i need a free linux type os. one that is consistent and will work good. something that will detect wireless cards etc
2006-12-12 14:05:56 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
The only Linux distributions that I've had automatically detect my wireless cards has been Ubuntu/Kubuntu and VLOS. I'll go over those in a little mini-review.
Ubuntu - This is a wonderful OS, that's particularly fast, and easy to use. The GNOME interface is designed for speed, though it isn't the prettiest one on the block. It uses the .deb installer format, which is the easiest one to deal with in my experience. It also comes with an installer, that will easily connect to the internet and find programs for you to install.
Kubuntu - This is the same as Ubuntu, but has the KDE desktop. It is considerably slower to load than Ubuntu, but I still think that it is better than Mandriva. Also, if you are into customizing your desktop to look the way you want it (You can even make it look like Mac OS X!) KDE is the best way to go.
VLOS - I don't think that I'm really the one to judge this one. It stayed on my machine only for a little while. It was very difficult to get it to boot up on my machine, but when it was working, it was great. It has a modified version of the GNOME interface, but includes a very handy Mac OS X inspired docker at the bottom of the screen. As an added plus, it is based off of Gentoo Linux, probably one of the fastest Linux distributions out there today. However, Gentoo is very difficult to setup, and VLOS allows you to install it with very little hassle.
The reason it left my machine however, was the problems that I had installing it, and the problems I had with it connecting to the internet. It detected my wireless card fine, but it wouldn't connect to the college's ethernet internet. The internet was a very important aspect for me, so I had to have it. As for the installation troubles; It has a very long installation time, and I had to go through it twice in vain. The problem was that it had a bug in certain login screens, and my copy wouldn't let me pick the good login screens, so I had to do a little tinkering around in the terminal to get it to let me log on. By all means, try this distribution. If the problems didn't exist, this would be the distribution that I would be using. It may have just been a fluke on my machine, so you should definitely give it a shot.
Ubuntu/Kubuntu will send you a CD/DVD for free, but it takes a very long time. I suggest that you download it if you go for that distribution.
VLOS has an advanced version for money, but I really don't see the need for it. You can still use their forum for support, and there's not much else that's really added for the paid version.
Of course, I think the best way to deal with Linux distributions is to just try them all out. Not only will you find the right one for you, but you'll get used to dealing with partitioners and other things, and it might just spark your interest in how computers do what they do.
2006-12-12 14:23:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most if not all current versions of Linux will support the majority of hardware on the market unless its very recent.
Go to the various vendor sites and look for their downloads pages. As Linux is a free OS - there should be a site to download the image. You then burn to CD, boot and run the install.
Personally though - I'd suggest purchasing a copy with a book on linux... can be very helpful.
Just my .01
-dh
2006-12-12 14:10:37 · answer #2 · answered by delicateharmony 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either ubuntu or freespire are both stable and good. Both offer ISO downloads on the web that can be burned as an .ISO disk for installation. Be aware that it is difficult to install a wireless network in Linux. It has been my experience that one with an atheros chipset will save you time and frustration. Both come with access to all the programs you will need, and firefox browser. Easier to install than windows.
2006-12-12 14:16:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ditto on the Ubuntu recommendation; I love it. After you load Ubuntu, get a file called Automatix; this is the best thing to happen to Linux in years.
2006-12-12 15:15:35 · answer #4 · answered by Joe J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try RedHat Linux
http://www.redhat.com/
http://andrew.triumf.ca/pub/linux/redhat-mirror2.html
2006-12-12 14:10:02 · answer #5 · answered by π² 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Linux is always free, unless you specifically want it on a DVD.
2006-12-12 14:21:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋