Geeky, but cool - Page 3

Wossi · 04-01-2008, 17:09

How easy is it to use linux on a wireless network and share files between that, a vista machine and an xp machine? How much hassle are we talking about to set it all up?

Dr. Z · 04-01-2008, 17:17

If the wireless cards are supported, absolutely no bother at all with the newer linux distros.

Wossi · 04-01-2008, 17:54

Cool, how much will I have to re-learn if I decide to go down the linux route (linuxmce)?

Mark · 06-01-2008, 20:36

I don't know if that's a distro or an app. The learning curve for a distro install goes from the obscene (do-it-all-yourself) Gentoo to the noddy (schlep in a CD and get a Linux GUI). Where you take it from there is your own choice.

As for me, I tried a DSL install a few years ago and could never get the stupid thing to boot even though the BIOS claimed to support USB-HDD. Garp is spot on - YMMV.

Garp · 06-01-2008, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Admiral Huddy

Sound good mate. However, I've never quite seen the attraction of Linux. I understand it's free and flexible but if you can't run anything on it, what's the point?? Even windows files sharing has to be done through a Samba share. Seems like a lot of hassle. Maybe you can enlighten me.

As I see it currently under windows I use:

browser: firefox
IM: MSN Messenger
Office suite: OpenOffice.org
E-mail: Thunderbird
SSH stuff: Putty
Music/DVDs: Windows Media Player
Games

Of those, games is getting there under Cedega but still not 100%. For IM I'd use Pidgin/GAIM like I do at work. SSH can be done natively from a shell. Music & DVDs there are myriad alternatives like Rhythmbox and so on.
So where does that leave me... Games is literally the only weak spot.
With the command line I've got scripting, programming and all sorts that allow me to be more and more flexible. If I want a really fancy pants GUI, then Beyrl/Compiz provides me with 'bling'.

Forgot to add: When it comes to installing, Debian & Ubuntu are a breeze in most cases. "apt-get install packagname". It'll download it and install all relevant packages for you.

04-01-2008, 17:17	#22
Dr. Z I'm going for a scuttle... Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,021	If the wireless cards are supported, absolutely no bother at all with the newer linux distros. __________________

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04-01-2008, 17:09	#21
Wossi Absinthe Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: In the middle Posts: 1,385	How easy is it to use linux on a wireless network and share files between that, a vista machine and an xp machine? How much hassle are we talking about to set it all up?

04-01-2008, 17:54	#23
Wossi Absinthe Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: In the middle Posts: 1,385	Cool, how much will I have to re-learn if I decide to go down the linux route (linuxmce)?

06-01-2008, 20:36	#24
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	I don't know if that's a distro or an app. The learning curve for a distro install goes from the obscene (do-it-all-yourself) Gentoo to the noddy (schlep in a CD and get a Linux GUI). Where you take it from there is your own choice. As for me, I tried a DSL install a few years ago and could never get the stupid thing to boot even though the BIOS claimed to support USB-HDD. Garp is spot on - YMMV.