[Ham-Computers] Latest XP Security Updates

[Dale Miller]

Jim Hill wrote:
>
> 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
>
>

Jim, good advice.
For those that want to try Linux I would suggest "Moving to Linux*:* 
Kiss the Blue Screen of Death Goodbye!"  by Marcel Gagne'.
You can get it on Amazon here 
http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Linux-Second-Screen-Goodbye/dp/0321356403/sr=1-1/qid=1164239588/ref=sr_1_1/104-2725434-6019900?ie=UTF8&s=books

There are other good books like " Ubuntu Unleashed".

Hope this helps.

-- 
All the Best & 73's
Dale Miller, KC2CBD
Tennessee
Ham Operator since 1997
Member of YahooPipesmokers and ASP since February 2005

stpatrick2spam at twlakes.net
stpatrick3spam at twlakes.net
stpatrick3spam at gmail.com

(cut the spam to reply)


VOTE TO REBUILD!
www.twintowersalliance.com

---



---
avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean.
Virus Database (VPS): 0650-1, 11/22/2006
Tested on: 11/22/2006 6:49:25 PM
avast! - copyright (c) 1988-2006 ALWIL Software.
http://www.avast.com