So!! What about O/S's

[Jaytee]

For some time now I have been thinking of using the linux operating sytem.
Apparently the Mandrake v8 is pretty idiot friendly (after you finally get the thing installed )
Some stuff I have been told:
You need to use the command line more (ugh)
The system is a lot less likely to crash, even if you are a bad driver.
It is faster than its Micro$ equivalents and wastes less resources to do the task.
One thing that does seem a bit scarey is that it looks like most hackers learned their skills on the Linux system. It follows to suppose that the system would be highly vunerable to all sorts of horrible attacks.
What does the board think? I would appreciatte all comments, even if they are negative. (NOT you Gates!!!):no:

[MishY]

Heya Jaytee,

I use Redhat Linux 7.2 on a couple of boxes I have at home. Unfortunately I can't say I'm anything more than an amateur though at Linux. I use the boxes for apache server (local web testing), SSH, SFTP, a couple of game servers UT, CS, and as a router.

I haven't used Mandrake.

Depending on which distribution of Linux you go for - by default has a huge amount of services which are very powerful. Some of which are installed and running during a standard installation.

This makes securing the box more difficult. More secure default installations can be found on FreeBSD and OpenBSD. If you know what you're doing you can secure a RH box quite easily. If you do go with Mandrake or RH get Bastille. It's an interactive securing tool.

It is reputed to be more stable than Windoze, but to be honest I've not had a crash on Windows2000Pro for 8months now.

Linux boxes make excellent webservers, mail servers, and routers. For the average computer joe I would not recommend it just yet but distributions like RH and Mandrake are putting a lot of effort into making linux more accessible for beginners.

I used to use KDE after hating gnome on RH, but I found that KDE ran like a dog so ended up learning as much command line as I could and now just boot straight to that.

If you play games btw don't get Linux. Game developers are very very slowly appreciating that there is a linux market going gameless and starting to develop some. Unless you can get a game to work with "Wine" or one of the other emulator. WineX is supposed to be good.

* It's nice not having to defrag tho :p

MishY

[Jaytee]

Thanks Mishy,
Hmmn! No defrag, thats got to be a bonus. Takes forever to defrag XP.
Should I use a seperate H/D or risk the partion thing (scarey)?? Apparently if you partion you need around 8gigs for Mandrake so it must have a heap of programmes on the four C/D's.
Also the cost seems to be hugely variable. Free download (would take eons at 56k's) Get a copy from your friend Tom (I would have to see someone elses friend Tom as I dont have one) or pay anything from $40.00 to $350.00 from a retail outlet.
Come on all you Mandrake fans... Convince me.:D :D

[MishY]

Jaytee,

I would definately use the spare HDD if you have one spare with enough MB/Gigage.

Redhat is something you might wanna try.......I bought it over here in England for £30.

I'm a firm believer in paying for software even though you may not have to. For example WinZip. I use it all the time, it's free in evaluation mode. But the programmers put a lot of work into making such a great utility so I'm happy to pay the small $$$ they ask so as to help support them improving on their product. I view linux the same way.

MishY

[Jaytee]

Yes I am ok about paying for software for the same reason as you. Just did not understand why the price was so wildly variable for a "free" release. I think I will get some more info from a linux fan/dealer who advertises sales and total support for $40.00. (about 16 quid U.K)
He is in a remote town from me but I can go see him when I next visit my daughter.
I will buy another H/D then there will be no conflict and I can boot to what I want.
Many thanks Mishy;) :)

[MishY]

Jaytee,

When I was looking into buying Redhat there were two versions of the same product. One contained practically everything you're ever likely to need, the other some extra stuff. The difference in price was about £30 I think from memory.

Why one version of Mandrake costs $40 and one $350 over there I have no idea lol

Have you looked into the specs of both versions ?

BTW tempting as it is to download a linux distribution, on 56k it's a bit of a joke sadly :( I know this because I am also on it :(

[Jaytee]

Apparently you get five gui's and every conceivable programme with the big dollar computershop version. I could only use one gui at a time though so don't really see the point of that.
Errrr I would not seriously consider such a big D/L on 56ks
Murphys law would give me an average of around 30kps. allthough I am quite patient I do need my phone occasionally.
BTW My offset is an hour off. Are you on British summertime??:confused:

[smurfy]

John, check out magazine cover CDs - some of the Linux dedicated mags often have full distro's on their cover discs.

I got RedHat 7.1 on APC mag June 2001 edition (2 CDs incl Gnome & KDE).

p.s. Next time you mention Murphy's law you'll be fined!

[Jaytee]

Smurfy,
Thanks I will do, Methinks I should subscribe to Apc I missed the last one at my local dairy,
GEEZ:: I thought you just got fined for swearing and picking on the Mods.
I guess the guy with the irish sounding name has been to your place too. (I did not say his name):cool: :D :D

[MishY]

Yep British Summertime. You're 11 hours ahead I think. I moved back from NZ just in time to get the 25C+ heat :D

KDE was my favourite GUI. Gnome I felt was ugly, and slow, but some people swear by it.

[smurfy]

John, I just took a look at Linux Format (http://www.linuxformat.com/) mag (UK Import) NZ$30.

May 2002 Issue still in some shops here had full Mandrake (8.2)on CD or DVD
June issue disn't have any full version on it's CDs.
July 2002 Issue has another distr. I hadn't heard of Gentoo Linux (http://www.gentoo.org/)
Does not look likely for a beginner though :(

However, NZ$40.00 for supported version of Mandrake 8.2 is a pretty good deal when you look at this:
http://new.mandrakestore.com/mdksa/index.php


Mandrake 8.2 ProSuite Edition:
Solid Server, Friendly Desktop
149 USD/175 EUR

Mandrake 8.2 Powerpack:
Empowers Individuals
69 USD/78 EUR

Mandrake Linux 8.2 - PowerPack
DVD (DVD Only)
55 USD/63 EUR

Mandrake Linux 8.2
Download Edition (3 CD Set)
25 USD/29 EUR

US$149 = NZ $300+
US$25 = NZ$50+

[lufbra]

WOW, that's one heck of an exchange rate!!!! :(

Dave.

[Jaytee]

Mishy.
I think Iwill check out those mags that you and Smurfy were talking about then flick up to Te awamutu and have a chat with this guru dealer bloke. I will try to get a dream scheme together then he might be able to tell me what fits my needs.
Hell if I have to learn a few commands it can not possiblibly be as bad as my first dos experience. Real tears for a long time, thought I was never going to get past syntax error...:)

*spelling edit*

[Jaytee]

Dave.
It used to be a whole lot better till the dow went futoo.
When I was over there I was getting 42cents kiwi to the dollar.
Maybe I should have taken the money out of America then as it is now 48/9cents kiwi to the dollar:(