[pm-h] Can't Move to Linux

[Russell L. Harris]

* G. Wade Johnson <gwadej at anomaly.org> [100814 14:49]:
> On Sat, 14 Aug 2010 08:01:29 -0500
> Mike Flannigan <mikeflan at att.net> wrote:
> 
> > 
> > 
> > On 2/26/2010 7:28 AM, Mike Flannigan wrote:
> > >
> > > I would like to get any flavor of Linux installed
> > > to my older-generation computer.  I have 2
> > > old computers:
> > > x86 Family 6 Model 7 Stepping 3 AT/AT Compatible 130,596 KB Ram
> > > Intel (R) 4 CPU 1400 MHz 130,352 KB Ram
> There are a few distributions that give you a lot more control on the
> installation. But, I wouldn't recommend them unless you are pretty
> Linux-savvy already: Slackware, Gentoo. You could try Debian, but it's
> the basis for Ubuntu and not nearly as friendly, so I would probably
> recommend against it.

As a Debian user since the year 2000, I would beg to differ, Wade.

Over the past decade, Debian has become about the most user-friendly
of all Linux distributions.  And in many cases, the installation is
all but automatic.  So now you can have your Kate, and Edith, too.

Also, Debian has gone to some lengths in order to accommodate older
hardware.

The only problem with Debian is that once you've become accustomed to
Debian and the Debian software repositories, it is difficult to "make
do" with another distribution.

There are two basic approaches to installation:

    => Download one or more CD or DVD images; then you can install
    without an Internet connection.

    => Download a small installation CD image (called the "NETINST"
    CD); then the software which is required for your particular
    installation is downloaded over the Internet.

A network installation takes about 15 minutes to get started (you need
to make a few decisions, such as whether to manually partition the
fixed drive or utilize the partitioner, and you need to enter a few
items, such as user name, password, ip address).  Then the download
takes about an hour (this is over a DSL line).  Finally, a decision or
two is required regarding the boot loader  and whether you wish the
loader to boot other systems.  Then reboot and enjoy.

If you really wish to keep Window$ and multi-boot, I suggest you run
over to the computer store and purchase a separate drive for Linux;
this can save much grief, because of the quirks of M$ software.

RLH