How to Get Started with Linux

Great Tips! I am getting a New Harddrive for Christmas for my laptop (WD 160 GB) and was gonna dual boot with XP and Linux. I already found a step by step on how to get it done (not that hard), but i just need some wireless drivers for Linux. I plan on using Ubuntu. Seeing this video, I may go thought with installing it and seeing what it is like and mess around with it! Thanks again! :)

To Chris and everyone else, Merry Christmas!! (Or Happy Holidays for whatever holiday u celebrate or celebrated!) ;)

That was a perfect video.
I would like to add a extra tip and say when you run into a problem installing a program,go to erminal,type sudp apt-get update,then try again.Thats with ubuntu other linux oses might be slighty different.

I have been messing around with ubuntu via “Live CD” for the past few weeks and i love it. These are great tips, i have found myself angry at linux at times, but then i have to step back and remember its not OS X. I have found that the assortment of apps included is great, everything you could need and more. And no matter what problems you have, there will always be a solution (like any OS) but they are sometimes a little bit tougher than as in OS X and Windows. No matter what though, you have to remember ITS FREE! what little problems i have had are more than made up for with its cost (nothing).

Hello People Out There,

Here I’ll make a list of the things I used to create a goo dual booting system. Since many of you out there are Windows users trying to dive in to Linux, but are a little afraid to do so. Here’s what you need to make your system run both Linux and Windows. Just keep in mind, that my setup is different from yours, so if you need to change something, just do so carefully. Oh, by the way, you might want to backup all your data, and then format your hard drive, just to make sure everything runs nicely. ;)

My Steps for Dual Booting:

1. Get Partition Magic.
2. Partition your hard drive.
3. Install Windows first, and in the first partition of your hard drive.
4. Install Linux next, and remember to leave an extra partition for Swap.
5. Tell Linux to use Grub.
6. You are done! ;)

My hard drive looks like this.
========================================
| WINDOWS | TRUE CRYPT | LINUX | SWAP |
========================================

The TrueCrypt volume, is entirely optional. I use it because I’ve got some of my data encrypted there. I repeat, you don’t need this.

Think of Swap as an extra RAM your system will use. It is recommended to make your swap partition twice as big as your RAM.

Note: Always remember to install Windows first. Otherwise, when you install it, it will write to the MBR, leaving you with the only option of starting Windows, and having to dual boot using Windows to choose the Operating System can be a pain. Just install Windows First, Linux Second.

Good Luck! Any questions, you can find me in…

#Chris live.pirillo.com

–Trejox

Any time you change to a completely new Operating System, there will be a trial period, as you get used to it. Related Content:. 15 New Ubuntu Distributions; The Best Operating System; Linux Sucks; OS War XXXVI; On Help and Linux Help. clickherefor full story

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Good ol’ Linux, I use Mepis on my laptop, it’s great for basic stuff! Sadly, the Linux equivalents of the software I require for windows simply doesn’t cut it but I’m looking forward to the day it does.

Ubuntu is really nice ! On every laptop I tested it , it detected the wireless card automaticly !!

A happy holiday to everyone !

Don’t forget Open SuSe - http://www.opensuse.com. Novell bought SuSe and is driving the open source support for it. Microsoft and Novell have an agreement together. This maybe good or into the mouth of the lion.

thanx for the tips they will really come in handy when i finly get linux or ubuntu to work on my xp

Hello Chris, I want to thank you for taking the time to reading my Top Five Tips regarding Linux. I really appreciate that alot. linkinpark 9812 your completely right, jumping in is the best way to go, I have been using Linux/Unix for sometime now, and have realized that jumping in the best approach. I would recommend Ubuntu, it is a very good distribution, especially when it comes to wireless support. Good Luck , and Merry Christmas to all…

Linux definately requires LOTS of patience, although it really can be a good learning experience for someone who has been with XP or OSX for a while. I really hope theres more Linux based tips coming, it really is an OS in the making =).

Have a Merry Christmas!

How to Get Started with Linux

The key words in that article are “taking time”. I recently partitioned space for Ubuntu and had problems off the bat with the start-up. It couldn’t detect my logitech keyboard and just wouldn’t start up. I battled with it quite a bit, but I hit up Google and found what I needed to do rather quickly. Haven’t had any issues since, and I feel a hell of a lot more in control of my system with linux than I ever did with Windows.

It’s a good feeling!

Chris I have one question though. If I partition my hard drive to put a distro. of Linux on it and I later find out I don’t like it can I delete that partition of my hard drive or is it stuck on there.

Great tips in this video!
Another thing, if you don’t like the theme or GUI of a distro, don’t be alarmed.
you can easily download and get new themes from places such as art.gnome.org or http://www.gnome-look.org

I would also like to say, if you are going to dual-boot, INSTALL WINDOWS FIRST! It will save you a bunch of time and hassle.

linkinpark9812:

Linux Hardware supports better than Windows, and most hardware works right out of the box. Remember Most != ALL.

Chances are, that your wireless would work under linux, if it doesn’t, don’t panic, there are softwares out there (for linux), that _could_ support your wireless card. You could either use ndiswrapper , madwifi or use bcm43xx-fwcutter tool, if you have Broadcom wireless.

Other than that, I would say linux is great. If you got that time frame needed, to configure your linux, the way you want it working.

Ubuntu is absolutely great for beginners.

nice tips. I couldn’t have thought of better once

Chris, very good post. After dabbling with several Linux distros over the past few years, finally took the plunge by deleting Windows totally and installing Ubuntu. Yes, there is a learning curve and obstacles to overcome, but I believe it is worth it in the long run. I don’t intend to ever go back to Windows again on my personal machine, although I still have to use it at work. Your last two points on Linux are the most crucial, you will need both time and patience.

Just as a tip to everyone. I don’t know if this is around anymore, but if you are new to Linux then I recommend using Mandrake it is very user friendly to new users. Also with Linux it is not Windows so u can not just drag and drop an item or just click to open a program, at least with older Linux OS .

I went into Linux as a very novice user. I would just like people to know simple commands like ’sudo’ and that even know a program or a control panel is not in the program list there is a way to get to it through terminal. Now I understand Linux much better and I think it is great OS.

Ubuntu is a pretty good distrib for a laptop. I have 2 drives I switch out to use Linux or WinXP. Had maybe a ‘few’ problems, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed with some googling.

For example maybe you what a good Linux Distro to create media with then you might want to look at Medibuntu or Studio 64.

Chris, I read your work everday.

Please fix this sentence, I know what and want might be a “typo” but it really annoys me.

thanks for your time.
brendan.mcelroy
(Sydney, Australia)

I like these tips a lot, especially the tip about having patience. A few days ago I spent the entire day looking at a few sites and also talking in a few IRC channels trying to get certain things to run on my machine. I’m still kind of new to Linux and haven’t found the answers that I need yet but I will keep trying.

These are really good tips to follow. Thanks for posting it!

It seems to be the case that everyone interested in Linux knows about Ubuntu and while this may not be the best distribution for you in the long run, it may still be a good idea to start with it. It is certainly one of, if not the most popular distributions currently available and so the support, guides, tools and general help available is much wider. At least this way you can be sure that when you have a problem (and you probably will) there will be somewhere you can go for information about how to solve it.

I tried using Ubuntu (Gutsy), but their were issues with my sound that I could not fix, even with help online, so I reinstalled Vista. i liked it while I had it, and if you go in in a Windows mindset your gonna hate it. It was great once I stopped trying to do Windows things.

I don’t know if I read it but if you want to install linux, install it on its own hard drive and do not have a dual boot system, I tried to have a dual boot system and after I did that certain things would not work and then linux would not boot and windows would have errors. Take that into consideration when installing linux.

Also, make sure ALL your devices will work on Ubuntu or any other Linux distro! Soem devices like a wireless adapter may NOT work even with Windows drivers + NDISWrapper! The last thing you want is to have one thing go wrong, the person to get mad, and get rid of Linux! Again, have patience with it, too and enjoy the wonders of a different Operating Envronment!

lol i dont think they were say “show us your tips”???ummm lol. No one uses Linux anymore. its eather windows or OS X. However linix has improved over time and thought companies like windows and apple have million dollor OS budgets linix has shown that it can evolve over time

Great advice, I was thinking of switching to Linux too :D

Great tips but I’d like to add to it. I know its not going to be a top five tips but.
1. almost all linux distributions have a Live cd. Use it. Before you commit and realize you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Make sure your comfortable.
2. If your moving from a windows enviorment try using a window-esk desktop enviorment in your new linux world. Try Kubuntu or OpenSuse or KDE on which ever distro you go with.

3. don’t get discouraged Linux if very ppowerful but, it does take a learning curve.

4, Know your hardware. If you install and a particular piece of hardware isn’t functioning, You will need to know the model and other information to troubleshoot, or to get help online.

5. Read read read. Most times people get to a post on a forum that seems to solve the problem they are having. only to go through the motions to find that it didn’t work and only caused more harm. Read the entire thread that your looking at the answer for before you start moving. this will save you time and energy.

you know,i love linux!
i just wish they can make linux more compatible for games.
great tips!

hay I have been using linux for about 3 years now and could not have said it better and I have been trying to get one of my friends to use a linux distro but he didnt think that it was a vary good OS but now he has 2 i think 2 of his laptops are running a linux distro after watching your vid. thanks man

I have just started using the Linux distro Sabayon . It seems to be very stable and the desktop appearance is very well laid out . I personally love the screen savers . I have not had a chance to check out all of the new added features but I will soon be putting this version ofLinux on one of my pc’s . This version of linux is drawing me that much closer to a switch from Windows to a Linux machine

People getting started with linux should always put in research towards thier hardware compatibility. Wireless cards have issues with Linux but some do support it

So, Recently i switched back to linux from vista, let me tell you its been ages since i used linux (not since mandrake) and there is a bit of a learnign curve, but once you get past that, its better than anything that you could ever use. With the new distros of linux coming out they are making it supereasy for new users to use. Ubuntu and saybon are easier than ever to use. Try em out today and see what yuo think.

I could have used this 2 years ago when I first started experimenting with linux but now i could have written it. I have tried about 30 different distros of linux and finally i gave in to the easiest: of course Ubuntu. I now run linux almost full time (I’m writing this in linux) except when the occasional need for something windows comes up. I hope that in about 10 years linux will be the most used OS.

I have always thought about using linux, but I have never bothered to do much research on it, and i am now considering it…

Chris may have sold Linux to me… YAY!!!

I’ve been wanting to get linux but I’m not sure what type is good for basic use like going on websites etc. I might try Ubuntu.

i think that Ubuntu would definitley be best for beginers trying to get teh hang of Lunix. thats what i started out with at least, and i definitley reccomend!

Grub loader should be mention, cause it annoyed me as a windows user trying to use linux and windows on the same machine with a partition, cause grub screwed up, and i had to reinstall windows… i probally just didnt know a better way to do

Chris great comment on Linux. My take is that if you try linux try other distros also dont just use one . I f yout try a few you might like something else better.

Chris, can you put Linux on a external Hard Drive and boot from that. If you can how do you set your computer to boot from that external hard drive.

yes i am thinking about getting started with Linux. Never thought about it, but this video makes me want to.

I never really considered using a Linux os, mostly because I know to little about it. I’m sure it’s a whole lot different that any OS I’ve used so far, but what I wonder about is if there are compatibility issues between linux and games as there are with mac?

I recently set up a linux xp dual boot and had no problems except for it not being able to use my wireless card. linux does take some time to learn if you encounter a problem.

I really enjoyed this one because i just recently set my pc to dual boot vista and Gentoo. Linux was kind of odd at first, but I’m getting the general hang of things. One thing i stress to people who want to use Linux is: Learn to use the Linux Terminal! This is really essential for learning how to effectively and efficiently use Linux.

YEs Thank you i got linux for 2 days ago … and i searched on google for resolutions and this came up it really helped thank you very much linux is awesome Thx

Thank you for those excellent tips, Chris, for folks interested in getting started with Linux.

I would like to add a site: http://www.distrowatch.com/

I find this site to be a good site to help track the different distributions of Linux, their similarities, their differences, etc. It also has some reviews and articles about Linux distributions.

Thanks again, Chris. I look forward to your next video.

Thanks for the tips Chris. Linux is something I have been wanting to delve into for some time. Perhaps this week will be the time to do it.

Thx chris i have been trying to get rid of vista and move to linux just i didnt know what to do thx for the help and i like the tips joke

I’m thinking about installing Linux on an older computer I’ve got laying around… seems to be a more practical use than just letting it collect dust.

Good tips, thanks.

I’m just wondering what flavor would be best for a reasonably, but not very old computer. It’s got XP currently, but it runs very poorly these days.

Thanks for the tips Chris. I just got a mac and I hope to use bootcamp to lean linux. I really want to dive in and then tips help ALOT.

Great Points Chris.
I personally think the most important point that Chris made was that for beginners/novice to the ‘Linux World’ to remember was that Linux takes time and patience in order to fully understand whats going on and how things happen. Don’t expect to become a master on of the Linux command line overnight. Becoming a true Linux user can be and is a fun experience for those who are interested in how software and hardware interact and how community can be and is a very important part of todays computing experience.

ive just recently started useing linux (kubuntu) sorry to say i didnt think this was very helpful :( lol sorry chris i just figured with how infomative your vids normaly are this would be able to kinda “teach” me somthing but not hateing just hopeing for a better how to with teh linux but it was still got for entertainment . thank you :)

i think linux is just a toy.

I’m currently in the process of dual-booting Ubuntu with Vista. Should be nice with Beryl and everything! Chris has really helped me with everything computers including Linux!

doesn’t mean its broken. Now I’m not talking geekiness here. There are a lot of time when a problem arises such as applications not working because its missing a certain application, or file that it needs. The best solution to this is going onGoogle, or to the ____ Forums, Support or Wiki’s page. Here you can find a lot of good information to fix these issues. Lastly and most importantly: when it comes to ____, it requires patience. Don’t give up. There will be days when you will get so upset

doesn’t mean its broken. Now I’m not talking geekiness here. There are a lot of time when a problem arises such as applications not working because its missing a certain application, or file that it needs. The best solution to this is going onGoogle, or to the ____ Forums, Support or Wiki’s page. Here you can find a lot of good information to fix these issues. Lastly and most importantly: when it comes to ____, it requires patience. Don’t give up. There will be days when you will get so upset

Hey chris i would like to add, by saying i just got the Free cd of ubuntu from the ubuntu site. they shipping to me and it didnt even cost me anything.(live cd ) i would like to installe it on oneof my machines i have lying around. from what i have seen from ubuntu live d i think it is a nice OS but i think i will have to install it on a system to get the full effect.. again thank you for doing live videos and also would liek to take the time to THX the ops and 1/2 ops in the channel they seam to be a great asset to your live feeds. well have a great day and a even better NEW YEAR.. thank you agian..

Your long time viewer,
Shawn Streitmatter

Not really, of course it depends on the software. If it’s developed in VB, then it HAVE to be programmed in a winblows environment, atleast what I know.

YES!

Thank you. That worked :)

hey i’m trying to put a linux OS on my ASUS A8N-VM CSM. i like ubuntu but am having huge issues.

No worries happy it helped!

I’m using ubuntu as my web/file/print server.

If you have Compiz Fusion, you can hold the Windows key and scroll the mouse wheel forwards to zoom in. Then you can work like normal, your whole screen magnifies. Then you can zoom out by holding Windows key and scroll back.

I have a mac osX and a linux computer installed with suse linux, but beware the learning curve is steep for linux and will take some time to get use to. I have been useing linux for the past 5 years and I absolutly love it.

iv lost all respect for you now cuz you sitting infront of an apple

normal view of desktop windows key+1
zoom into desktop windows key+2
deep zoom into desktop windows key+3

My issue with Linux is just getting the bloody thing to boot up, let alone use it.

What? That’s two of the easiest things to do?

Lol? He’s been doing that for a while now… That computer with a Pirillo head on it? Yeah, that’s the same computer.

Oh, and let’s not mention all the macs that he has around the house. ^_^

For you maybe, I follow the instructions exactly but something always seems to go wrong.

In the case of Ubuntu it is Grub error 17.

I was born and raised in New Orleans. Here’s some stuff for you.
1. Beads are awesome. Be grateful for your beads. Some people like ME work hard to get our beads on Mardi Gras. When I’m finished, I can barely keep my neck up because it’s weighted down with beads!
2. Yes, tips are awesome.
3. Have you tried the Gumbo or Crawfish? They’re DELICIOUS! I haven’t had any in ages since I moved to Georgia.
4. My thoughts on Katrina? No comment…

reinstall dude

i got that error once but i know i was messing up and trying a bunch of configurations out and messing with files, reinstalled and everything smooth now

I did, several times…

Grub only seems to pop up every blue moon now and when it does it fails to load.

I am installing Ubuntu on a second machine as I type this and I’m getting I/O errors when the CD is load but I will persevere because once you get it going; issues such as viruses spyware and stability is almost irrelevant.
I am in no way an expert but if I spend another months or so using Linux; I doubt I will use any Microsoft OS for anything other than gaming.
I am sticking with Ubuntu mainly because of the support I can rely on.

Consider trying a different version.
I first tried Linux about 5 years ago, I tried Red Hat and it took me four to install and that’s with the aid of a second pc that had internet access to look up the errors I was getting.
This turned me off Linux for years.
Last summer I tried Ubuntu and I was pleasantly surprised.
It installed without any issues and in under twenty minutes.

I believe it worked because I might try the product. I think it is my favorite commercial of 2007. I remember doing strobe shots in dark rooms to do this. Check out the photo set on flickr of these very colorful water droplets. I wish I had seen thisvideoon getting started with linux before I learned a few of these the hard way. I thought this before and after using Debian page was some nice g34k sp33k humor last one, if you are an information junkie and use Google Reader, read up on becoming a

mac is ****, linux is **** only for lammers

I love mac and linux windows IS ****!!!!

linux is for???
linux is for poor people

linux is for???
linux is for poor people

linux is garbage

linux is cheap = ****

no linux is 4 smart people so not you.
and im a poor student who loves hes copy of linux
my new notebook had a copy of Vista on it 4 1 week and it fucked up so its running a copy of Ubuntu Linux and windows XP and im happy

I haven’t had any problems since switching to Ubuntu Linux. I had no problems with Vista, personally, but I was tired of Windows.