Doing the Linux thing

So much to know.

[madcat]

Hello Everyone-

Would you consider the leap from Windows to Linux too difficult for a relatively inexperienced computer user? (I want to start using Apache/PHP/MySQL -- but I've never touched 'em).

I have always used Windows 95/98. That's all I know and I'm very new to the world of computing. My current CPU has been pushed to its limits, so now I have the opportunity to start with a brand new fresh system (next couple of days).

All of the posts I've been reading make Linux seem real cool? I mean it really would be nice to not worry about the cost of software any longer.

At the risk of sounding inept:

The website or two I've created using fireworks and/or photoshop. Would these be editable any longer (Cuz I saw GIMP won't deal with .gifs)?

I can run Windows 2000 and Linux -- Using Linux to install Apache/PHP/MySQL as a local server. Is that recommended or just drop the 2000.

How quickly could one be up and running with this type of system if they haven't really seen it before.

Thanks for any insight, I appreciate it.
M

[EliteWeb]

Gimp wont deal with GIFs? News to me heh someone double check that. The leap is easy enough, depending on what type of person you are and how you learn also dependant on how much time you have free to educate yourself will depend on the answer.

Learn UNIX by getting a shell account at a hosting company. Get a UNIX book and dig away with the commands, learn it and love it.

Goto school and take a UNIX course, they teach good.

Install a unix varient like Debian Linux or Redhat Linux on a computer of your own, use a book if necissary for installation :) I own redhat for dummies, an the No Bullsh1t guide to RedHat Linux.

[madcat]

Because of patent issues with the LZW compression algorithm the installer does not install the ability to save GIF files. Nor is the TIFF plug-in capable of loading or saving LZW- compressed TIFF files. To be able to do these things, make sure that either you are in a country where Unisys doesn't have a patent on the LZW algorithm, or that you have a license from Unisys.

Actually I was just looking to make sure that I could eventually run audio apps like Cubase smoothly with Linux:

With the low latency patch, Linux can compete or beat most desktop OSes in this field allowing latencies as low as 2.1msec which is especially useful in the realtime audio field.

Ok. In another forum, Knowles mentioned that I should set up Apache/PHP/MySQL under Linux (for a local test server)--rather than Windows. Seeing as how I don't really know how to work Linux, and I need to make money in while I'm learning how it works on my new box...how could I make the triad work on my Windows machine.

If that doesn't make sense, It's getting late...
If it does thanks for your help.
M

[Air]

Generally the Windows 2000 file system messes up the linux loader, but all of the flavours of Win 9x, and XP (non NTFS file system) will work well together with Linux. 2000 will work too, you just may have to fiddle with the linux loader (lilo) a little more.

GIMP handles all kinds of file formats including gifs. You'll find that the graphical side of Linux is very intuitive and familiar, very similar to windows, but with an odd twist. Kinda like standing in a familiar yard but the fence has been removed ... lol, have fun!

[john316]

PHP/MySQL/Apache/Perl all available here with one d/l, It even has an installer. You can be up in 5 minutes on a windows box.

[firepages.com.au...]

[madcat]

Kinda like standing in a familiar yard but the fence has been removed

That just had to be in quotes;)

Thanks for the link john316...

[littleman]

>>Would you consider the leap from Windows to Linux too difficult for a relatively inexperienced computer user?

No, if you start with one of the distributions that are packaged to be used as a desktop you should get along fine. Don't jump in by starting out with Debian or Slackware, pic something that is beginner friendly. like SuSE, Redhat, Mandrake, or Lycoris. I really think Mandrake is a good place to start.

>>I have always used Windows 95/98. That's all I know and I'm very new to the world of computing.

Perfect! Honestly. You will not have to unlearn as much.

>>I mean it really would be nice to not worry about the cost of software any longer.

Yeah, it is really nice, you will be surprised by the quality too. Many of the GNU programs I use are better than their commercial counterparts. I have everything I need to make a living and it doesn't cost me anything.

>>Cuz I saw GIMP won't deal with .gifs?

Gimp works fine with .gifs

>>>I can run Windows 2000 and Linux -- Using Linux to install Apache/PHP/MySQL as a local server. Is that recommended or just drop the 2000.

This is sort of a personal choice.. I could see how you would want to keep W2K around just in case you get overwhelmed with Linux, but I believe that immersion is the best approach. I learn best by doing.

>>How quickly could one be up and running with this type of system if they haven't really seen it before.

45 minutes, a basic install with server packages selected.

[littleman]

Okay, after reading the other posts I have to ask. Do you want to use Linux as a desktop, or do you just want to learn the ins and outs of a UNIX based server?

A Linux desktop can be a real pleasure to work in -- there is a lot more to Linux than just the web server applications.

[SmallTime]

littleman is undoubtedly right about the immersion thing, but if you have a lot into windows software, or want to take it a little slower, dual boot is a good option.

If you do go the dual boot route, install windows first, in a partition half the size (give or take) of the hard drive. Then install linux in the remaining space. It will partition its own space, and install a boot loader that gives you a choice of linux or windows. (Windows will not do the same for linux.)

[Knowles]

Madcat, what I meant was for a production server. I wouldnt run apache/php/mysql on a windows system for a production server. I run my test server on XP with apache/php/mysql. I also run one that is linux. The leap was fairly easy for me. I had some trouble with the comandline at first but I picked it up quickly. I wasnt lucky enough to be around Comps before the GUI.

[madcat]

Do you want to use Linux as a desktop, or do you just want to learn the ins and outs of a UNIX based server?

Linux as a desktop. I'm not interested in operating my own server until I have the means to do so.

Knowles: I see you what you're saying...

Thanks,
M

[edited by: madcat at 3:33 pm (utc) on June 12, 2002]

[Knowles]

Madcat are you wanting to just have a server or are you wanting to have a desktop that you develop on and it be a server? If you are really wanting to use a Linux server but not necassarly want to use Linux then just find you an old computer it doesnt have to be real powerful. Network it into your network and get it anIP address then you can just telnet in or set up an ftp server on it and ftp in and still be able to develop your applications on windows. It all comes down to what you feel comfortable with. You can get the same set up on Windows as you can with Linux for a test server. Apache/PHP/MySQL all three work on both OS's so it really comes down to what you feel comfortable with. I know it took me a little longer how to figure out how to use the localhost on Linux than it did windows but that was because I was not as familair with the Linux as I was with Windows. Dont use Linux because you think its what you should use us it because thats what you want to use. For that matter set up both. Do one windows and one linux then you can play with both and decide which you want.

[madcat]

Dont use Linux because you think its what you should use us it because thats what you want to use.

No doubt. I just have to do some homework is all- so I know for sure.

Great suggestions...

M

[scotty]

> madcat

Gimp can certain do GIF and TIFF w/ LZW compression. However, because of the patent problem, they are not distributed by default. Gimp has an excellent plugin architecture, and you can download the LZW plugins somewhere on the web...

For Win32, [iki.fi ]. Use it if you downloaded your Gimp Win32 from Gimp's official web site.

For Linux, I believe most distributions have compiled in the LZW support.