[Cmpdr6]

I was able to install Konversation and access freenode thru that so not sure about this xchat feature

[Fandrew]

Ubuntu 7.10 Feisty...

Changing Screen Resolution on a laptop... how?

I know one is supposed to open the xorg.conf file and add in the resolution (1200x800), but I can't see where I'm supposed to write that in.

[tht00]

Originally Posted by JayCarrfan

Ubuntu 7.10 Feisty...

Changing Screen Resolution on a laptop... how?

I know one is supposed to open the xorg.conf file and add in the resolution (1200x800), but I can't see where I'm supposed to write that in.

(Resolved over IM.)

Just for reference, it was a classic issue with Intel i810 driver not handling higher resolutions. 915 fix or new Intel driver resolves the problem.

More info:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Fi...esolutionHowto

(I don't like unresolved threads )

[BobSongs007]

Originally Posted by Cmpdr6

Ok, I get the reasons for switching, but for those of us that are not familiar with programming and what not (who've been raised on the mouse and not the keyboard, as one would say) How would we go about making the switch from XP to Ubuntu?

If I may venture an answer. I'm one of those Linux users. I'm familiar with XP (started with Windows 3.0 and worked my way up kicking and screaming), Linux and to some extent the Mac OS.

When it comes to presenting Linux to a potential user the very first thing I do is: tell them to look for software alternatives. This often entails replacing MS Office (often it's a pirated version) with OpenOffice.

As you well know: we work with software more than "an operating system", right? So switching to similar software is job one. Yeah; some of it is going to be different. Old shoes feel most comfortable. And these applications will have the new shoe feel. But don't give up.

However, if you've spent thousands of dollars on Windows- or Mac-only software (PhotoShop, CorelDRAW, MS Office, and so on) then I usually back off and try to repair an ailing system before encouraging a switch.

But for someone who's never really invested much in their PC then the migration is easier if they replace their applications first. Once Internet Explorer is replace with Firefox, a pirated copy of MS Office is replaced with OpenOffice, and other software is installed (GIMP, Inkscape, Kompozer, etc.) then the switch isn't brutal.

Folks who have their systems torn out from under them tend to get nervous and return to the old with all its frustrations. Getting used to the replacement applications first eases the transition.

Originally Posted by Cmpdr6

I'm a hardware person, not programmer, and some of this thread was like trying to read Greek for me (I only know English LOL)

Yeah. When you read quotes from two Linux users going back and forth about xorg.conf, sudo and sources.list it can make one's stomach hurt. But there's no real need to fear. If you're considering using a Linux distribution at some time, first free up some hard disk space and dual boot. This ensures you can retreat to something more familiar when you're pressed for time and you need to print that document or whatnot.

A good Linux distribution isn't enough. You need a good, friendly forum that will assist new users. Personally: I have found the Ubuntu Forums (www.ubuntuforums.org) to be so. They've never, ever treated me badly even when I asked stupid, noobish questions. They were always polite and quick to help. Now that I'm more familiar with Ubuntu I help others too from time to time. Even added two "HowTo"s to the forum.

Originally Posted by Cmpdr6

I've thought about switching for a long time now (even use firefox) I even have a Ubuntu distro from about a year ago that a friend gave me. I've just never taken that leap.
Lyn

Well, I recommend looking before you leap. And in Ubuntu's case the looking was satisfying. I dual booted at first. Now Windows has been marginalized. I only use it for odds and ends. It's not entirely retired but... for all intents and purposes our machine is an Ubuntu box. The wife likes it, the children like it. It's a very useful tool.

Just remember: Linux isn't a replacement for Windows. It is different. It works with a different mentality and approach. You can decide if it's better or worse. But it is different. And the more Windows experience you have, the more you might find working with it frustrating. Some things are exactly the same (for example, Ctrl+C is Copy and Ctrl+V is Paste). Other things are not quite the same. But I leave that in your hands to explore.

Hope that helps and doesn't sound out of balance.



Edit: Here's a link to an article called: "The Beauty of Ubuntu" for further reading.

[danlong]

I guess I start from the top.
Hi, my name is Dan and I'm a windows desktop user...........
I want to stop because I know it's bad, but I can't find a 12 step program.....

I use Windows 2000 on my desktop due to my macromedia products for development. If I can get steered to something compatible and useful in Linux I'd drop the box in a flash and be totally Linux. I use the Gnome desktop, kind of a default conversion that I like as the hosting servers use a stripped down Gnome.

I saw Slackware mentioned. Really, unless you like tinkering and know unix you don't want Slack.By product mission it's the tinkerers Linux leaving out valuable stuff so that you can put in your own custom. So it's not real user friendly, but it doesn't use alot of resources either though, not much overhead unless you start using KDE.

As a webhosting provider I use CentOS 5 ( as opposed to the Fedoras) do to the fact that it's Fedora but free ;-) We use VirtualminPro to run our servers ( not free ) But webmin/virtualmin GPL is free and awesome to maintain your Linux OS if you want to run a desktop server ( use your broadband and have your own mailserver)

Ubantu and Dabian I get bad reports for quirkiness and administration difficulties maybe more than you want for a desktop. I think their more geared toward offices

FreeBSD is again powerful enterprise OS but again the mindset is, if you're doing this you know what you're doing.

I hope this helps.....

And really, if you can help wean me off of windows for desktop production apps that would be sooooo great.

oops another broken window

Dan

[Cam42]

So, linux being open-source, I could get it for much cheaper right, how much cheaper?

[ApparentlyNothing]

Originally Posted by Cam42

So, linux being open-source, I could get it for much cheaper right, how much cheaper?

How does free sound?

[danlong]

Originally Posted by Cam42

So, linux being open-source, I could get it for much cheaper right, how much cheaper?

CentOS 5 using the Gnome GUI (desktop) is free free free

It's essentially RedHat Linux but more stable, not being on the cutting edge. But easy to use and install.

[Cam42]

I knew that it was free, I just needed to know how much i could save buy using it instead of XP.

[Andrew]

About 100 dollars.

[ApparentlyNothing]

Originally Posted by Andrew

About 100 dollars.

+ the cost of any additional software you might have to pay for or virus/malware protection.

[tht00]

Originally Posted by danlong

CentOS 5 using the Gnome GUI (desktop) is free free free

It's essentially RedHat Linux but more stable, not being on the cutting edge. But easy to use and install.

I'm not sure I'd recommend CentOS for a beginner... or even desktop use.

Ubuntu, Fedora.. those would be better places to start for beginners.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by ApparentlyNothing

+ the cost of any additional software you might have to pay for or virus/malware protection.

Well. Last I checked, an OEM of XP is 80 dollars. Plus AVG home would be around 100 dollars.

[PatrickStar4491]

AVG 8 Free has virus/spyware protection... Between that and Spybot, I don't have a problem at all.

[PatrickStar4491]

Originally Posted by tht00

I'm not sure I'd recommend CentOS for a beginner... or even desktop use.

Ubuntu, Fedora.. those would be better places to start for beginners.

The only place I've seen CentOS is on a dedicated webserver...