linux users?

[bad coffee]

I jsut got my new hd for my laptop, and I want to go dual boot. Xp pro (for work stuff) and then some distro of linux. I've gotten a recommendation for both gentoo and for mepis. What are you guys using?

I don't think I'll get back into base level programming. I just want to instal and run apps as needed. Maybe go in and tweak a few things here and there, but no building it from scratch.

So what do you guys recommend? Also, websites would be cool.

Thanks
Brett

 

[John]

Slackware is the way to go

 

[Josh]

I recommend using VMWare or MS Virtual Server to virtualize each machine so they don't interfere with each other. I have never had any luck with Linux on a laptop, but if it is a virtual machine you shouldn't have many problems.

 

[John]

The problem with linux on laptops is the display. Josh is right and the only distro I have ever gotten to load on a laptop with minimal problems was red hat. As far as MS Virtual Server if you want to go that way bc I can give you the cd I have it.

 

[eitansb]

I've never tried installing on a laptop before but I'm happily using openSuSE and VidaLinux (an easy way to install Gentoo) on my desktop.

 

[Rborgia]

I have used Knoppix on my IBM Thinkpad T23 without issue. All drives worked fine and the display looked good.

Cant hurt to try a few and see which one you prefer. I am a Linux moron and stick to the GUI.

 

[herman]

I have an old Dell Laptop that I use as a linux machine as well as a desktop. On the laptop I used mepis. Very easy to install, no hassles. The screen was a bit of an issue. But crawling through a couple of forums I had the problem fixed. Both machines kick serious ass!!!! Blazin through anything I throw at it. I cant say the same about mac or windows.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Knoppix here. Best part about Knoppix is that it runs off of a CD so you can try it out before you install it.

 

[herman]

Knoppix here. Best part about Knoppix is that it runs off of a CD so you can try it out before you install it.

Mepis also. Im really surprised to find so many linux users here. Nice!!!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Linux is just a great OS but it's even better to use for system recoveriy. Live CD and a Floppy drive can recover 90% of any system crash.

 

[herman]

never had a crach on the linux box. Knock on wood. But if I do you will get a PM from me.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

No no no. I use a Knoppix live cd to do system recoveries on other pc's you can load it up using the CD and run it from there and in turn save files and other things to either a second cd-rw or a floppy for people. You then either reformat the fragged (excuse the term but it's better than what I usually call it) drive or you scrap it entirely and use a new hard drive with a new install of whatever OS you want. As long as you can go into the bios and allow the computer to boot from a cd you can use a linux live cd as a recovery disc. Keep in mind that anything you do recover from any drive that may be fragged may contain a virus. and before loading them back onto a new install they should be scanned by a really really good A/V program.

Heh not bad for a stupid flatfoot huh? Guess I did actually learn something in school.

 

[herman]

No no no. I use a Knoppix live cd to do system recoveries on other pc's you can load it up using the CD and run it from there and in turn save files and other things to either a second cd-rw or a floppy for people. You then either reformat the fragged (excuse the term but it's better than what I usually call it) drive or you scrap it entirely and use a new hard drive with a new install of whatever OS you want. As long as you can go into the bios and allow the computer to boot from a cd you can use a linux live cd as a recovery disc. Keep in mind that anything you do recover from any drive that may be fragged may contain a virus. and before loading them back onto a new install they should be scanned by a really really good A/V program.

Heh not bad for a stupid flatfoot huh? Guess I did actually learn something in school.

Im still PMing you when my pc fails!!!