designed to be fast
A great OS for something like net books that are only really good for watching videos and social networking
so it woulnd;t be able to do much in the way of gaming or high demand software

that was the last time i herd about google chrome a while ago it might be different now

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages to the computer buyer when using one of the free?
Q. operating systems such as google chrome or linux rather than windows?

A. 1 If the computer already comes with Windows, there's no point in wiping it to install a free OS (although that is what I would do)

Pros:
It's free :)
There is a large and supportive community for some linux OSes (if you're willing to learn a little bit)
Linux is highly customizable
There is a lot of cool effects available for some GUI's
Most of the software is free open source alternatives to Windows software
Any one can modify the code of software to improve it
Little to no virus problems, I have no antivirus installed
Being made easier all teh time

Cons:
Can be difficult to migrate from windows
A lot of things are difficult to do (although constantly being made easier)
Some Windows software can be difficult to get working in linux
Software is open source so anyone can modify/look at the code (pro or con)
Difficult to choose a good distro
A lot of command line typing

All in all migrating to linux is a good strategy if you want to save a few hundred $ and are really willing to learn. If you want everything to just work the same then save yourself the anger and just pay out. If you really are willing to learn however there are many people who will help you get started with linux.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages to the computer buyer when using one of the free?
Q. operating systems such as google chrome or linux rather than windows?

A. Windows = lots of easy to install software, not very reliable(frequent crashes/freezes), is slow, tracks everything you do and sends it to microsoft(really!)

Linux = Fast, very stable(almost no crashes/bsod's), the new "package-installers" make installing software easier than it used to be, no help(use well maintained forums to get help), no behind the scenes data collection, stick to the popular versions(called "distros")

Chrome = coming out soon, Google's OS. Since it is google it is all spyware. Supposed to be fast, designed more for netbooks and using "cloud storage" to give you unlimited storage space on google servers for free(until you are hooked, then they will begin charging you to access your own data). All of the data you store will be scanned for unlicensed songs, films, kiddie porn, etc. If they find any expect a visit from the Man and a lawsuit from Sony Music.

Best sloution: dual boot Win XP sp3 and Ubuntu Linux, then you can have both while you learn more about linux, slowly phase out windows use. With the new Ubuntu you can access your WIN files! See youtube vids for dual boot tutorials



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how can i copy text from windows and paste in in linux 'screen' shell?

Q. I want to run my matlab code in linux 'screen' program. and im not sure how to do that. I initiate screen, and then write matlab -nodisplay. so the matlab starts. however, im not sure how can i run my code in it. shal i just copy paste my code in the shell? how?

A. Save your code as a .m file (for example your_code.m)

Copy the .m file into the Linux directory you are launching Matlab from
OR
lanch Matlab and cd into the directory where you put the .m file

Run your code by typing the name of the .m file into Matlab command window. So if your code is called 'your_code.m', ou'd type 'your_code' into Matlab and it will run.

The .m file can be a function with a return value, or it can be a script with just a list of commands.

How to Change The Puppy Linux Screen Size?
Q. I don't mean it make fullscreen or something. At the set-up screen I picked the wrong xxxx*xxxx pixels formatting, and I don't know how to change it.

A. Try:
Menu
...Setup
......Xorg Video wizard

Or Xvesa Video Wizard if you are using Xvesa - but don't worry if you don't know whether you are using Xorg or Xvesa, just try either and it will tell you if that is the wrong one.
.... but you are probably using Xorg unless it's a very old computer, so you will most likely see the 'Resolution changer' option in the Xorg Video Wizard and that should do what you want.
(or you can run the full wizard to set up all the Xorg or Xvesa settings)
I hope that makes sense! Good luck.
If you have problems, ask on the Puppy Linux forums and someone will help you.

How do I make the cursor stay the same size in ubuntu linux from screen to screen?
Q. My cursor is a huge pointer until I move it off to the edge of the screen then it's normal size. It started when I reinstalled the operating system. I think I may have to either uninstall something or install something. I don't want to have to reinstall this OS.

A. do you have different themes installed? if so try this

sudo update-alternatives âconfig x-cursor-theme

and update the theme of your choice



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how can i install itunes on my linux laptop?

Q. i have a linux laptop and i want to put itunes on it i have tried downloading it but when ever i click on it the internet comes up with lots of taps any help?

A. Take a look at these open source options

Rhythmbox
http://projects.gnome.org/rhythmbox/

gtkpod (good for syncing)
http://www.gtkpod.org/about.html

Songbird
http://www.getsongbird.com/

aTunes
http://www.atunes.org/


LUg.

How do I swith operating systems on my laptop?
Q. My friend gave me an Ubuntu/Linux laptop but on the side of it it says Windows Vista. Does that mean It used to be Windows and if so how can I change it back. Please help, I really hate using Linux, it's a piece of trash.

A. Linux is great if you know what you are doing, and it isn't hard to figure out. If you must, though, then there are two possibilities for getting Windows back on it.

1. Ask if it is dual partitioned. If it is, then when you turn it on, when it is still in the BIOS it will give you an option briefly for which system to load. Select Windows and you will load up no problem.

2. If it not dual partitioned you will have to use a Windows OS disk. Those can be about $100+ unless your friend has one.

If you don't like Ubuntu you can try Linux Mint or some other nice operating system for free. Different versions of Linux run different and you might like another version better. You could also Google "free non linux OS" or something of the sort.


If you post your main problem with Ubuntu under additional details, I will recommend something further.

Networking - Ubnuntu Linux. Trying to connect another computer to my Linux to use its internet connection?
Q. I am trying to connect another laptop to my linux laptop while its connected to the internet. I want to make a network on my Ubuntu Linux laptop. How?

A. I'm assuming your laptop with the Internet connection is connected with WiFi and the other laptop is hardwired to it with ethernet. You didn't specify a network setup, so this could be totally wrong.

You need to set up NAT on the computer with the Internet connection. Once you have that set up, you should configure the two ethernet interfaces (one on each laptop, they're connected to each other w/ a crossover cable) with IP addresses from a private IP range. You could use something such as 172.16.1.1 (laptop w/ Internet) and 172.16.1.2 (laptop w/o Internet). Then on the laptop w/o Internet, specify it's default gateway as 172.16.1.1.

Don't forget to turn on packet forwarding, this is a common problem that people have and can't seem to figure out:

echo 1 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_forward

This howto explains the process.

http://www.howtoforge.com/nat_iptables



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What are the benefits of a Linux operating system?

Q. I've used Windows and and Mac operating systems, but never Linux. Are there any benefits to having a Linux operating system? Are there any disadvantages? Are they more likely to contract a virus?

A. A more informed user primary benefit.

Quicker more efficient system with less overhead and shit loads of free software. other beni

It won't make you a sandwich disadvantange.

Much less likely to get a virus, and if it does odds are it won't affect your machine but if you do get one you install Linux with a seperate home partition.

so when you have to format you just format your root partition.

Just for the record a Java/Flash/pdf buffer overflow attack can do just as much damage as a virus or more and is cross platform.

Typically these types of crap is put in pron and stuff people like to steal ie P2P over vuze or utorrent and stuff like that.


Most Linux users still Dual boot, just like allot of mac users boot camp.


Best place to start with Linux is to get Ubuntu and run the live Cd and see if you like it, you can also test your drivers running the live cd.

If you use Ubuntu you will probably need Ubuntu restricted extras from synaptic and a bunch of other stuff

You might run into problems with wireless drivers

How can i install utorrent linux version?
Q. Ok ive just installed linux and i don't like utorrent transmission client i want utorrent
I mean how to install it no where to find it

A. why not try ktorrent, its in your software manager,
so is azureus,

all you need to do is enable them

How to download programs onto Linux for the PS3?
Q. I recently uprgaded to ydl for my ps3, but I can't download any other programs like Java, MapleStory, or Utorrent? Is it incapable of using other software? Can someone please help me out here?

A. Here is the Yellowdog Linux PS3 Community board http://www.yellowdog-board.com/viewforum.php?f=19

LUg.



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Are programs like utorrent safe and where do i get them?

Q. I want to download the program utorrent. Is that safe for my computer or could it mess my computer up? Also, is it hard to install or is it simple?

A. uTorrent is safe as far as I know, and you can install if you wish. And torrents are NOT illegal unless of course you are distributing pirated content. A lot of legal files, like Linux distributions are distributed through torrents to reduce server slowdowns and bandwidth problems, like openSuSE or Fedora. You can find many other legitimate, safe torrents as well. To this day I have never found a fake file that may have caused trouble on my computer. Just make sure you are using torrents in the safe place. The clients themselves, like uTorrent, don't cause problems with my system at all. If you want, use trackers that are known to handle only open source or freeware files. If you want to find legal torrents, as in Creative Commans licensed material ment to be free, you can find those at sites, and also public domain torrents, that once used to be commercial, but are now for the public to use at their own will. Check out the list below:

Where does uTorrent Server save downloaded files?
Q. I just downloaded a torrent in linux through uTorrent server. How do I access the downloaded file?

A. If you are on Windows, right-click the torrent in uTorrent and select "Open Containing Folder"-this will reveal the content.

You can set the directory for downloads at Options>Preferences>Directories so you know where for the future.

Recommend a Windows BitTorrent client that will auto-start torrents dropped into a certain folder?
Q. I've seen this feature in a few Linux clients... Can anyone recommend a *Windows* based BitTorrent client that will periodically scan a certain folder for new torrent files and start downloading them if they show up?

A. Both Vuze and uTorrent will do that.

Info for Vuze (under "Best Way"):
http://www.azureuswiki.com/index.php/What_to_do_now

In uTorrent, at Options>Preferences>Directories - "Automatically load torrents from"
http://www.utorrent.com/faq.php#How_can_I_make_.C2.B5Torrent_auto-load_torrents_from_a_specified_folder.3F

Links to downloads and setup guides for both clients are here:
Best Free BitTorrent Client
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-bittorrent-client.htm



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How to capture C and CPP files in the linux operating system?

Q. I am new to linux and have been trying to figure this out forever for a homework assignment! I am supposed to use appropriate linux commands to capture all "C or CPP" files in the linux operating system and make a list of the files. I am using Xubuntu. I am a beginner and could use any advice! Thanks!

A. What does it mean to capture a file??

If you mean to find the files and list the results, use the 'find' command to search for *.c and *.cpp files in the whole system. You will get the result on the screen, and you can redirect the output to a file.

To find *.c files:
find / -name *.c

To find *.cpp files:
find / -name *.cpp

Explanation: the "/" means to start the search at the top of the file system, meaning that the search will include all the system. The "-name" means to search by name, and "*.c" is the file pattern you want to find.

To redirect the output, use "> output_file" for example:
find / -name *.cpp > output_file

Hope it helps. See the manual page 'man find' to learn more.

What's the difference between Linux operating systems?
Q. Linux has a lot of operating systems, I'm not even going to bother to list them. I was wondering, it there a difference between them? Does each type of Linux operating system hold a specific purpose? For example, Red Hat holds a different functionality to Ubuntu, or something like that.

A. Linux has many distros but all versions of Linux are the same OS.

Linux is extremely customizable. So much so that it'd be impossible for one person to do all the tweaks necessary to have what most people consider a polished and functional operating system. On top of that many Linux distros are heavily customized for specific purposes. Robotics, hardware appliance (routers for example), Real time OS (traffic lights, microwave ovens, unmanned aircraft), Music studios, Network security, Home theatre, Cash register, various industrial and scientific specialties, generic servers and so on.

There are also distros that are specialized to fit on a 1.44 floppy, thumb drives and a few distros specifically designed to run on CDs rather than be installed on a machine. There are distros that mimic other operating systems such as Mac OS and Windows so closely that at a glance you wouldn't know that you were not using those OS's. Other's are branded such as Dell's version of Ubuntu which is customized for Dell hardware.

There are also commercial versions of Linux. Red Hat Enterprise for example which is designed for high end servers and IBM's SUSE which has customizations for running on IBM virtual servers/being the host OS for the virtual servers, a desktop version which much of Europe's governments uses.

Distros often come with sub distros that are customized for various purposes. For example most major distros have a KDE and a Gnome version These are customized to people's favorite window managers and some distros support up to 5 or 6 window managers with sub-distros. Most support at least 2 or 3. Long term support, special purpose sub-distros like Ubuntu Studio which is geared for musicians are also common with widely used general distros.

The majority of distros however are shortcuts for Linux users to get what they want/need without spending the thousand of hours personally making those customizations. For example some like myself do too much customization and install too much software to upgrade a machine every 2 years. So long term support versions appeal heavily to me. I need and use a large variety of applications so it's important to have very large software repositories. Other people choose high performance bare bone distros. Some people want total control over their sytem and choose primitive distros that give you the bare min necessary, anything else the user installs themselves and customize as they see fit. (not recommended for anybody but an expert).

There are philosophical choices involved in choosing a distro. One big split for example is RH vrs Debian based systems. The RH fork (RHE, SUSE, Mandriva, CentOS) and Debian fork (Ubuntu, Debian) have some small differences in the way they are built. For example RH systems use YUM for software installation while Debian based systems use Apt-Get. You can install and use YUM on Debian systems and Apt-Get on RH systems. It's just a matter of defaults. Same with how root privileges are handled, and other minor details. The average user won't notice such subtle differences.

I've included a link to distro watch which gives details about specific distros as well as release cycles and where to download them.

How do I rescan for wireless connections when I've recently deleted them - Linux operating system?
Q. I recently purchased an Acer Netbook with Linpus Linux operating system. I stupidly deleted all of the wireless connections it found so that I wouldn't be inadvertently 'piggy backing'. However, I seem to have deleted even my own and it won't even scan for anything now, though I am following the correct procedures for it to do a re-scan. What have I done? Thank you for any guidance here!

A. Does Linpus have a package manager called synaptic? If it does you can probably reinstall what you have removed. I am not familiar with Linpus Linux.



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