You Can Switch to Linux!

Posted 05/8/07 at 02:45:24PM | by

Will Smith

We just posted an updated version of this guide, which uses the latest version of Ubuntu, 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon).

I’ve written about Linux in Maximum PC quite a bit over the last three years. You see, I’m intrigued by the prospect of a free, open operating system, one that’s available for everyone to use and modify to suit their own purposes. Rather than a monolithic operating system vendor telling me that I’m not allowed to do something, there’s an entire community of developers who are working to make whatever features I want possible! To me, that’s the essence of what computing should be about—enabling choice.

Which brings me to the biggest problem with Linux: the paralyzing number of choices every user must make. There are literally tens of thousands of apps for Linux, ranging from vital software that every end user needs—web browsers, word processors, and Wi-Fi drivers—to the very trivial. Frequently, you’ll find 15 applications that do exactly the same thing, so you’ll need to experiment and discover which is best suited for you.

Writing a comprehensive Linux guide is a daunting process—and largely unnecessary. The Linux community does a great job of documenting most of its software, whether it’s the developers actually writing docs or the end users figuring things out and sharing the acquired info with their pals. All the information you need to get running is out there, if you know what to search for on Google, that is.

And that’s where I come in. Books have been written with solutions for all the potential pitfalls the Linux-switcher faces. However, those books are outdated the moment a new version of Linux is released. Instead of just telling you what to do, I’m going to tell you how to do things and explain why you’re doing them. I’m going to focus on the things that are truly a challenge (and poorly documented), but still give you a head start on the easy stuff.

Before you get started, you need to be prepared to be your own support system. While you can usually get help with Linux problems on different message boards on the web, before you do that, you need to make the effort to solve your own problems. Linux DIYers don’t have much sympathy for people who don’t make an effort to help themselves.

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Comments

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Can't Boot off CD

Submitted by Zallomallo on Wed, 2007-05-09 18:42.

Well I kinda can, but it takes like 30 minutes and then says error, and something about GIMP or some GUI thing. Long story short doesn't work. Can't wait for July's issue :).

What's the specific error?

Submitted by Neon Samurai on Thu, 2007-05-10 18:54.

It won't be about GIMP, it'll be about X and a GUI error of some sort. What's the specific error or what is your video card? You should find an answer with google by searching "ubuntu linux [graphics card model or chip]". You can also post to the forums. I'd recommend my usual stomping grounds but I'm too new here to be name-dropping.

In my case, I've an ATI 9600. So far, it works better under the Linux community module (driver) than the ATI binary blob but I have to have another go after this month's brief HOWTO.

How old is your machine?

Submitted by Neon Samurai on Thu, 2007-05-10 18:56.

Your BIOS should offer a setting for the order it boots; hard drive, floppy, cdrom. Chaing it too; cdrom, harddrive, floppy or whatever puts cdrom before hard drive. If your BIOS/Mobo is too old, it may not boot from CD but that it would have to be really old. If the CD/DVD still won't boot, reburn the .ISO while watching incase your software has some sort of "burn bootable disk" setting.

GUI error?

Submitted by the slayer on Fri, 2007-05-11 16:56.

Yah, mine says something about a GUI error also, does anyone know what that means?

Errors

Submitted by yurimxpxman on Fri, 2007-05-11 20:44.

If you guys run into problems, it'd probably be better to post in the forum. It really is a lot more suited to troubleshooting messages. Check out alt.os.abode.

X server error

Submitted by h4zard on Wed, 2007-05-09 20:34.

When trying to install Ubuntu using your instructions, I get a 'Failed to start the X server' message, with advanced info showing 'Fatal server error: no screens found'. I have tried in safe mode but get the same result. I tried using the fglrx driver using these instructions - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=414525 - but this did not help. I am running a Gateway CX210X Tablet with a Centrino Duo and an ATI X1400 graphics card. Any suggestions? Thanks!

You should try the

Submitted by willsmith on Thu, 2007-05-10 13:14.

You should try the text-based alternate installer. That will let you get far enough to install the ATI drivers, which will then let you run the GUI.

ATI's Linux drivers are not so hot.

I think Mr. Smith recommends the text based installer

Submitted by Neon Samurai on Thu, 2007-05-10 18:59.

I have issues with the ATI 9600. The community module (driver) works but does not suppor the AIW's tv tuner chip. The ATI binary blob is supposed to support all functions but gives me about 250 fps. I have to try the june HOWTO though still since it may be my missing the "-Xv" part.

Search google for "Ubuntu Linux x1400" or the exact error as recommended in the article.

X Server Error

Submitted by heartdoc on Tue, 2007-05-15 08:50.

Hi h4zard:

Try this:

edit your xorg.conf file -
cd /etc/X11
sudo pico xorg.conf

Scroll down and under "Device" section add:
Option "UseDisplayDevice" "DFP"

Save the file - ctl-x, yes, [enter]

Try rebooting at this point. You may have to run the xorg reconfigure program - the command is at the bottom of the intro of xorg.conf.

GL, heartdoc

Ubuntu Website

Submitted by Firestarter on Wed, 2007-05-09 23:34.

I'm not sure if anyone's mentioned this yet (couldn't find anything in the forums), but the Ubuntu site is misprinted in the mag article; ubuntu.com instead of .org; ubuntu.org is apparently a "civil society" organization, w/e that is, lol. Anyways, the download link here is fine. Just FYI ;).

great to see coverage of Linux

Submitted by warner on Thu, 2007-05-10 04:20.

I am amazed at this OS, people I switch to it love it, and I thankfully am put out of a support job.

It just keeps running and running.

Folks coming from Windows may want to check out Kubuntu, which is Ubuntu but with the KDE desktop instead of the Gnome desktop.

Ubuntu uses the Gnome desktop which is more similar to OSX and Kubuntu uses the KDE desktop which is more similar to Windows.

They use the same base so all Ubuntu packages work for Kubuntu as well.

Three applications I recommend, best installed in this order use "add/remove programs" to install "gdebi" - use gdebi to install the downloaded "Automatix" .deb package - use Automatix to install "Virtualbox" and dozens of other applications not in the default repositories (GoogleEarth, Picassa, DVD playback many others)

1) Gdebi, does a better job of resolving dependencies for *downloaded* .deb packages ( after install it will show up in the right click "open with" menu on a .deb package

3) Automatix, should be included by default, gives a GUI for installing dozens of most requested applications not in the official repositories

3) Virtualbox, a GPL (Free) alternative to parallels and VMWare runs on Linux, Windows and OSX (can be installed with Automatix)

http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/VBox_vs_Others

VMware Server is free (vs Parallels)

Submitted by mgentry on Thu, 2007-05-10 10:04.

Rather than Parallels, you can also use VMware Server which is free. I haven't used Parallels so I can't comment on performance/feature comparisons between the two, but VMware has served me well.

nvidia and ATi driver installation

Submitted by kjs on Thu, 2007-05-10 18:38.

The easiest way to install the video drivers is a program from an Italian guy: http://albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html

No sudo or other things noobs in Linux may get nervous about.

>kjs
--- in a world without fences and walls who needs Windows and Gates? ---

Mr. Smith, fantastic article but VMware?

Submitted by Neon Samurai on Thu, 2007-05-10 19:05.

And cudose for posting it under an open license. I'll be compressing it to PDF and passing it on to friends.

One point braught up by other's also though; no mention of VMware Server though so what gives? Cedega, Crossover and Parallels (for a fee) are all mentioned but VMware (at no cost and freedom too use) is missing. I've not build a single OS system in years previous to VMware and haven't build a system with less than six OS (two native, rest VM) since. Not mentioning it in the "when linux apps don't cut it" (page 52) is like walking past the free porche to look at the retail toyota out back.

NTFS and VMWARE

Submitted by dhonn on Thu, 2007-05-10 21:21.

NTFS ACCESS:
Install 'ntfs-config' for full read and write access.

VMWARE SERVER:
Add the this line to 3rd party software repos:

deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu feisty-commercial main

Then, install 'vmware-server'. It will ask for a serial key which you can get for free when you register at vmware.com.

BERYL:
Beryl 3rd party repo is not needed since they are already in 'universe' repo.

BTW:
The grass is brown in linux. lol

Check out other distros

Submitted by hamradioguy on Thu, 2007-05-10 21:33.

Ubuntu and the associated distros Kubuntu (KDE) and Xubuntu (XFCE) are certainly getting some great reviews...and Dell is planning to pre-install it on machines sold in the U.S. in the coming month.

But it isn't by any means "perfect" and I have noticed some flakey things trying to install the Ubuntu "family" of distros on some machines with certain hardware.

The nice thing about GNU/Linux is having some real choice! There are dozens of distros to choose from and "distrowatch.com" is a great site to learn about them all. A different distro might not be as "flakey" setting up on your machine as another distro.

I once tried installing Ubuntu on an old PII 450 MHz. machine and couldn't get it to boot. I popped in "Simply Mepis 6.5" and even through based on Ubuntu, it worked perfectly.

Around the same time that Ubuntu "Feisty Fawn" came out, Mandriva brought out their 2007 "spring " edition. It's certainly worth a look.

If you don't want to muck around installing proprietary codecs, you might want to look at "Linux Mint".

Red Hat's community project "Fedora Core" should have Version 7 out some time in the next month...and from what I've read it's looking like it'll be a very nice distro.

If you really feel like you might need alot of "hand holding", you might want to look at Linspire or Xandros. They aren't "free as in free beer", but really simple to setup and install as a newbie. If you're networking your new Linux box with a Windows box, to give credit where credit is due...Xandros is drop dead easy to configure.

I used to pick up just about every issue of "Maximum PC" on the newstand...but must admit as I got more interested in Linux, I became less interested in Maximum PC...and other "mainstream" computer magazines...because I found them too "Windows-oriented". But if Maximum PC is starting to pay more attention to Linux geeks like me...then I guess I'll start paying more attention to Maximum PC again.

Maximum PC

Submitted by seannon on Mon, 2007-07-30 11:14.

Maximum PC Has ALWAYS paid attention to Geeks like you (and me)they even had a short lived spinoff that I miss greatly... Maximum Linux... Maximum PC is for the most part NOT Windows oriented... they are PC oriented, and follow what is asked of them for the most part... they tend to not hold back much on the punches to MS (especially the Jabs!)the key, it is this... when enough people bring up, and promise to keep them in business by buying issues and subscriptions then we will have a great Linux mag again... til then... we do with what we have...

Asche

--in a world without fences and walls who needs Windows and Gates?--

Linux Coverage

Submitted by Travis Penner on Fri, 2007-08-03 15:07.

I totally agree with Brian. It would be great to get more linux coverage. What I've seen so far of Ubuntu is great. I've even overcome some of the wrinkles. Except getting it to work with my ATI Radeon 1650XT, everything else looks fantastic. Until I understand Linux better though, I won't be making a full switch from Microsoft, but I still want to learn!

Travis

You don't have to give up

Submitted by derifo on Fri, 2007-05-11 04:38.

It's not really a serious problem.I can say that because I had the same problem with the Feisty live cd and even had to go the long way of installing Dapper,upgrading to Edgy and then onto Feisty and still had the same error message. I folloewd the cue that said if I wanted to view the error whatever and just kept on untill I got to the page to configure X. All I did there was hit enter almost all the way. And when I rebooted,everything was back to normal.Let me state here for the record that I don't know anything about computers.You can also do "ALT + F2" to get a "Terminal" and enter this command "sudo dpkg -reconfigure xserver-xorg" You can do a detailed search to get the correct command if I'm wrong. Best of luck.

Try linux another way

Submitted by keptwench on Fri, 2007-05-11 06:40.

Google something called wubi. It will let you set up a dual boot system in record time.. it even goes and gets Ubuntu for you.

PDF please?

Submitted by yurimxpxman on Fri, 2007-05-11 15:13.

Could you please post a PDF version of this (or better yet, ODT/DOC)?

Thanks,

Josh

PDF please

Submitted by eepto on Mon, 2007-05-21 01:33.

A PDF document would be great!

X (crossed fingers) Good News I Have Gone Ubuntu! NO MORE XP!!!

Submitted by bradleyward on Fri, 2007-05-11 22:07.

I love how fast linux runs on my 1.86gz (centrino 1 core)!!!

A lot less viruses etc. But WOW ubuntu (7.0.4)
has a LOT of bugs.....like haveing to move the mouse to watch .wmv movies.

Just 3 questions. Does ANYONE know if guild wars [procides, no factions or nightfall :(] wroks with WINE?, and where can i find anti-virus/malware scanners if there is ANY.

There is a plug-in SOMEWHERE where u can watch dvds (like world trade center, ice age 2).

Btw I have a mobile INTEL 945gm/gu express (FYI toshiba a100-psaa8c-sk4-00e)

You can reply as techy as u want ^^

Hopefully i can beat the 1 week reinstall thing that i do....(just to many errors....don't even google i just insert the cd....)

Thank you...hopefully all goes well.

If you want to see my site

www.freewebs.com/plazmaentertainment/

Bradley Ward ^^

Remixed article now available as Google Doc

Submitted by PiercePresley on Sat, 2007-05-12 14:59.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ah8kmtm62w63_443k6jc4d

Pierce Presley
chewing on the ragged edge of reality

Beryl

Submitted by SilverDragon on Sun, 2007-05-13 12:21.

I have a question about Beryl. I put the correct line into the repository list, and then went to type in the second part in the terminal and I get this:

huy@huy-desktop:~$ wget http://ubuntu.beryl-project.org/root@lupine.me.uk.gpg -O- | sudo apt-key add -
Password:--15:12:06-- http://ubuntu.beryl-project.org/root@lupine.me.uk.gpg
=> `-'
Resolving ubuntu.beryl-project.org... 82.140.42.54, 88.191.250.18, 80.77.247.17, ...
Connecting to ubuntu.beryl-project.org|82.140.42.54|:80... connected.
HTTP request sent, awaiting response... 200 OK
Length: 2,415 (2.4K) [application/x-troff-me]

100%[====================================>] 2,415 --.--K/s

15:12:06 (79.26 MB/s) - `-' saved [2415/2415]

I'm not sure if this is what is supposed to come up but when I go to reload in synaptic, this error appears:

W: GPG error: http://ubuntu.beryl-project.org feisty Release: The following signatures couldn't be verified because the public key is not available: NO_PUBKEY 3FF0DB166A7476EA

What am I doing wrong?

p.s. Sorry I couldn't use the page breaks? I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong there either :(

Beryl install

Submitted by heartdoc on Tue, 2007-05-15 09:20.

Hi SilverDragon:

Forget all that you read in the magazine. Just follow the instructions at the wiki beryl site for your particular video card. I ran the copy/paste script for nVidia and in 5 minutes Beryl was running just fine. No need to add repositories for this one.

GL, heartdoc

Beryl The Easy 1 2 3 Way

Submitted by Billykohl on Thu, 2007-05-24 07:00.

I was also fumbling around with the instructions installing Beryl then after some research on the wiki-beryl page I found an awesome method that worked perfect. Check out this link on the wiki-beryl site.

http://wiki.beryl-project.org/wiki/Install_Beryl_on_Ubuntu_Feisty_with_nVidia#The_123_NoFile_Automatic_Installation_Method

And then just follow the "The 123 NoFile Automatic Installation Method"

You will have Beryl running in less than 5 minutes.

ATI Instructions Didn't Work - Spanish How-To Did

Submitted by mac_mcgrew on Wed, 2007-05-16 00:55.

After trying and failing to get ATI drivers and Beryl successfully installed in several different ways via several different tutorials, I finally found instructions that work for my Presario V2000 with its Radeon Xpress 200M.

It's in Spanish, but a trip to BabelFish can help you sort out the hard parts. My windows wobble and my workspaces spin now. YAY!

http://damr.net/blog/2007/05/07/howto-xgl-beryl-ubuntu-feisty-704-ati-radeon-xpress-200m-32mb/

You Can Switch to Linux!

Submitted by GregAZ on Wed, 2007-05-16 17:15.

OK Now that the article is available on the web site. How does one download it and obtain it on my computer. I have looked through the article page by page, and see that this can be done, but no link to allow one to do it.

Sweet!!

Submitted by maddee on Mon, 2007-05-21 06:59.

Awesome article! As a Linux newbie I was amazed how easy it was to get Ubuntu up and running! I stumbled a bit during the re-partitioning but after re-reading that portion of the article I found my mistake and the install was perfect! I would like to tell Mr Gates what he can do with his crapfest xp os. I wasted more time doing virus scans and downloading software to prevent malware and all that other crap. Now I'm just plain productive! The Ubuntu community is very cool and understanding of newbs! They like to help!! Go for it!1 Install Ubuntu and you will love how easy Linux really is!!Thanks again, Maddee.

ATI Drivers and Flash

Submitted by Caboose on Wed, 2007-05-23 10:55.

There is a much easier way to install nVidia or ATI display drivers. A program called Envy ( http://www.albertomilone.com/nvidia_scripts1.html ). It's a fully automated system that takes care of everything for the user. Heck, it even fixed my resolution issue (I have a widescreen monitor and it only displayed a max. resolution of 1280 x 1024). The only thing is that you should print off the instructions, because when you update your kernel

Also, flash 9 isn't natively supported by Ubuntu 7.04, and it can be really annoying when FireFox constantly reloads the page because it can't load flash. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=341727 is perfect steps for installing flash. FYI though, in order to copy the 2 flash files to the plugins folder for Mozilla and Mozilla-Firefox it has to be done through the terminal as root, but once it's all done, flash works great!!

-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-

why does Max PC hate VMware?

Submitted by allencrawford on Thu, 2007-05-24 06:31.

As others have mentioned, this article was good, but was very silly to not mention VMware. VMware has been in the virtualization business for a long time, likely longer than the others you've mentioned. Regardless, to mention a $50 product instead of a free product is crazy. This is at least the third time Maximum PC has dissed VMware in favor of other, more expensive products. I think there was a letter written about it a while ago and the argument was that you were reviewing "workstation" class products and didn't feel VMware Server belonged in that category. But come on, if you've used VMware Workstation and you've used VMware Server, it is pretty obvious they are the same code base. Server just lacks all the nice snapshot features, well until Workstation 6 came out anyway. I'm not saying you had to review it against the other workstation products, but at least mention it!

Also, why mention Beryl in a beginners' guide to Linux when Compiz is now installed out-of-the-box with Ubuntu Feisty? All you have to do is check the "enable 3D graphics" box under the Admin or Preferences menu (I can't remember which off the top of my head and I'm at work now) and you get much of the same.

Finally, screw setting OpenOffice up to default to the Microsoft Office formats. We'll never be able to end the Microsoft Office monopoly with actions like that. Windows users can just go download OpenOffice for Windows if they want to open our docs or Microsoft can make themselves compatible with OpenOffice. They did take a step forward with their OpenXML format, but still, they should've just used the OpenDocument format already in use.

DVD playback in Linux non-existant

Submitted by amidude on Sat, 2007-05-26 18:04.

I followed the instructions given in the article, even checked the Ubuntu website and nothing that I do will allow me to play a DVD. I installed gxine like the Ubuntu site stated and it still won't work. I installed the Gstreamer apps recommended in this article and now everytime I try and play a DVD gxine will crash, mplayer will crash and ogle will die. So if there is anyone on this planet who has ever gotten DVD's to play under Linux I would love to talk to you. Seriously...any help would be greatly appreciated.

DVD Playback - check out the restricted software page

Submitted by jarocooke on Sat, 2007-05-26 19:20.

Hi there,

The restricted software page on the Ubuntu help.ubuntu.com page helps.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RestrictedFormats/PlayingDVDs

First install a few necessary packages with the following command.

sudo apt-get install libdvdread3 libxine1-ffmpeg

You'll need to add the medibuntu repostiory (link on the webpage) afterwards and then install libdvdcss2 with following command.

sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2

I would recommend using the Mplayer video player to watch the DVDs, as some of others will still complain about not being able to open the DVD, even with these pieces of software.

If you have a wide screen laptop you'll need to manually sort out the aspect ratio in Mplayer (hopefully a bug that will be fixed in future versions). Type the following command into a terminal.

nano ~/.mplayer/config

Now add monitoraspect="16:10" to the bottom of the file and exit nano (saving obviously).

Done! Oh one more thing, make sure you don't live in the US!!! (because of that DMCA legislation, god forbid you could watch your own DVDs)

There are many distros to choose from

Submitted by Beatnik on Sun, 2007-06-17 07:55.

Be sure to check this site:
www.distrowatch.com
The distros encyclopedia web site

Playing DVDs: Use another distro

Submitted by Beatnik on Sun, 2007-06-17 07:59.

Try Sabayon Linux DVD, you wont have that problem, it runs Out of the box original DVDs, mp3, mpeg, avi, etc...

Ubuntu is good, but for Out of the box experience I recommend you to please try some of these distros if you feel frustrated with Ubuntu:
1- PCLinux
2- Sabayon Linux
3- Sam Linux
4- Mint Linux
5- Fedora 7

Linux, expect the best O.S. for 2010, above Windows and Mac

Nvidia drives - U R using the more difficult old install method

Submitted by jarocooke on Sat, 2007-05-26 18:55.

What you should be doing (from Feisty onwards) is going to the the System, then Administration menu and clicking "Restricted Drivers Manager".

The Window that comes up should list hardware that requires restricted (proprietary) drivers. Against the Nvidia entry there is a check box under the "Enabled" column heading. All you have to do is click the check box and it does the rest for you. I think it even asks you if you want to restart the computer, so that you can start using the new drivers.

I don't know about ATI drivers, but I would expect it works the same way.

This way users aren't bombarded with dependencies, terminals or commands to enable the drivers. It is all done for you!

Linux Install Smooooth Like Butter!!

Submitted by basil8258 on Mon, 2007-05-28 19:15.

I followed the steps outlined in the June issue and booted my first try of Ubuntu in about one and a half hours!!

I installed the Nvidia drivers, configured Beryl (that's some cool s**t!!!) and I'm off and runnin'!!

The hardest part was explaining the boot manager to my wife and why I need to have two operating systems in the first place.

Thanks for the well thought out and informative article.

Basil Ronzitti

Sure pick the main, hard to use linux....

Submitted by bradleyward on Sat, 2007-06-02 16:56.

I am surpised u didn't mention linux MINT.

Its like opera...no one really knows and its PACKED with features.

Its green my fav colour.

BULIT in beryl, xgl, thunderbird, play dvds out of the box....

support for windows AND ntfs...

i could go on and on.

http://www.linuxmint.com/index.html

Bradley Ward ^^

restricted driver

Submitted by zerobinary on Wed, 2007-06-06 22:33.

ur installation for restricted driver is totally wrong in ubuntu 7 series just go to the system then administration then restriced drivers and install it more simple
and for the beryl u forget to mention that people with restricted drivers can't use it
and if u don't use restricted drivers the perforance will decrease
and another important message
i have always been maximum pc fan and u guys kick ass

Newbie: Configuring internet connection in KUbuntu

Submitted by r t imai on Sat, 2007-06-09 18:38.

Warner: Thanks for mentioning that KUbuntu is Windows-like as Ubuntu is Mac-like. Funny how primary information like this isn't so obvious. And it took a print article like the recent "You Can Switch..." to get me more serious about investigating Linux.

LINUX NEWBIE CONCERN: Can anyone point me to connection setup resources to check before installing? What worries me is that configuring the internet connection in Ubuntu installation is not directly addressed in any article I've seen. Why? Is it so tranparent that it doesn't need to be mentioned?

I want to ensure that I'll be able to connect after installing Linux, and search for more information, and have email and newsgroup access.

I plan to choose the dual-boot option: 933MHz, 512MB RAM, CD-RW, 20.3 free space on 38.1GB NTFS.

Newbie Concern re connection setup

Submitted by r t imai on Sat, 2007-06-09 19:08.

Oh, yeah, I did see the FOUR lines related to setting up the network connection. Is that IT? Am I being paranoid here when I worry about losing connectivity in Linux?

There's a similar guide here

Submitted by aptitude on Fri, 2007-06-15 10:43.

There's a similar guide here which may be of use to some people ...

Installing Kubuntu and Beryl on a Windows PC

I bought the June 2007

Submitted by Beatnik on Sun, 2007-06-17 07:46.

I bought the June 2007 edition of MaximumPC, and I really like your mag (this is the first I bought). This article about getting started with linux, mainly focused on Ubuntu, it´s fine.
But I also wanted to let the people know that
not always popular = the best (or easiest)
Ubuntu is good, but for Out of the box experience I recommend you to please try some of this distros if you feel frustrated with Ubuntu:
1- PCLinux
2- Sabayon Linux
3- Fedora7
4- Sam Linux
5- Mint Linux

With all those distros you have out of the box support(without needing to download codecs)for: Original DVD, mp3, mpeg, avi, flash, microsoft office compatible formats (.doc, .ppt), etc.. + Beryl/Compiz Cube desktop 3D.

Linux, expect the best O.S. for 2010, above Windows and Mac.

live linux

Submitted by liviniax13 on Wed, 2007-06-20 15:39.

1. what a drag--none of my live linux cd's will work with intel g965 chipset.

2. linux will get nowhere without offering a product that NORMAL people can use from a united front effort--whether free or commercially available. NEVER,NEVER,NEVER

Linux test drive

Submitted by Travis Penner on Sat, 2007-06-23 16:30.

I'm finding some things in this article a little glitchy. First it was the ubuntu website, then it was partitioning the new hard drive I bought to do this.

Now I've got Linux installed but I can't seem to boot to it. So I'm cruising the net to try and figure this out and make it all work with my Windows Media Center Edition and Linux as a dual boot.

I don't think it's as easy as this article makes it look. :(

Travis

Linux Ubuntu on Gateway MT6840 laptop

Submitted by BasiliskSt on Mon, 2007-07-02 13:39.

I really appreciate the coverage of Linux. I trust Maximum PC as my leading source for both hardware and software. I can't say I'm thrilled with Vista so far, so experimenting with Linux makes sense. Ubuntu installed easily and does the basics as well or better than Vista. Neither Ubuntu or Vista yet supports all my old printers and other peripherals and probably never will, but if enough people have Linux, future products will have to come with a Linux driver and software, just as most do for both Windows and Mac now. Not sure if for my personal computer I'd end up in the Linux camp, but it certainly makes increasing sense for my corporate computers running Google Apps or the like.

MB drivers

Submitted by tedpjr on Sun, 2007-07-08 05:05.

one small (?) issue that wasn't discussed - what about MB chipset drivers/utilities? I'm preparing to install Ubuntu on an Intel D848PF board (its essentially an 865 chipset without dual-channel memory) but do I use the original driver CD? or do I need Linux-specific drivers? and where does one get those? (they ain't on the Intel website!)

Misleading comment regarding Ubuntu

Submitted by JaxJaguar on Fri, 2007-07-13 18:57.

In Maximum PC, it says something to the effect of after you install the OS, just click on the network icon and you'll be online. Yeah, right! What if you have a broadcom wireless card? Try finding THE correct way to install an NDIS Wrapper or better yet, try finding THE correct wrapper. Then, since you have nothing better to do, sit around and type line after line after line of command line commands. Come on Ubuntu, can't you do better than that? Please try!

Love seeing Linux in Maximum PC

Submitted by briansnj on Thu, 2007-07-26 11:23.

I loved this article and want to see more Penguin material in the future. I think it would be awesome if Max PC would dedicate just 2 or 3 pages toward the back each month.

May I share an idea?

I think you have a market here waiting to be dominated by your company. All the decent Linux magazines out there (Linux Format and Linux Pro being the 2 best IMO)are way too expensive! They cost about $150 to $200 US dollars per year. Ironic huh? The gospel is free and open source but the education is $$$! lol They do not offer cheaper subscriptions without DVDs stuck to them.

I think MAX PC could either do a print edition with or without DVDs more cheaply (I know I would pay $30-40 per year without DVDs) and grab the US market. It is waiting for you.

Here is an even better idea...
Why not do a completely downloadable .PDF version on a monthly basis. Maybe charge $10 per year for existing MAX subscribers and $15 per year for non-subscribers.

Please, PLEASE consider this. Thanks and keep up the great work. I keep renewing every year.

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