Linux - How long will it last. [modified]
-
With all the talk of Linux recently, I've been feeling the urge to try it out. A friend recently offloaded an old computer on me, so I dug out the 80gb hard drive, whipped( :laugh: ) wiped off the dust coating, and set about on my Linux adventure. I partitioned it into 2 equal bits. 1 half I formatted NTFS and copied all my docs and general stuff onto. The other half I installed Ubuntu 8.04 on. I then removed my original hard drive to make it harder for me to give up and go back to windows. So hows it gone so far? Installation was straight forward. partitioning and formatting was done automatically via the "use all available space" option. All hardware was detected no probs. I did have to allow an 'non-free' driver from Nvidia for my graphics card to get it above 800x600. It prompted me to do whole bunch of auto updates after the first boot (which didn't even require a reboot! - Ubuntu 1, Windows 0). Internet just worked, FF3 was installed by default. Installed my standard bunch of FF addons, all seemed to work fine. Was nice to get instant access to all my Google bookmarks. I've already been using OpenOffice for the last 2 years or so as my primary word/spreadsheet app, so that was nice and familiar, and I know my way around GIMP, so that's fine. Installed a Linux version of KeyPass no problem to get to my password database. I still don't quite get the Linux file system. When installing KeyPass (from a pre compiled Ubuntu package) there was no prompt for installation location, and it just appeared on the "start" menu. Easy, but Where did it put the files? Where are the usual "custom" installation options I've come to expect for windows installations. The Linux stance on firewalls seems rather confused. Some people are saying Ubuntu doesn't come with one. Others are saying, it doesn't need one (apparently because all incoming packets are just ignored by default, so unless you start opening up stuff, then you don't need a firewall). And others are saying Linux has something called "iptables" which is your basic firewall blocking rules and stuff. I don't have a virus checker on it yet either. No real problems so far. There's a lot I haven't tried yet though. CD/DVD burning will be a critical issue. DVD watching/MP3 playing as well will be important. My USB stick needs to work (as well as my USB mp3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader). So... Now taking bets. How long will I stick with Linux this time? My record is around 3 weeks. (I gave up last time due to difficulty get
-
Steve_Harris wrote:
Things almost always install into standard file paths
That's cool, but at some point I'm going to have to start learning about the file system and where everything is. I don't really know what all these folders (usr, etc, and so on) are for. I'll get there I suppose :cool:.
Simon
-
Firewall/iptables is a pain. For CD/DVD burning K3B is great - I prefer the KDE desktop BTW.
Visit http://www.notreadytogiveup.com/[^] and do something special today.
Ahh, a CP Linuxian.
Trollslayer wrote:
I prefer the KDE desktop BTW
I do plan to experiment with KDE as well, but as gnome is the default, I'm starting with that.
Trollslayer wrote:
For CD/DVD burning K3B is great
Brilliant, thanks.
Trollslayer wrote:
Firewall/iptables is a pain.
So, what's the experts opinion on this. Should I believe the people who say I don't need a firewall unless I start opening up stuff? I've heard firestarter is a good gui config app for iptables. is that enough? what about an outgoing firewall? On windows I liked having a firewall (Comodo) that prompted any time an app tried to send packets out. It meant I could keep track of when apps were calling home and what apps were doing network stuff behind my back. (It means you can keep a watch for viruses collecting info and sending them out). There seems to be a lot of confusion even amongst the community about the issue of the need/presence of a firewall.
Simon
-
Simon Stevens wrote:
I don't really know what all these folders (usr, etc, and so on) are for.
It's all explained in The Standard[^].
Awesome. That's my 49 pages of bedtime reading for tonight sorted. :laugh: Thanks.
Simon
-
Ahh, a CP Linuxian.
Trollslayer wrote:
I prefer the KDE desktop BTW
I do plan to experiment with KDE as well, but as gnome is the default, I'm starting with that.
Trollslayer wrote:
For CD/DVD burning K3B is great
Brilliant, thanks.
Trollslayer wrote:
Firewall/iptables is a pain.
So, what's the experts opinion on this. Should I believe the people who say I don't need a firewall unless I start opening up stuff? I've heard firestarter is a good gui config app for iptables. is that enough? what about an outgoing firewall? On windows I liked having a firewall (Comodo) that prompted any time an app tried to send packets out. It meant I could keep track of when apps were calling home and what apps were doing network stuff behind my back. (It means you can keep a watch for viruses collecting info and sending them out). There seems to be a lot of confusion even amongst the community about the issue of the need/presence of a firewall.
Simon
Simon Stevens wrote:
Trollslayer wrote: For CD/DVD burning K3B is great Brilliant, thanks.
If you use Gnome, K3B isn't quite the best option, since it's meant for KDE envrionment. Try out Brasero, it comes preinstalled with Ubuntu.
Simon Stevens wrote:
I've heard firestarter is a good gui config app for iptables. is that enough?
For basic (everyday) use Firestarter should do the job. It handles both incoming and outgoing, can be set up to work either on whitelist or blacklist principle. So, yes... install Firestarter :)
To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.
-
With all the talk of Linux recently, I've been feeling the urge to try it out. A friend recently offloaded an old computer on me, so I dug out the 80gb hard drive, whipped( :laugh: ) wiped off the dust coating, and set about on my Linux adventure. I partitioned it into 2 equal bits. 1 half I formatted NTFS and copied all my docs and general stuff onto. The other half I installed Ubuntu 8.04 on. I then removed my original hard drive to make it harder for me to give up and go back to windows. So hows it gone so far? Installation was straight forward. partitioning and formatting was done automatically via the "use all available space" option. All hardware was detected no probs. I did have to allow an 'non-free' driver from Nvidia for my graphics card to get it above 800x600. It prompted me to do whole bunch of auto updates after the first boot (which didn't even require a reboot! - Ubuntu 1, Windows 0). Internet just worked, FF3 was installed by default. Installed my standard bunch of FF addons, all seemed to work fine. Was nice to get instant access to all my Google bookmarks. I've already been using OpenOffice for the last 2 years or so as my primary word/spreadsheet app, so that was nice and familiar, and I know my way around GIMP, so that's fine. Installed a Linux version of KeyPass no problem to get to my password database. I still don't quite get the Linux file system. When installing KeyPass (from a pre compiled Ubuntu package) there was no prompt for installation location, and it just appeared on the "start" menu. Easy, but Where did it put the files? Where are the usual "custom" installation options I've come to expect for windows installations. The Linux stance on firewalls seems rather confused. Some people are saying Ubuntu doesn't come with one. Others are saying, it doesn't need one (apparently because all incoming packets are just ignored by default, so unless you start opening up stuff, then you don't need a firewall). And others are saying Linux has something called "iptables" which is your basic firewall blocking rules and stuff. I don't have a virus checker on it yet either. No real problems so far. There's a lot I haven't tried yet though. CD/DVD burning will be a critical issue. DVD watching/MP3 playing as well will be important. My USB stick needs to work (as well as my USB mp3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader). So... Now taking bets. How long will I stick with Linux this time? My record is around 3 weeks. (I gave up last time due to difficulty get
Simon Stevens wrote:
The Linux stance on firewalls seems rather confused. Some people are saying Ubuntu doesn't come with one.
The firewall is built into the kernel so unless Ubuntu did not compile one into the kernel you have a firewall. However you do need the iptables to set it up. With that said only one of my 30 or so linux boxes at work/home actually have this feature on because it is generally not needed. The only ports that are open are the ones you specifically allow and most of these have a configuration and security.
John
-
With all the talk of Linux recently, I've been feeling the urge to try it out. A friend recently offloaded an old computer on me, so I dug out the 80gb hard drive, whipped( :laugh: ) wiped off the dust coating, and set about on my Linux adventure. I partitioned it into 2 equal bits. 1 half I formatted NTFS and copied all my docs and general stuff onto. The other half I installed Ubuntu 8.04 on. I then removed my original hard drive to make it harder for me to give up and go back to windows. So hows it gone so far? Installation was straight forward. partitioning and formatting was done automatically via the "use all available space" option. All hardware was detected no probs. I did have to allow an 'non-free' driver from Nvidia for my graphics card to get it above 800x600. It prompted me to do whole bunch of auto updates after the first boot (which didn't even require a reboot! - Ubuntu 1, Windows 0). Internet just worked, FF3 was installed by default. Installed my standard bunch of FF addons, all seemed to work fine. Was nice to get instant access to all my Google bookmarks. I've already been using OpenOffice for the last 2 years or so as my primary word/spreadsheet app, so that was nice and familiar, and I know my way around GIMP, so that's fine. Installed a Linux version of KeyPass no problem to get to my password database. I still don't quite get the Linux file system. When installing KeyPass (from a pre compiled Ubuntu package) there was no prompt for installation location, and it just appeared on the "start" menu. Easy, but Where did it put the files? Where are the usual "custom" installation options I've come to expect for windows installations. The Linux stance on firewalls seems rather confused. Some people are saying Ubuntu doesn't come with one. Others are saying, it doesn't need one (apparently because all incoming packets are just ignored by default, so unless you start opening up stuff, then you don't need a firewall). And others are saying Linux has something called "iptables" which is your basic firewall blocking rules and stuff. I don't have a virus checker on it yet either. No real problems so far. There's a lot I haven't tried yet though. CD/DVD burning will be a critical issue. DVD watching/MP3 playing as well will be important. My USB stick needs to work (as well as my USB mp3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader). So... Now taking bets. How long will I stick with Linux this time? My record is around 3 weeks. (I gave up last time due to difficulty get
I'd say try to stick it out as long as you can. I started with Linux more out of need for university. I found it annoying with a few things at first, especially the command line quirks compared to the DOS command line. I however ended up feeling more comfortable in Linux that Windows in the end. I haven't run Linux on a computer for the last few years, but I believe that you have more options available to you with Linux. For example, there are many CD/DVD burning programs out there, GUI and command line, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. And this is where Linux can seem to be more work, because you need to find out which one(s) you like the most. As for your USB stick, it should work through the SCSI subsystem of the kernel if I remember correctly, and I never came across a USB stick that couldn't be used with Linux (although I am damn sure there will be some out there that don't). For the other things, like USB MP3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader, don't be too surprised as to whether they work or not. I've been 'surprised' in the past at some of the hardware that worked with Linux. I think because Linux is not the standard by which all hardware must work with, I tend to think of it as being made more compatible with the likes of Windows, Mac and hardware, because someone has the passion to make it work. The biggest 'problem' I would have with Linux is more the number of files it drops around the place, in /etc, /usr/bin, /var/log and probably a few other places I can't remember for the moment, but that can be said of any Unix based system. However, I'm looking into installing Solaris 10 x86 (yes, I'm stuck in the 32-bit days for the moment) onto a system to check it out. I don't know what it is like yet, since I've never really used any Solaris based system before, but I hope it has just a little more polish and professional touch than Linux given it's had a few more years to mature. Keep us updated how you go with your Linux install, I'm interested to know how you go, given you have had a at least some experience with it in the past.
------------------------ Luke Lovegrove ------------------------
-
With all the talk of Linux recently, I've been feeling the urge to try it out. A friend recently offloaded an old computer on me, so I dug out the 80gb hard drive, whipped( :laugh: ) wiped off the dust coating, and set about on my Linux adventure. I partitioned it into 2 equal bits. 1 half I formatted NTFS and copied all my docs and general stuff onto. The other half I installed Ubuntu 8.04 on. I then removed my original hard drive to make it harder for me to give up and go back to windows. So hows it gone so far? Installation was straight forward. partitioning and formatting was done automatically via the "use all available space" option. All hardware was detected no probs. I did have to allow an 'non-free' driver from Nvidia for my graphics card to get it above 800x600. It prompted me to do whole bunch of auto updates after the first boot (which didn't even require a reboot! - Ubuntu 1, Windows 0). Internet just worked, FF3 was installed by default. Installed my standard bunch of FF addons, all seemed to work fine. Was nice to get instant access to all my Google bookmarks. I've already been using OpenOffice for the last 2 years or so as my primary word/spreadsheet app, so that was nice and familiar, and I know my way around GIMP, so that's fine. Installed a Linux version of KeyPass no problem to get to my password database. I still don't quite get the Linux file system. When installing KeyPass (from a pre compiled Ubuntu package) there was no prompt for installation location, and it just appeared on the "start" menu. Easy, but Where did it put the files? Where are the usual "custom" installation options I've come to expect for windows installations. The Linux stance on firewalls seems rather confused. Some people are saying Ubuntu doesn't come with one. Others are saying, it doesn't need one (apparently because all incoming packets are just ignored by default, so unless you start opening up stuff, then you don't need a firewall). And others are saying Linux has something called "iptables" which is your basic firewall blocking rules and stuff. I don't have a virus checker on it yet either. No real problems so far. There's a lot I haven't tried yet though. CD/DVD burning will be a critical issue. DVD watching/MP3 playing as well will be important. My USB stick needs to work (as well as my USB mp3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader). So... Now taking bets. How long will I stick with Linux this time? My record is around 3 weeks. (I gave up last time due to difficulty get
Simon Stevens wrote:
I don't have a virus checker on it yet either.
You do not need one. There are around 100 known viruses for linux and it is highly unlikely that you would infect your system as long as you do not run your applications as root and as long as you always get your updates from official sources. You also do not need any type of anti-spyware application because spyware does not exist on the linux platform.
Simon Stevens wrote:
How long will I stick with Linux this time? My record is around 3 weeks.
For me I was in the same situation till I found gentoo. This was back in early 2004 and I had a dual processor machine (I have had 2 or more cores in my main desktop pc since 1995 or so..) and anyways with that machine (now replaced) XP would blue screen at least 1 time per week when running the machine 24/7. I was already using linux at work so I decided to try at home and so I started dual booting and I found that if I left the machine in linux it would not crash at all. So eventually I used linux more and more often until my XP drive died and I did not care. I currently have 3 working machines at home and none of them have a windows version installed.
John
-
Simon Stevens wrote:
I don't have a virus checker on it yet either.
You do not need one. There are around 100 known viruses for linux and it is highly unlikely that you would infect your system as long as you do not run your applications as root and as long as you always get your updates from official sources. You also do not need any type of anti-spyware application because spyware does not exist on the linux platform.
Simon Stevens wrote:
How long will I stick with Linux this time? My record is around 3 weeks.
For me I was in the same situation till I found gentoo. This was back in early 2004 and I had a dual processor machine (I have had 2 or more cores in my main desktop pc since 1995 or so..) and anyways with that machine (now replaced) XP would blue screen at least 1 time per week when running the machine 24/7. I was already using linux at work so I decided to try at home and so I started dual booting and I found that if I left the machine in linux it would not crash at all. So eventually I used linux more and more often until my XP drive died and I did not care. I currently have 3 working machines at home and none of them have a windows version installed.
John
I'd like to do this, but: 0) I need to write code with VS2005 (or VS2008), and neither of those run under Linux/Wine. 1) I'm boycotting element 1 in all of my lists today (that, and starting my lists with 0 should really throw the VB people for a goto). 2) I have dual monitors (each requiring a different resolution), and none of the distros I've tried seems to deal with that very well. 3) I hate the shortcut keys using for editing. They're just different enough from Windows to be truly annoying, and I haven't found any way to make them right. 4) My sound card (SoundBlaster Audigy) hasn't worked in Linux for over a year.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
-----
"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
With all the talk of Linux recently, I've been feeling the urge to try it out. A friend recently offloaded an old computer on me, so I dug out the 80gb hard drive, whipped( :laugh: ) wiped off the dust coating, and set about on my Linux adventure. I partitioned it into 2 equal bits. 1 half I formatted NTFS and copied all my docs and general stuff onto. The other half I installed Ubuntu 8.04 on. I then removed my original hard drive to make it harder for me to give up and go back to windows. So hows it gone so far? Installation was straight forward. partitioning and formatting was done automatically via the "use all available space" option. All hardware was detected no probs. I did have to allow an 'non-free' driver from Nvidia for my graphics card to get it above 800x600. It prompted me to do whole bunch of auto updates after the first boot (which didn't even require a reboot! - Ubuntu 1, Windows 0). Internet just worked, FF3 was installed by default. Installed my standard bunch of FF addons, all seemed to work fine. Was nice to get instant access to all my Google bookmarks. I've already been using OpenOffice for the last 2 years or so as my primary word/spreadsheet app, so that was nice and familiar, and I know my way around GIMP, so that's fine. Installed a Linux version of KeyPass no problem to get to my password database. I still don't quite get the Linux file system. When installing KeyPass (from a pre compiled Ubuntu package) there was no prompt for installation location, and it just appeared on the "start" menu. Easy, but Where did it put the files? Where are the usual "custom" installation options I've come to expect for windows installations. The Linux stance on firewalls seems rather confused. Some people are saying Ubuntu doesn't come with one. Others are saying, it doesn't need one (apparently because all incoming packets are just ignored by default, so unless you start opening up stuff, then you don't need a firewall). And others are saying Linux has something called "iptables" which is your basic firewall blocking rules and stuff. I don't have a virus checker on it yet either. No real problems so far. There's a lot I haven't tried yet though. CD/DVD burning will be a critical issue. DVD watching/MP3 playing as well will be important. My USB stick needs to work (as well as my USB mp3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader). So... Now taking bets. How long will I stick with Linux this time? My record is around 3 weeks. (I gave up last time due to difficulty get
-
I'd say try to stick it out as long as you can. I started with Linux more out of need for university. I found it annoying with a few things at first, especially the command line quirks compared to the DOS command line. I however ended up feeling more comfortable in Linux that Windows in the end. I haven't run Linux on a computer for the last few years, but I believe that you have more options available to you with Linux. For example, there are many CD/DVD burning programs out there, GUI and command line, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. And this is where Linux can seem to be more work, because you need to find out which one(s) you like the most. As for your USB stick, it should work through the SCSI subsystem of the kernel if I remember correctly, and I never came across a USB stick that couldn't be used with Linux (although I am damn sure there will be some out there that don't). For the other things, like USB MP3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader, don't be too surprised as to whether they work or not. I've been 'surprised' in the past at some of the hardware that worked with Linux. I think because Linux is not the standard by which all hardware must work with, I tend to think of it as being made more compatible with the likes of Windows, Mac and hardware, because someone has the passion to make it work. The biggest 'problem' I would have with Linux is more the number of files it drops around the place, in /etc, /usr/bin, /var/log and probably a few other places I can't remember for the moment, but that can be said of any Unix based system. However, I'm looking into installing Solaris 10 x86 (yes, I'm stuck in the 32-bit days for the moment) onto a system to check it out. I don't know what it is like yet, since I've never really used any Solaris based system before, but I hope it has just a little more polish and professional touch than Linux given it's had a few more years to mature. Keep us updated how you go with your Linux install, I'm interested to know how you go, given you have had a at least some experience with it in the past.
------------------------ Luke Lovegrove ------------------------
Luke Lovegrove wrote:
I'm looking into installing Solaris 10 x86
OMG!! Run for the hills! Seriously if you're doing server stuff, then Solaris has some nice features, if you're wanting to do desktop stuff, then forget it, it's just a GNOME desktop with some extra java crap thrown on top. In terms of polish, the polish comes with things like a MUCH more sophisticated file system (check out ZFS), management tools (dtrace) and other server oriented tech.
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! VCF Blog
-
Simon Stevens wrote:
The Linux stance on firewalls seems rather confused. Some people are saying Ubuntu doesn't come with one.
The firewall is built into the kernel so unless Ubuntu did not compile one into the kernel you have a firewall. However you do need the iptables to set it up. With that said only one of my 30 or so linux boxes at work/home actually have this feature on because it is generally not needed. The only ports that are open are the ones you specifically allow and most of these have a configuration and security.
John
I feel like I need to understand this better. Assume for now, I'm directly connected to the internet on a static IP, with no router. You're saying you don't really need a firewall because no ports are open as standard. Does this mean _all_ incoming packets are just dropped? If so, how does browsing work? Or is port 80 open for http? If so, what's to stop nasty people sending attacks via port 80? Now if you're saying you don't need a firewall if all ports are closed, does this mean than behind a NAT router, you don't need a firewall even on windows as no packets will get through? I'm just curious as to how it all works, and why windows needs a firewall, but linux doesn't. Is it just that windows does stupid things with incoming packets (like blindly executing them?) Forgive any stupid questions, I'm new to all this nix-y stuff.
Simon
-
I'd like to do this, but: 0) I need to write code with VS2005 (or VS2008), and neither of those run under Linux/Wine. 1) I'm boycotting element 1 in all of my lists today (that, and starting my lists with 0 should really throw the VB people for a goto). 2) I have dual monitors (each requiring a different resolution), and none of the distros I've tried seems to deal with that very well. 3) I hate the shortcut keys using for editing. They're just different enough from Windows to be truly annoying, and I haven't found any way to make them right. 4) My sound card (SoundBlaster Audigy) hasn't worked in Linux for over a year.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
-----
"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001You could fix point 0 by using VM Ware, but the rest (2, 3 and 4) you're pretty much screwed on. I vaguely recall hearing that multi-monitor support was improved, but who knows. 4 might also be fixed due to some of the distros (Ubuntu?) moving to a new sound server du jour.
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! VCF Blog
-
I'd say try to stick it out as long as you can. I started with Linux more out of need for university. I found it annoying with a few things at first, especially the command line quirks compared to the DOS command line. I however ended up feeling more comfortable in Linux that Windows in the end. I haven't run Linux on a computer for the last few years, but I believe that you have more options available to you with Linux. For example, there are many CD/DVD burning programs out there, GUI and command line, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. And this is where Linux can seem to be more work, because you need to find out which one(s) you like the most. As for your USB stick, it should work through the SCSI subsystem of the kernel if I remember correctly, and I never came across a USB stick that couldn't be used with Linux (although I am damn sure there will be some out there that don't). For the other things, like USB MP3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader, don't be too surprised as to whether they work or not. I've been 'surprised' in the past at some of the hardware that worked with Linux. I think because Linux is not the standard by which all hardware must work with, I tend to think of it as being made more compatible with the likes of Windows, Mac and hardware, because someone has the passion to make it work. The biggest 'problem' I would have with Linux is more the number of files it drops around the place, in /etc, /usr/bin, /var/log and probably a few other places I can't remember for the moment, but that can be said of any Unix based system. However, I'm looking into installing Solaris 10 x86 (yes, I'm stuck in the 32-bit days for the moment) onto a system to check it out. I don't know what it is like yet, since I've never really used any Solaris based system before, but I hope it has just a little more polish and professional touch than Linux given it's had a few more years to mature. Keep us updated how you go with your Linux install, I'm interested to know how you go, given you have had a at least some experience with it in the past.
------------------------ Luke Lovegrove ------------------------
Luke Lovegrove wrote:
I'd say try to stick it out as long as you can.
I think the fact I can VM back into windows for occasional stuff will be what makes it stick this time. I don't think I'd go to Linux at work, I like Vs2008, WPF, and general .net stuff too much at the mo. But I don't do a lot of coding at home, so Linux should be a fine general use desktop OS. Maybe I'll learn python & WxWidgets for some cross platform coding :cool:.
Luke Lovegrove wrote:
Solaris
That was the standard at uni (3 years ago). But the had the worst, ugliest plainest desktop that I didn't really get a feel for it.
Luke Lovegrove wrote:
USB MP3 player, PSP, camera and memory stick reader
They all just connect as USB storage devices in windows, with no drivers, so I'm hopeful that they are quite standard, just like a USB stick.
Luke Lovegrove wrote:
Keep us updated how you go with your Linux install, I'm interested to know how you go, given you have had a at least some experience with it in the past.
Yeah, I'll LoLog about it from time to time. (LoLog - Lounge logging - like blogging, only here)
Simon
-
I'd like to do this, but: 0) I need to write code with VS2005 (or VS2008), and neither of those run under Linux/Wine. 1) I'm boycotting element 1 in all of my lists today (that, and starting my lists with 0 should really throw the VB people for a goto). 2) I have dual monitors (each requiring a different resolution), and none of the distros I've tried seems to deal with that very well. 3) I hate the shortcut keys using for editing. They're just different enough from Windows to be truly annoying, and I haven't found any way to make them right. 4) My sound card (SoundBlaster Audigy) hasn't worked in Linux for over a year.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
-----
"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
I need to write code with VS2005 (or VS2008), and neither of those run under Linux/Wine.
I believe VS 2005 works now but this was actually a benefit for switching to linux at home. I could not take my work home with me anymore. What a relief...
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
- I have dual monitors (each requiring a different resolution), and none of the distros I've tried seems to deal with that very well.
I did that in the past (second monitor has since died) but I had to configure that myself.
John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
- I hate the shortcut keys using for editing. They're just different enough from Windows to be truly annoying, and I haven't found any way to make them right.
Hmm. I use the same ones as windows on all the applications I use..
John
-
You could fix point 0 by using VM Ware, but the rest (2, 3 and 4) you're pretty much screwed on. I vaguely recall hearing that multi-monitor support was improved, but who knows. 4 might also be fixed due to some of the distros (Ubuntu?) moving to a new sound server du jour.
¡El diablo está en mis pantalones! ¡Mire, mire! Real Mentats use only 100% pure, unfooled around with Sapho Juice(tm)! SELECT * FROM User WHERE Clue > 0 0 rows returned Save an Orange - Use the VCF! VCF Blog
If you have a nVidia based card and use the nVidia binary drivers this will not be too difficult. If you have do not expect problems.
John
-
Nifty. Thanks. I've been OK so far. I've favoured open source software for a while now, so I'm already pretty used to things like OpenOffice, Firefox, Gimp, etc.
Simon
-
I feel like I need to understand this better. Assume for now, I'm directly connected to the internet on a static IP, with no router. You're saying you don't really need a firewall because no ports are open as standard. Does this mean _all_ incoming packets are just dropped? If so, how does browsing work? Or is port 80 open for http? If so, what's to stop nasty people sending attacks via port 80? Now if you're saying you don't need a firewall if all ports are closed, does this mean than behind a NAT router, you don't need a firewall even on windows as no packets will get through? I'm just curious as to how it all works, and why windows needs a firewall, but linux doesn't. Is it just that windows does stupid things with incoming packets (like blindly executing them?) Forgive any stupid questions, I'm new to all this nix-y stuff.
Simon
Simon Stevens wrote:
Does this mean _all_ incoming packets are just dropped?
If a port is not listening then yes.
netstat -l -n
will show you what ports are listening. Ignore any ones tied to 127.0.0.1 because that is local only.
Simon Stevens wrote:
If so, how does browsing work? Or is port 80 open for http? If so, what's to stop nasty people sending attacks via port 80?
Browsing is using port 80 outbound not inbound.
John
-
I'd like to do this, but: 0) I need to write code with VS2005 (or VS2008), and neither of those run under Linux/Wine. 1) I'm boycotting element 1 in all of my lists today (that, and starting my lists with 0 should really throw the VB people for a goto). 2) I have dual monitors (each requiring a different resolution), and none of the distros I've tried seems to deal with that very well. 3) I hate the shortcut keys using for editing. They're just different enough from Windows to be truly annoying, and I haven't found any way to make them right. 4) My sound card (SoundBlaster Audigy) hasn't worked in Linux for over a year.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
-----
"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:
My sound card (SoundBlaster Audigy) hasn't worked in Linux for over a year.
I have never had a single problem with any sound card on linux. However all of the machines I have sound cards on have the sound card on the motherboard and use ac97 or intel sound.
John
-
Simon Stevens wrote:
Does this mean _all_ incoming packets are just dropped?
If a port is not listening then yes.
netstat -l -n
will show you what ports are listening. Ignore any ones tied to 127.0.0.1 because that is local only.
Simon Stevens wrote:
If so, how does browsing work? Or is port 80 open for http? If so, what's to stop nasty people sending attacks via port 80?
Browsing is using port 80 outbound not inbound.
John
John M. Drescher wrote:
If a port is not listening then yes.
So any system with all ports closed is secure? (Even on windows?)
John M. Drescher wrote:
Browsing is using port 80 outbound not inbound.
How does the page data get back to you then? Something must be inbound, even if it's only a response packet.
Simon