[Ham-Computers] Latest XP Security Updates (More Linux Info)

Thu Nov 23 12:11:51 EST 2006

Jim Hill wrote:
> Jeff:
> I'm embarrassed that I didn't include that option in my last post.  
> Both Debian and Ubuntu have live distros, and they give potential 
> users the opportunity to see if they like Linux's version of Windows 
> and Microsoft Office (called Open Office).  I have cable modem, and 
> both distros set it up automatically.  Dial-up is another issue. Per 
> my Ubuntu book, only certain dial up connections are supported, not 
> including the most popular - Winmodem.  Apparently, there are 
> difficulties dealing with the companies making Winmodem. Developers 
> are working on Linmodem, a project to bring support for most 
> Winmodems, but as far as I know it is not completed. The book 
> recommends buying an external modem that connects to the serial port.  
> It says these modems can be found for around $10 to $20.  Linux really 
> isn't free, but it is pretty cheap compared to Microsoft.
>
> Should anybody want to give Linux a try, I'll end with some Ubuntu links:
>
> Which Ubuntu?
> The Ubuntu site http://www.ubuntu.com lists a number of variations to 
> Ubuntu, which are Kubuntu, edubuntu, xubuntu.  Pick Ubuntu, and ignore 
> the others for the present.
>

Ubuntu is Gnome based, Kubuntu is KDE base, Edubuntu is geared toward 
education and Xubuntu is just using Xfree instead of Xorg for the 
display server.

> Ubuntu is upgraded periodically, and the releases are given a name and 
> number.  The last three "stable" versions (in other words, not beta) are:
> Breezy Badger, release 5.10 on 10/05, Dapper Drake, release 6.06 on 
> 6/06, and Edgy Eft, release 6/10 on 10/06.  Any should do the job, so 
> take whatever is available.  You can upgrade later.  I'm using Breezy 
> Badger.
>
> Downloads
> Downloads are fast, but I have not found any sources that provide a 
> "live distro" or "live CD" which allows you to run Ubuntu off the CD 
> instead of installing it.  Go to 
> http://www.ubuntu.com/products/GetUbuntu/download?action=show&redirect=download 
> and scroll down to "Choosing an Ubuntu Release" for a download link.  
> After downloading and saving it on the hard drive, you need to burn to 
> a CD-R as an iso file.  Many of the current CD burners have this 
> option, but I used the freeware burner found at 
> http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_write_iso_files_to_cd.htm It's easy to 
> tell if you have an iso file.  If you don't the CD won't boot.
>

The live disk as of Dapper is part of the install cd now. So you only 
need to download one disk now.
They are only shipping Dapper free now, Edgy will cost you to get a cd 
shipped.
I knew that the free disks wouldn't last forever, but at least there 
giving you something still.

> Order a Disk
> You are downloading about 700 MB, so a high speed connection is a real 
> plus.  Also, I have not found a live distro download.
>
> For a freebie, go to 
> <http://www.ubuntu.com/support/faq>http://www.ubuntu.com/support/faq 
> and scan down to How Do I Get Ubuntu?
> Service is slow, 6 to 10 weeks, but the price is right. The site 
> doesn't say what you get, but I received both a live CD and a install 
> CD with very brief installation instructions.
>
> For a faster response time (for a price), there are a number of pay 
> sites.  One is 
> <http://on-disk.com/product_info.php/products_id/179>http://on-disk.com/product_info.php/products_id/179 
> where prices are $3.99 plus shipping.  The product can be either used 
> as a live CD or a install CD.
>
> Getting Help
> Forums: Go to <http://ubuntuforums.org/>http://ubuntuforums.org/   and 
> try the Absolute Beginner forum.  When searching for past answers to a 
> question, notice that there are two searches - the forum you are 
> viewing, and all forums.  Searching is a good idea, since the guys 
> with the best answers may not be checking the forum when you post the 
> question.  Unlike many of the qth.net forums, you may get an answer in 
> a few minutes, so pick a time when you will be at the computer.  
> Bookmark your post, as there are so many yours will be hard to find in 
> a few days.
>

I have yet to have a problem that I couldn't find the answer in the 
forums at ubuntu forums.
I'm a member on the forums and I have yet to have to post a question, 
cause all I had to do was do a search and found an answer.

> If you like Ubuntu, the next step probably is a book.  I bought 
> "Beginning Ubuntu Linux" by Kier Thomas at a local bookstore when I 
> was looking for something else, and like the book. A cheaper source is 
> http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/102-6636413-0107339?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=beginning+ubuntu+linux&Go.x=10&Go.y=9 
> You can search for other books, but be careful to get a book that 
> addresses beginners.  It can get over your head pretty fast.
>
> Is anybody going to give it a try?
>
> Jim
>
Ubuntu is a very good Distro. I have it installed on my kids internet 
computer and I dual boot to it on this computer.
It is a breeze to install, very easy to use, and if you goto 
ubuntuguide.org you can get a pretty good install to run almost anything 
that windows can.
Wine is so much easier to use now that almost anyone can get windows 
apps working on Ubuntu. Some games won't run in Wine.
There is a really good article at PCMechanic, it's called Windows to 
Ubuntu Transition Guide, you can read it hear 
http://pcmech.com/show/os/917/ .
Ubuntu is the first Distro that I have been able to get my kids and wife 
to be comfortable with.

I will send anyone a CD of the new Edgy Eft, all you have to do is send 
me a blank CD.
I will burn it and send it back to you for no other cost but you sending 
me a blank and a self addressed stamped envelope big enough for the CD.
You can find my address on any callsign database, and if  you would 
prefer a DVD I have that option too.

Same as Jim I recommend a good book to help you if  you've never worked 
with Linux.
The only other Distro that I found to be easy to install and work with 
was Linspire (old Lindows), and it can be downloaded free too.
It is now called Freespire and can be had here http://freespire.org/ but 
Linspire is still available, they just made a free version.

I have converted several people to Linux using Ubuntu.
Once you get it setup you will not want to return to Windows.
I choose to use both cause some of my games refuse to work with Wine, so 
I dual boot.

Like Jim said  "Is anyone going to give it a try?"

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

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