Linux - Explain it to me


Recommended Posts

I've heard SO much about Linux now that I want to find out more. From people that I have talked to and sites on the web it appears that Linux Mandrake is the best Linux package.

First I'd like to know, what to download [what files, what size, etc]... second, how to install [from DOS?] and third it's uses [program support, browsing the internet (I "guess" I can't use IE6, or can I with an emulator??)].

I have a spare 2.5gig HD lying around so I can totally screw it up and not worry. I have also seen screenshots and heard about the Windows Emulator, but I've heard that it needs a powerful machine to run it.

I quickly went onto the download page and was taken to an FTP with 8 ISO's on, 5 being 670mb, 1 being 500mb and 2 being 300mb. What do I need and which version - Beta 8.1, Final 8.0, and what's the differences between them?

We've all got to learn sometime :) HELP ME.

-mortensenj

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1101-linux-explain-it-to-me/
Share on other sites

Pfff what a lot of questions ;).

-Ok get mandrake 8.0 final

-Get the 'inst' and the 'ext' cd's ('inst' is most important)

-Burn'm

-Insert the 'inst' cd in your cd (can be done in windows), it autoboots.

The menu will help you from here.

You can do an auto-client install although I never do, I like to select what to install

I don't know the difference between 8.0 and 8.1 except that 8.1 is beta (so choose for yourself)

An addition:

You can also try this if you just want to try Linux

http://www.winlinux.net/2001/

and no it doesn't us IE but there are nice browsers available for Linux : Netscape :p, Opera and KDE (a gui) has a nice one

Well - Thanks for the help... I think I'll download it tonight and try it out on one of my crappy old HD's. I will just try it and see what it can do for myself.

Then if it's any good I might consider dual booting but I don't want to try that first until I know if I like it...

I'll get both inst and ext CD's. Shame that it can't use IE but I can "live" with that... LOL!

-mortensenj

Well I suggest that you have at least a 5 GB hard drive or a 5 GB partition set for Linux since believe me, Linux comes with a lot of must-have applications and you'd want to make sure you have the space for them! Also, as I have tested, it does perform a lot better than Windows 9x, NT, and 2000! :)

And I'm talking about Mandrake 8.0, of course! Never heard of Mandrake 8.1 beta! And also, when does Kernel 2.5 come out?

@mortensen:

Make sure the installer makes a boot floppy instead of installing LILO on your boot drive.

This way linux won't mess with your boot sector. Just insert the floppy and boot linux, remove the floppy and boot windows.

This is best when your just testing and new to Linux

I used an old 3gig HD to do it... anyway I installed it and it had plenty of problems.

Monitor: All the monitors listed in the "Generic" list used the most obsure refresh rates I've EVER seen. 1024x768@76hz... OMG! I couldn't get it to run properly at all. The best I could do was at 70hz in 1024x768 and it's unusable! Is there anyway to specify a monitor and tell it the refresh rates? Also, can it understand a windows monitor.inf file?

Mouse: It would NOT accept my Wheel mouse. I couldn't change it to a USB wheel mouse! A PAIN IN THE ARSE.

It's nearly unusable for me so I'm back on Win98 [just swapped HD's].

UPPERS: Linux setup recognised my mouse no problem! I have a M$ USB mouse - Windows setup can't use my mouse until half way through when USB is enabled yet Linux works my mouse with no problems from the beginning... M$ is so flaming lame!

Overall Linux is crap at the moment. It took me AGES to find out how to change the resolution! And monitor support is lame. If I could get my monitor to work it would be brilliant.

ALSO, I installed UT and it didn't work. I clicked on the file and it wouldn't do anything... but when I clicked the uninstal file the whole UT install was gone in 1 second... quicker than ever Windows can manage. It didn't even give a confimation prompt... PFFFFFFF!

-mortensenj

Mandrake is crap! ;) If you really want something rock solid, go for Slackware. If you would like to get something more easy, SuSE is what you need.. By the way, you might want to read out some docs incase you ran into any problem :p Oh! and for all your software needs, Freshmeat is for you. :)

--------------------------------------

Let me point out a few thing about Linux distro that I've tried in the past..

Slackware -- Plain, simple, and make you in control (which sometime gives linux newbie a hard time). Slackware has its own package handling, which don't check for dependencies for you, but it install, uninstall and keep all the record for you to monitor, unlike RPM which i don't where the hell they keep all the records of installed software ;))

Mandrake -- Tend to make things as simple as possible, base on Redhat, from my experience, I prefer SuSE. They use RPM (Redhat Package Management) as their package handling

SuSE -- Base on Redhat, came with some nice tools such as hardware detecter, and etc. etc. They use RPM as their package handling..

Redhat -- Buggy..

Debian -- Famous for its 'apt-get' tools which have a perfect package handling, took care of all its dependencies and download, install everything for you. (If you've a fast connection, you'll love this tools)

-------------------------------------------------------

GUI

There are several GUI available on Linux. The two main GUI in available in GNU/Linux are, KDE, and GNOME. These two came with program that assist you in your task. But there are also other Window Manager out there, such as Window Maker, Blackbox, Sawfish, etc. etc. These windows manager are small, and they do not come with those software, but you are able to combine those KDE or GNOME's program with these small WM. :D

check out

---------------------------------------------------------

Un-official Linux site or LNO for more info.

I don't mind learning so I'm downloading Slackware 8.0 ISO. Took my AGES to find the file... at first it looked like you HAD to buy it until I FINALLY saw the link "Get Slack"... hardly the best site in the world.

Please can someone point me towards some screenshots [PLEASE] of it because I couldn't seem to find any on the website. :(

That's ANOTHER 639mb download... and seeing as how I'm only on 64k cable it HARDLY fast, but I want to try out Linux and Mandrake didn't seem to like my hardware. As long as I can shove it into 1024x768@75hz [Mandrake DIDN'T HAVE any driver that would allow me to do that] then I can play about with it... but in 800x600 on a 17" screen it looks STUPID. Also, not having my mouse wheel working is a MAJOR handicap... :(

-mortensenj

OK! Mandrake is not crap! I find it kicks ass way better than Windows as I have tested! Also, I'm writing a review on what programs are buggy and which ones can be improved! Red Hat and Mandrake's Linux systems are both equal, but Debian is only for those who have really good knowledge in Linux and I was just getting the hang of Mandrake! Also, here's 2 pieces of information for ya :

1) Don't use Corel Linux! That has to be the worst Linux Distribution I have ever heard of!

2) About the LILO, it does work perfectly with no problems at all! And Redmak, I think you didn't test LILO properly! :china: :o

If Mandrake is so good then please help me... how do you add a custom monitor? I have a Windows INF but if that's no good then please tell me how to write my own monitor driver as I know all the resolutions and refresh rates. I don't see an option to add a custom monitor... only choose some from a list!

All the generic monitors have STUPID refresh rates [like 74hz and 76hz] and miss out STANDARD refresh rates like 75hz [which is the ony rate my monitor can do in 1024x768]. PLEASE HELP ME... ANYBODY!!!!!!!

Once I have that sorted THEN I can get to sorting out my mouse and trying to get programs to work!

- - - I'm not just trying to use it for the sake of it! If it works then I can set up one of my computers as a server which my parents can use [cos Linux has programs linke KWord, etc]. THEN my priority is to get games working on it... but I mainly want Linux for use as a server / office. If not I'll have to get WinXP server [when it's released] and install OfficeXP on it - But I want to use Linux seeing as how it's free and all. - - -

-mortensenj

All your software's configuaration are mostly stored at /etc I can't remember the exact file name for the conf that you need to edit, but I think it's something like XF86Config, i'm not sure, check it out.. try ls /etc/X*86*Config --remember-- capital letter counts..

Mandrake came with X config utilities, but I can't recall the its command.. sorry :( Try posting at http://www.linuxnewbie.org

Oh and by the way, I don't like LILO, I use loadlin instead ;)

mortensen, for the monitor, it might just be the XFree86 version that might interfere with the settings! I had to disable XFree86 4.0.3 and go back to version 3.3.6 in order to get my monitor to display properly! So just choose a generic monitor and choose version 3.3.6 of XFree86 and you should be OK! :)

I have a:

17" Elonex Autoscan monitor

Model: MN045 - Non interlaced

Plug and Play

Max 1024x768@75hz

Here is part of my .INF file:

;MN045

[Monitor20.AddReg]

HKR,"MODES1280,1024",Mode1,,"30-65,50-100,+,+"

HKR,,MaxResolution,,"1280,1024"

HKR,,DPMS,,1

HKR,,ICMProfile,1,6

Is this what you wanted?

-mortensenj

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • My father still uses a programme written in dbase3. Still manages to work with a little help from dosbox. 
    • Microsoft hides these secret Windows 11 performance boost settings available on every PC by Sayan Sen Windows enthusiasts often look for ways to extract as much performance out of their systems as possible, and it's often the case that they try and do so while trying to minimize the heat and power consumption. This is especially relevant in the case of mobile Windows PCs since laptops and notebooks tend to get hot and management of that heat and power is harder in such a form factor. As such users often turn to techniques like under-volting which can be used to squeeze out the maximum capabilities of a chip while also maintaining lowered power levels. There are official apps from AMD and Intel with the likes of Ryzen Master and XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility). While these are quite handy, most enthusiasts probably prefer to dig into the BIOS and play around with settings there like Curve Optimizer on Ryzen, which lets users set various frequency-voltage scaling values. These are essentially called P-States. If you are not familiar with them, Processor Power Management is done through Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) P-states and C-states. While P-states or performance pwoer states handle CPU voltage-frequency scaling, C-states deal with CPU sleep states so that some of the CPU functions, which are not necessary at that moment, can be disabled. The P-states and C-states work together to make the processor run more efficiently. It helps the OS and apps determine which cores can be parked and which should be boosted. Of course not every user is an enthusiast or knows the technicalities and integrities of how things like overclocking or undervolting work. Thankfully for them Windows itself offers something pretty cool, though it is hidden by default on all systems. By default, Windows only has two P-States, "Minimum Processor State" and "Maximum Processor State." However, this can be changed with a Registry trick to expand the options under a secret "Processor performance boost mode" dropdown. This essentially enables the HWP or hardware P-States available on a device, and these are not controlled just by the OS itself as the underlying hardware gets involved too. In total there are five Processor Performance Boost Mode profiles that control how Windows requests and allows CPU turbo/boost behavior under the different power policies. They are: Disabled: In this mode, processor boosting is effectively turned off. The CPU will avoid entering turbo or boost frequencies and instead operate closer to its base frequency ceiling. This can significantly reduce power consumption and heat output, but at the cost of reduced burst performance and responsiveness in short workloads. Enabled: This is the standard behavior where boost functionality is allowed under normal conditions. The processor can opportunistically increase frequency when workload demands it, balancing performance gains with power and thermal constraints as managed by the system. Aggressive: Aggressive mode favors performance more heavily, allowing the CPU to enter higher boost states more readily and sustain them longer. This should in theory improve responsiveness under bursty or heavy workloads but increases power draw and thermal output compared to the default enabled behavior. Efficient Enabled: This mode still allows boosting, but with a stronger bias toward energy efficiency. The system attempts to use boost more selectively, avoiding unnecessary frequency spikes when the performance gain is marginal. Efficient Aggressive: This is a hybrid approach where boost is still performance-responsive, but the system continuously weighs efficiency more heavily than in Aggressive mode. It aims to deliver noticeable performance improvements while reducing wasted power in less demanding scenarios. Here's how to enable the Processor performance boost mode: Open Registry Editor: Press Win+R, type regedit, and click OK. Go to: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerSettings\54533251-82be-4824-96c1-47b60b740d00\be337238-0d82-4146-a960-4f3749d470c7 (where HKLM stands for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_) Modify the value of Attributes from 1 to 2 (you can find modify option by right-clicking) After that, exit Registry, you should now be able to see the new "Processor performance boost mode" dropdown menu: As you can see there are now five new P-States or CPPC states or power profile available that help define the boost mode processor setting on your PC. Wrapping it up here's a quick run-down of the settings as defined by Microsoft itself. Setting Description Disabled The corresponding P-state-based behaviour is disabled. Collaborative Processor Performance Control (CPPC) behaviour is disabled. Enabled The corresponding P-state-based behaviour is enabled. CPPC behaviour is Efficient Enabled. Aggressive The corresponding P-state-based behaviour is enabled. CPPC behaviour is Aggressive. Efficient Enabled The corresponding P-state-based behaviour is Efficient. CPPC behaviour is Efficient Enabled. Efficient Aggressive The corresponding P-state-based behaviour is Efficient. CPPC behaviour is Aggressive. Aggressive At Guaranteed Windows calculates the desired extra performance above the guaranteed performance level, and asks the processor to deliver that specific performance level. Efficient Aggressive At Guaranteed Windows always asks the processor to deliver the highest possible performance above the guaranteed performance level. In the next part we shall be comparing these settings to explore how much of a benefit or regression they can provide in terms of performance and power efficiency. If you decide to change the values on your system and are experiencing problems like crashes or an overheating PC, make sure to revert the steps back to the original state.
    • I think he means you haven't reviewed previous UFC games. Of course it doesn't matter... Every time you just report on something that involves the President even if just simply what happened you guys usually get accused of being anti-Trump. We live in fun times.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      rolfus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Leroy Jethro Gibbs earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      AndreaB earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      agatameier earned a badge
      One Month Later
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      518
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      198
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      147
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      93
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      78
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!