The Linux Thread - Console Spot Forums

**Joomla12** · 02-08-2009, 09:32 PM

For those wise and familiar with Linux you can also post your advice here.

I'm somewhat familiar with everything on Ubuntu and I'd like to help some of you starting out. We have so many Windows users that it's annoying. I'm sorry. This thread will be helping those of you that are new to the Linux scene and are in need of help. Most of the things that I'll be able to help with is Ubuntu though.

This thread will be updated accordingly.

Distros

Below are some Linux installers that you may want to try. They're all free.

Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu
Fedora Project
Linux OS | SUSE Linux Enterprise
Home Page | Puppy Linux
Welcome to Linux From Scratch!

If you want to browse more distros, check this link.

Linux Online - List of distributions

Basic Info

For those of you that don't know, Linux is open source. That means it's free and everything for it is free. All of these distros are compatible with Windows and OS X. For those of you starting, you may want Ubuntu because it's the most stable.

Puppy Linux is good for those of you on the go. It can be installed on a flash drive. (I think it's only 80 mb.)

Fedora and Suse are good for those of you a little more familiar with the Linux scene.

LFS is Linux From Scratch. You can code and design your own Linux system if you wish. (Advanced)

Starting Off

Like I said, beginners may want to start with Ubuntu. Ubuntu comes with a feature called Wubi which is where the system is installed "inside" of Windows. (Not compatible with Windows 7.) This is best for the one's that don't know partitioning. Below is a link to a tutorial on dual booting Ubuntu and Windows.

[Tutorial] Ubuntu

After you get your system installed, you may want to rummage around. Drivers and other software can be installed very easily to.

Some Good Programs

Wine
Ubuntu Tweak
Cairo Dock
Jockey
Compiz-Fusion and Compiz
Baryl
Murrine

Installing Wireless Drivers

This small guide is for the Broadcom family but it can be modified for different cards.

Open a Terminal window and copy this into it.

Code:

echo 'blacklist bcm43xx' | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist
sudo apt-get install ndiswrapper-utils-1.9
mkdir ~/bcm43xx; cd ~/bcm43xx

Check this link to see if your card is supported. To find out your model, type this into your terminal. Mine is BCM 4311 v2.

Code:

lspci | grep Broadcom\ Corporation

If it is supported, then run this in the Terminal. (If it's not listed, it still may work.)

Code:

sudo apt-get install cabextract
wget ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/sp3...00/sp34152.exe
cabextract sp34152.exe

Note: "Sudo" means run as "Root". Root is the main "administrator" in Linux systems. You'll have to type in your password after using the "Sudo" command.

Next, copy this into the Terminal.

Code:

sudo ndiswrapper -i bcmwl5.inf
ndiswrapper -l
sudo depmod -a
sudo modprobe ndiswrapper
sudo cp /etc/network/interfaces /etc/network/interfaces.orig
echo -e 'auto lo\niface lo inet loopback\n' | sudo tee /etc/network/interfaces
sudo ndiswrapper -m
echo 'ndiswrapper' | sudo tee -a /etc/modules
echo 'ENABLED=0' | sudo tee -a /etc/default/wpasupplicant

Then...

Code:

sudo aptitude remove b43-fwcutter

Next...

Code:

sudo gedit /etc/init.d/wirelessfix.sh

This code will open a window. Copy and paste this into that window. Note: Click File and then Save, not Save As...

Code:

#!/bin/bash
modprobe -r b44
modprobe -r b43
modprobe -r b43legacy
modprobe -r ssb
modprobe -r ndiswrapper
modprobe ndiswrapper
modprobe b44

Paste this in the Terminal.

Code:

cd /etc/init.d/ && sudo chmod 755 wirelessfix.sh

Then...

Code:

sudo update-rc.d wirelessfix.sh defaults

You are now finished with the Terminal. Reboot. When you are logged back in, click System on the top panel. Go Administration, Hardware Drivers, and look for the Broadcom B43 wireless driver. Click it and then click Activate. Reboot and your system. It should now be activated. If not, type this into a Terminal.

Code:

sudo iwconfig wlan0

Theming

Linux is the most customizable system there is. Good tools to use are Baryl, Metacity, Compiz-Fusion, Cairo, GTK+, Murrine, and Emerald.

Themes can be found in many places, too. But they all depend on a different engine which can get tricky.

The easiest ones to install are GTK 1.0 since that's the default theme engine with most distros.

Where to find themes.

Eyecandy for your GNOME-Desktop - GNOME-Look.org
deviantART: where ART meets application!
The Compiz Community - Compiz-Themes.org
Themes | Murrine

Updates...

I'll be posting more soon when I have more time. You can always check these distros' forums for help and support.

Jazzer · 02-08-2009, 11:49 PM

Very useful linuX thread Joomla! Great for the people wanting to start using it. I think it's worth a stick, don't you?

Jazzer

D3ciph3r · 02-09-2009, 12:39 AM

Nice a help thread for linux!.. i also have installed ubuntu using wubi 8.10 weeks ago,. and it's really great! .,

., my problem is sometimes that i get an out of range monitor problem sometimes when i boot.,

**Joomla12** · 02-09-2009, 02:57 PM

Out of range? Like an off brand monitor? It might be the driver you have for your graphics card. Try finding a GTK update.

@ Jazzer: Thanks for the stick. I'll make it worth it.

**Psyko** · 02-09-2009, 06:39 PM

Good. I'm soo going to get Linux now

Just for fun lol

**Joomla12** · 02-10-2009, 04:06 PM

I'll be posting a guide on how to run Windows programs on it when I'm on my computer.

karothacker · 02-21-2009, 11:18 PM

Great Thread! I would like to point out that Ultimate Ubuntu 2.0 Gamers Edition is also great, and I can upload it to MegaUpload if wanted.
Ultimate Ubuntu Home Page

**Joomla12** · 03-07-2009, 12:11 AM

Please do.

You can post it or PM me the link. Just edit my original post if you want.

D3ciph3r · 03-28-2009, 05:16 AM

Does anyone know any IM on linux that has audio(mic)/video(webcam) support? i tried YM on WINE but the audio/video is not working,. Used GAIM but itś actually pidgin now.,

., kopete has video support but no audio support., I´m running ubuntu 8.10 intrepid ibex.. any help would be appreciated.,

EDIT: i got it working now, i installed GyachE improved/enhanced IM., it has audio/video support., it is a little hard setting up though, but it's worth it.,

phanboi · 03-28-2009, 12:04 PM

thanks for the post..
a lot of commands i didnt know lol now i do..
terminal got kinda annoying so back to windows for me