[Ham-Computers] Latest XP Security Updates

Wed Nov 22 12:18:42 EST 2006

I wonder on what date the term "standardization" was erased from the 
corporate consciousness? We have gone from "one size fits all" to "no size 
fits anything"!

Duane Fischer, W8DBF
dfischer at usol.com
HHI: Halligan's Hallicrafters International
http://www.w9wze.net
HHRP: Historic Halligan Radio Project
http://hhrp.w9wze.net

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Hill" <hro5-2 at cox.net>
To: "Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications, or 
experimenting" <ham-computers at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 1:42 AM
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Latest XP Security Updates

> To: "Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications,  or 
> experimenting" <ham-computers at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Latest XP Security Updates
>
> At 07:05 AM 11/18/2006, you wrote:
>>WA5CAB at cs.com wrote:
>>>The problem with Linux is that there are 40 million versions and 
>>>counting.
>>>
>>
>>In case anyone is curious, I like Debian because it does a very fast basic 
>>install off CD, then goes to fetch the rest of the software off the 
>>internet from Debian sites unattended.  The installation has always been 
>>flawless and I can be pretty sure I get the latest versions of the 
>>software.  Updates using apt-get.  Simple and painless. Not recommended 
>>for dialup connections.
>>
>>Now if you are really tired of having to work for a computer instead of 
>>the other way around, get a MAC.
>>
>>I recently became the proud owner of an iBook G3.  Wireless networking, 
>>30gig hard drive, 650meg ram, and the only games to play are on the 
>>computer.  The thing just works and works when I want it to work.
>>
>>There, I feel much better now.
>>
>>Regards,
>>Frank Kamp
>
> Frank and the group:
> From my experience, if you are just starting with Linux and don't have a 
> computer background, Ubuntu is a better choice.  I've installed both 
> Debian and Ubuntu, and Ubuntu is much easier.  My first attempt was 
> installing Debian in a Linux adult education class, where the school 
> computers were really old and slow.  We spent literally weeks getting 
> successful installations, as a reinstallation took hours.  The instructor 
> spent most of his time helping those with the worst problems, and the rest 
> of us compared notes on our installation issues, talking to the instructor 
> from time to time. Over half of the class quit.  The guy who wrote the 
> Debian installation instructions really should have taken it home and had 
> his wife and a few neighbors try it out and give suggestions. We 
> reinstalled a number of times before getting a operational setup.  I tried 
> installing Debian at home,  using ideas found in class plus a tip from a 
> Debian user group.   The newer home computer (P3-933) was a big help, but 
> had problems with a fuzzy display on the initial Debian screen. While 
> fixing it, I ended up on a path that asked endless questions about the 
> most intimate details of my monitor (fortunately, I had the manual), plus 
> a generous ration of questions about the mouse and keyboard.  Windows gets 
> an A+ in this area for ease of installation.  I finally got a good 
> display, but I have never been able to repeat it and get the same clarity.
>
> During class, a number of other distributions were mentioned by some of 
> the students,  and I decided to give Ubuntu a try.  Don't know  why I 
> selected it - probably the odd-ball name, but it was a good choice.
>
> Everything is different in Linux, and a book on your "distribution" 
> (Linux-speak for the version you are using) is really handy.  Ubuntu has a 
> book called Beginning Ubuntu Linux, from Novice to Professional by Kier 
> Thomas.  It has mixed reviews on CNET, but I found it to be very useful. 
> I wish I could find a similar book for Debian.
>
> For the initial Linux installation, I suggest you not install it as a dual 
> boot setup the computer you use daily.  One choice is to drag that old 
> computer out of the closet and install only Linux. Both Debian and Ubuntu 
> installations have an option where the installation program removes 
> whatever is currently on the hard drive and installs Linux.  Another 
> option is to look for that small hard drive you put in a drawer after 
> buying a larger drive, and temporarily connect it to your computer.  I 
> used this approach, leaving the cover off and positioning the new drive 
> where it would not fall over.  My 4.7 gig drive had more than enough room.
>
> After trying Linux for a while, you can decide if you want to continue and 
> if so the best permanent installation approach.  Expect Linux to be 
> different with a new vocabulary, etc., where all your current Windows 
> skills are not much help.  If you pick the dual boot approach, the master 
> boot is changed and the hard drive won't boot if you remove Linux later. 
> I found an application that restores the MBR, but you need to be prepared 
> before making changes.
>
> Both Debian and Ubuntu have useful discussion groups with usually a quick 
> response time.  See http://ubuntuforums.org/ and 
> http://forums.debian.net/.
>
> Jim
>
>
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