So... how hard is it to use Ubuntu or Knoppix?

[Funk_Buddy]

I have some sort of HD problem. The system will turn on but XP will not load and after running a check the HD says it's ok. I guess there must be a partition problem. I'm downloading ubuntu now and plan on using it to move files to another computer until I get a new HD. Can a dumbass like myself firgure it out?

[Three]

Ubuntu or Knoppix?

It is soooo hard.  You will never be able to use it, unless you have a a comp-sci degree

[TraderJake]

I have Ubuntu installed. It's not bad. I'd try fixing XP first if the HD is okay. There should be an option to do that that will not wipe the HD.

[OatBob]

Knoppix is so easy.  Just burn it to a CD, put it in the drive, and turn your PC on.  You DO NOT have to install it to the HD, and is an ideal way to introduce yourself to the Windows-free LINUX world.

It comes with the GNOME or KDE desktop so you should be able to navigate and copy your files to a USB HD in a somewhat familiar windows/Mac -ish environment.

[Funk_Buddy]

Ok, I've been at it for a while and it tells me that the drive can't be mounted. I've tried checking the partitions, but the dos apps aren't doing anything. I guess I'll just take it out and try to get the files off with the office computers.

[Tan]

There are dozens of great Linux distros available, most will give you a basic function machine and have Live CDs that don't require HDDs. Knoppix and ubuntu are among the best and more user friendly than most others.

But if your unfamiliar with Linux, you should think about taking that HDD out, making it a slave drive on another system and copying the files over. Or buy a external HDD enclosure to put it in that will treat it like a USB drive, it doesn't get much easier than that.

[Three]

delete system32

[Funk_Buddy]

Tan

The problem is I don't have another computer with a newer OS. I think the best is this crappy HP with Windows ME.

I guess I can use it to pull the important stuff then try wiping it.

[James]

Linux is a pain in the arse to start with. I started with Kubuntu which had errors left, right and centre. At the same time as I was downloading Kubuntu I sent off for an official Ubuntu disc which only took about a week instead of the "Up to 10 weeks" that I was expecting. Ubuntu was better than Kubuntu but because I didn't really know how to do things, it was very hard and frustrating.

I use Ubuntu on my media centre. Now that I'm used to it and I know to search the UbuntuForums it's not too bad. I only signed up to download a file someone attached to a post. All my questions have been answered already.

[Hydrobond]

James - Are you on dial up?  Why did you send away for a disk?

[James]

I sent off because Tan told me to. And its nice to have a professional CD that didn't cost me anything. I wasn't bothered about waiting because I thought Kubuntu would be used for a long time, but by the time I received the Ubuntu CD (Only a week) I had already gotten so pissed off with Kubuntu that I decided to forget about it. But then I tried Ubuntu and it was mostly fine.

[Tan]

James - Are you on dial up?  Why did you send away for a disk?

The other advantages besides have a nice professional disc and case with a row of decals (not in pic) are the fact it's a factory pressed disc not a burnt one. Burnt discs are more prone to a shorter lifespan that factory pressed ones. The manufacture process is different, and factory are more scratch resistant and are more resistant to sun damage.

Handy if you travel, no need to worry whether older drives are picky about burnt optical media as some tend to be, and when using ubuntu's shipit service you can order multiple discs in different configs all of the same quality. Worth the wait versus a 15 minute download IMO.

[Hydrobond]

^Reasonable points.  It just seemed like a waste considering how volatile Linux distributions are.  I guess I've never been in a situation where I couldn't download it in short order.  (My old university maintained LAN copies of the popular distributions, so I could have the DVD iso in about 5 minutes.)  I guess what I'm saying is, if I wanted Ubuntu, and wanted the pressed disk, I would just used both methods. 

Still a XP and OSX person at the moment.  Linux is nice, but I've got no reason to switch.

[James]

I'm on a 2Mb line which barely gets above 1Mb, so it takes a while to download large files. I think the Kubuntu download took a total of 25 or so hours through torrents.

My main problem with Linux, other than having to work hard to get it to do anything, is that I can't play proper games on it.

[Three]

The other advantages besides have a nice professional disc and case with a row of decals (not in pic) are the fact it's a factory pressed disc not a burnt one. Burnt discs are more prone to a shorter lifespan that factory pressed ones. The manufacture process is different, and factory are more scratch resistant and are more resistant to sun damage.

Handy if you travel, no need to worry whether older drives are picky about burnt optical media as some tend to be, and when using ubuntu's shipit service you can order multiple discs in different configs all of the same quality. Worth the wait versus a 15 minute download IMO.

When will you ever be in a situation where you are line "Oh shi.. I NEEDs tah put me some linux on this computer from 15 years ago yo.  I just wish I didn't take all of my CDs to the tanning bed with me cucka.  Bitch, I am abouts to blow this shit up RIGHT MOTHER FUCKING NOW!  Fuck waiting the 15 minutes to downloads that shit cracka."

When?  because I know what is going to happen.

You are going to download it, and it is going to sit i some box with all your other outdated CDs that you will never use again, but don't want to throw away.