• LINUX • Linux Information, Links, Q/A

eric · #1 (**permalink**) **• LINUX • Linux Information, Links, Q/A** 09-07-2007

Quote:

Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system. Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free software and open source development; its underlying source code can be freely modified, used, and redistributed by anyone.

The Linux kernel was first released to the public on 17 September 1991, for the Intel x86 PC architecture. The kernel was augmented with system utilities and libraries from the GNU project to create a usable operating system, which later led to the alternate term GNU/Linux. Linux is now packaged for different uses in Linux distributions, which contain the sometimes modified kernel along with a variety of other software packages tailored to different requirements.

Predominantly known for its use in servers, Linux has gained the support of corporations such as IBM, Sun Microsystems, Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Novell, and is used as an operating system for a wide variety of computer hardware, including desktop computers, supercomputers, video game systems (PlayStation 2 and 3 for example) and embedded devices such as mobile phones and routers.

-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux

Documentation
- Debian
  1. Debian Official Documentation
- Fedora
  1. Fedora Official Documentation
- General
  1. The Linux Documentation Project
  2. Googles linux-specific search page
- Gentoo
  1. Gentoo Official Documentation
- Slackware
  1. Slackware Official Documentation
- Ubuntu
  1. Ubuntu Official Documentation
Information
- Distributions
- General
  1. Wikibooks Guide to Unix Computing
  2. Wikipedias article on Linux
Software
- General

This is just a short list for now to get it started. Don't forget, this thread is also a Q/A about general linux questions. (Assuming there are people here that use linux)

I have used Linux for a little over ten years now... I started with Slackware on a Pentium 66Mhz with 32MB of ram; command line only. I have recently migrated to Gentoo and haven't had a single regret. The fact that I started out with Linux in a "command line" environment forced me to learn the basic commands and syntax. It is, like most things, difficult to comprehend at first but if you have people willing to help you out and answer specific questions, (as I did), then it will be easier. That is where this thread comes in... I have supplied a small set of common links that should be useful to any Linux user new or experienced.

Thats it for now... I will update this later with more info if enough interest is shown.

BooKa ShaDe · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

I'm running Ubuntu Feisty with GNOME. I started running it in June and have come to enjoy it much more than any Windows machine.

shadowcman · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

What are the advantages to linux over windows? What about file types? Programs? Cool UI? What makes it 'better' than Windows.

Sampugna · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

I'm kinda of interested in setting up a PVR and using mythtv.. any distributions you'd recommend? How about cheap Linux friendly hardware while you at it i.e. capture cards.

_Panic · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

Is it hard to upgrade to fiesty? I didn't install dapper drake, my brother-in-law.

BooKa ShaDe · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Panic

Is it hard to upgrade to fiesty? I didn't install dapper drake, my brother-in-law.

What?

Are you running Dapper right now and want to upgrade to feisty?

_Panic · #7 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by BooKa ShaDe

What?

Are you running Dapper right now and want to upgrade to feisty?

Yes, I'm currently running Dapper and want to upgrade to Feisty. Can I go straight from Dapper to Feisty or do I have to upgrade to Edgy then to Feisty?

BooKa ShaDe · #8 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by _Panic

Yes, I'm currently running Dapper and want to upgrade to Feisty. Can I go straight from Dapper to Feisty or do I have to upgrade to Edgy then to Feisty?

Make another ext3 partition and install feisty? You do not need to install edgy first.

eric · #9 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowcman

What are the advantages to linux over windows? What about file types? Programs? Cool UI? What makes it 'better' than Windows.

It pretty much depends on what you use your PC for... each OS has its advantages and disadvantages, so I'm not going to claim that one is better than another.

Since this is a very common question, I knew it would be one that has been asked & answered in detail many times over on many other sites. Here you go:

Linux Advantages and Disadvantages: Part 1

Linux Advantages and Disadvantages: Part 2

eric · #10 (**permalink**) 09-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sampugna

I'm kinda of interested in setting up a PVR and using mythtv.. any distributions you'd recommend? How about cheap Linux friendly hardware while you at it i.e. capture cards.

After looking at this: http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Linux_Distros

...I would probably recommend Debian or MythDora.

Almost all standard PC hardware is compatible with linux, the main things that aren't are products made specifically for Windows. (and sometimes those will still work)

Here is a page over at LinuxQuestions.org that has a list of video devices tested under linux: LinuxQuestions.org HCL - Video Devices

View Poll Results: Which Linux distribution are you using?
Ubuntu	30	73.17%
Fedora	4	9.76%
Debian	0	0%
Gentoo	1	2.44%
Slackware	3	7.32%
SUSE	3	7.32%
Other	3	7.32%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode