Convert a Linux cynic..... Go on!

[Jiff Lemon]

Ok, I'll freely admit to be a 100% linux cynic - We'll not get drawn into the arguments here, as I'm prepared to get it a go and see what all the fuss is about.

So... here's the challenge.

I've an old Viglen 233 laptop, with a buffalo wirless network card. Now, I've had no problems installing Windows XP on there - sure it runs a little slowly, but thats fine for me.

I want a linux equivilant to dual boot the system.

It should be a simple as XP was to set up.
It should happily co-exist.
It shouldn't lose any of the laptops functionality.

So.... What do I get and from where?

[ingouk]

for beginners i would suggest mandrake 9.1
easy to install and can happaliy coexist with windows xp.
how big is ur hdd on the lappy? have u split it up into 2 partitions? You can download the mandrake isos from www.mirror.ac.uk
best you check mandrake website before www.mandrake.com

[DaBeeeenster]

That's a pretty tough assignment

I'd be interested to see how you go with a modern distro. It should work ok, but for Linux on laptops, getting ALL the functionality to work can be quite a challenge.

If you get stuck, do post back here; there are quite a few Linux users like myself on the forums willing to help out if you get stuck...

[Jiff Lemon]

Muhahahahahaha - See what I mean? Peice of cake for windows, Linux is struggling already!

Lappy Hard drive is 18 gig, More than enough.
I'll download Mandrake but I won't install it just yet just in case someone else has another suggestion.

[Big RICHARD]

Originally posted by Jiff Lemon
Muhahahahahaha - See what I mean? Peice of cake for windows, Linux is struggling already!

Lappy Hard drive is 18 gig, More than enough.
I'll download Mandrake but I won't install it just yet just in case someone else has another suggestion.

Windows 95? Gives you all the functionality!

[ingouk]

before you install linux on the laptop, it might be worth writing things down like: gfx-chip, resultion, refresh freq., etc. might come in handy when installing linux on an older laptop.
or check here: http://www.linux-laptop.net/

[Moby-Dick]

I've got some mandrake CD's here if you want em - up to much tonight ? I'll pop over

[Jiff Lemon]

Aye nice one moby.... Should be back by 6.30 (got some birthday shopping to do)

Already looking at Linux-laptop.net - there's an entry for Viglen but its a dead link.

[lampPost]

maybe also take a look at SuSE and Redhat for the desktop.
i've also heard Fluxbox is a pretty nice lightweight window manager, i did have it installed on another machine for a while but i had to give the HDD it was on to someone

[Shak]

Linux on a laptop does a better job than WIndows on a server.

Linux was/is primarily a server OS, Windows is primarily a desktop OS (IMHO) and if you run it on a server then you pay the price.

[lampPost]

ahh hello Shak

good points there, windows means $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ if you want to serve anythign with it :|