anyone know anything about Linux?

[3100 MPFI]

Well?????

Onto the question.

My old Dell is shot. Windows XP takes forever to load up, and I am sick of it. I got everything I need off the harddrive, and I want to just wipe it clean and install Linux on it.

This is not my main computer, so I am fine with this one being a learning experiance.

The lappy is an obsolete dell inspiron 2200.

A friend gave me an ubuntu 5.10 live CD and It loads up fine. I like how it works, and looks (I know it is old, and there is newer versions, but I think this is a good one to start learning on).

How do I install it so that it is the only operating system on the computer (instead of just running off of the CD all the time).

Oh yeah..... I am NOT interested in a dual boot, and I am fine with losing windows. If I want to play with windows, I got my newer lappy 2.0 to play with.

Thanks

[bszopi]

Since that's such an old version, I'm not sure if its the same, but there should be an option on the desktop of the LiveCD that allows you to install it. I know there is that option on 8.04 and 8.10. Honestly, if you have a broadband connection, I would download the latest, or at least 8.04, and install it.

https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/switching/installing.html

[3100 MPFI]

I downloaded it last night, but I think my computer is too old for it.

It lists it as an ISO file, and my version of XP Does not recognize what it is.

I am putting it in now, but it will be a bit before I can test it out.

[bszopi]

The ISO file just needs to be burned to a disk as a "disk image". Then just boot from that.

[3100 MPFI]

how do I burn it as a disc image? I have a burner, but when I burned it onto a disc and tried to load it in my old lappy, it didn't do anything.

[3100 MPFI]

Nevermind. I figured it out.

Thanks Brad.

[geoffinbc]

LOL once you get it installed the Linux desktop wont be too unfamiliar. You will pick it up quick. But when it comes to installing some programs you may be stumped. Linux bulletin boards are very helpful. I used Fedora on my old laptop and it made it like new again. But shortly after the AC plug in the back broke its connection and the battery died shortly after and I tossed the computer. So now I am back to Vista

[3100 MPFI]

the AC plug on the back is messed up as well, but if I play around with it, it will charge.

I have not had a lot of time to play with it yet. I got the disc image burned, and I totally replaced windows with Ubuntu. My dell no longer has windows XP and so far I am not saddened at all.

I am on vista right now with my new lappy, but I can't wait to get started with learning on this one. I just need to figure out how to get it to see my wireless card so I can get on the internet with it (I need to do some things).

I will send ou a PM to let you know why I am doing all of this. I get the feeling you might be able to appreciate it somewhat.

[3100 MPFI]

My first post from my Ubuntu powered laptop. So far, I am LOVING it. Now I just got to figure out how to get it to find my wireless internet and connect to it.

[PCGUY112887]

Which version of Ubuntu are you using now? In the last few releases, they added support for non-open source drivers, which many wireless drivers are. You will see a little hardware looking icon pop up near the clock and when you click on it, it will ask permission to use restricted drivers to make X device work. This doesn't apply to all wireless cards, but quite a few. Once you allow it, you can get your wireless to work.

[geoffinbc]

Yea I had trouble getting my wireless to work. I had to download a newer driver release and away it went. I Linux forums really helped me out on that one.

[3100 MPFI]

I am using 8.10

They are releasing 9.04 in a few days, and I will get it then. Normally, I just at the beta versions, but since I am new to Linux I want the known stable ones.

[bszopi]

Do a search on the internet for Ubuntu and whatever wireless card you are using (or if it built in, list the laptop model number). I can almost guarantee you will find a thread somewhere telling you how to get it working.

[3100 MPFI]

it did almost 300 updates last night, and one of them was for the wireless device driver. I just have not had time to play with it yet.

[xLeGeNDx]

Ubuntu has not always been my faverite flavor, I been more partial to Knoppix and various flavors of that nature

Overall Ubuntu is alright, can be a PITA if you try using anything other then a mouse and a keyboard in a USB port, Ubuntu never really liked my phones much either now that I think about it LOL