Due to not being able to obtain an English version of Linux at the bookstores I downloaded Mandrake 9.1 (not after one failed attempt though because my harddisk was full ).
There are 3 ISO files which should go on 3 CD-ROMS and I have already a free partition (aroun 7GByte) on my harddisk.
Q1: Do I need an extra partition for the boot loader? (I do think to remember this from an old version)
Q2: Should I use LILO or GRUB if given a choice?
Q3: Do I assume correctly that I just need to copy those files, i.e. there is no unzipping or similar to be done?
Q4: And then just boot with the first CD in the drive and follow the instructions?
You donāt need an extra partition for your bootloader
You normally seen will be give a choice between GRUB and LILO. Itās up to you to dicide which one ā¦ I believe GRUB is becomming more and more the standard (since itās part of the GNU project)
which files are you talking about ? just burn the iso files on the cdās (burn them als image files !!! do not just place them on the cd)
when correctly burned, the cdās should be bootable and, so you just have to boot your pc and follow the instructions Make sure you pick the right partition to install on
I guess thatās where the problem will be: I used to install my first Linux a long time ago from a distribution I purchased (with manuals).
Now I downloaded those 3 files from the net (Mandrake website mirror) which are called Mandrake91-cd#-inst.i586.iso (where # = 1, 2 and 3).
So when you say āburn as imagesā how do I do that? Havenāt burned many CDs yet ā¦
[quote=āRascalā]Now I downloaded those 3 files from the net (Mandrake website mirror) which are called Mandrake91-cd#-inst.i586.iso (where # = 1, 2 and 3).
So when you say āburn as imagesā how do I do that? Havenāt burned many CDs yet ā¦[/quote]
If youāre using Nero 5, simply click on āFileā and go down and click āBurn Imageāā¦if youāre using Nero 6, click on āRecorderā and then click āBurn Imageā. If youāre using something other than Nero I canāt helpā¦itās about the only reliable burning software for Windows.
Thought I just let you know I am up and running, posting this under Linux using Konqueror.
Thanks for your help, was really easy after burning the CD-ROMs ā¦
[quote=āRascalā]Thought I just let you know I am up and running, posting this under Linux using Konqueror.
Thanks for your help, was really easy after burning the CD-ROMs ā¦ [/quote]
Would there be somebody around to hold my hand (via the magic of Internet, donāt worry too much!) if I were to install Linux on my now-to-be-old laptop, after the new one arrives? Iād like to get into the swing of free or open-source, but canāt risk being off-line with customers nipping at my heels and so forth.
I expect the new computer Friday.
Would I need to re-format my hard drive on the old laptop? Can you āreplaceā the existing Windoze system with Linux somehow? Itās NOT an old machine, but the Windoze system is so screwed up that itās as though itās got leprosyā¦keeps losing devices and such. (Actually itās a Compaq, Iāve heard rumors of bad memory chips.)
If you want to replace Windows entirely than you can just install Linux over it.
During the installation process Linux will format the harddisk partitions it requires (or those you choose). If you have lotās of space you can keep Windows and the Linux boot-loader will allow you to choose which operating system you want to start after switching on the laptop. In this case you would need to have the harddisk partitioned - which can be troublesome / risky if there is currently only one (taken by Windows).
If you donāt need Windows it should be no trouble since Mandrakeās installation routine also includes a tool to partition the harddisk for Linux, it usually requires one primary partition for itself and an extended partition as swap drive (kind of virtual/temporary āmemoryā like the old versions of Windows used to require). There is an option for automatic allocation but it didnāt work for me, perhaps because I chose to keep my WinXP partition.
There are plenty of applications included in the Mandrake 9.1 release, could surf the web in no time without even doing any configuration.
I used to have a compaq laptop, and it was a relief when the damn thing finally died. Hope youāre not buying another one, Ironlady?
Anyway, I tried to install RedHat several times and it was never 100% successful. I was able to do the partitions OK, and keep Win98, but Linux the system was never really reliable and eventually I gave up in disgust. Re-installing over the top got problematical, and after a few attempts I would usually have to reformat the whole machine.
Someone told me that many laptops can be a bit quirky this way. Is this true? Is it better just to erase Win completely?
I have a new laptop now and, although Iām still keen to tinker with Linux, Iām extremely nervous about the idea of screwing up what I have. Iām running WinXP āpurchasedā with the machine, and donāt have any restore CD.
It apparently has 2 HDDs (14.6 and 13.2G), but I donāt know if this is really 2 physical drives. I only use one, but the other has a couple of system files (6Mb) that Iām nervous about moving. Also, it doesnāt have any internal drives, except the HDD.
The CD plugs into the USB. Would that cause problems during installation?
Iāve been thinking of buying a 2nd-hand desktop, and maybe installing there first. Smarter, but costs $s and takes up precious physical space in my little bachelor pad.
Suggestions anyone?
Also, are Linux systems able to talk to Palm PDAs, or will I always have to use M$ for that?
[quote=ātmwcā]
I have a new laptop now and, although Iām still keen to tinker with Linux, Iām extremely nervous about the idea of screwing up what I have. Iām running WinXP āpurchasedā with the machine, and donāt have any restore CD.[/quote]
Exactly what model is it?
You can buy a brand new desktop now for 9,000NT. I just built one for a neighbor.
Iāve been using linux for maybe 8 years now. Just out of interest is there widespread use of Linux in the business community in Taiwan. China is really pushing the use of the Linux and opensource software ā¦ does the same go for Taiwan.
Cheers ā¦
Not that I noticed. And judging by the ācomputer skillsā of my so-called engineers I think itās a good idea to stick with Windows for the time being (though even that seems to be too complicated for one of them).
In your typical MS department at your average Taiwan company itās definitely Microsoft all the way. A lot of recent college grads have pretty good Linux skills, but their managers have invested their careers in Microsft and are not about to change.
At Internet companies and networking companies like Yam, itās a whole different story. Linux all over at least in the backroom.
Would you say that there is possibility in getting a job based on Linux skills? For example in the area of Embedded systems, telecoms, ISPās etc. ?
The reason being I am trying to get a job in Taiwan ā¦
Perhaps a bit off the topic but, with Linux in mind:
Is it possible for āforeignersā to set up a business in Taiwan?
I have heard from a friend that it is relatively easy to register a business in HongKong ā¦ anyone know if this is true ā¦ and if it is then possible to open up āshopā in Taiwan?
[quote=ācoamiā]Would you say that there is possibility in getting a job based on Linux skills? For example in the area of Embedded systems, telecoms, ISPās etc. ?
[/quote]
I know of a few foreigners with linux-related jobs. Most are married, so they qualify for open work permits and companies can hire them. Please search in the legal threads for open work permits if you ahve questions about these.
If you canāt get an open work permit, you are going to have to be a very highly qualified engineer in a hot field like embedded systems.If it is a mid-level or entry-level position, the authorities are likely to tell your company that they can hire a local and that they canāt hire you. Still you can always try.
This is one strategy. You can then set up a representative office in Taipei. It depends on your busines model, what services you want to provide, and tax issues.
).
Make sure you pick the right partition to install on 
