Linux Tutorial

Linux Mandriva

The support they have received no developers of free software and the struggle for survival are themes familiar to the creators of Mandriva. This distribution is now more than 10 years at the forefront. Initially based on Red Hat, its first versions (when it was still called Mandrake) included KDE 1.0 and most interesting programs for users and for companies.

What is certain is that Mandriva has always tried to treat both markets, resulting in a success thanks to the fact that, among the first distro, integrated assistants and, of course, has continued to improve over time. In addition to various standard applications inherited from Mandrake, as KDE 4, various firewalls and backup tools, offers its users a wide group of programs like Koffice Mandriva Smart Desktop, OpenOffice, Firefox, Moovida, …

Mandriva Linux 2010.0

Mandriva is the fruit of the union of Mandrake, Connective and Lycoris. From the time when Mandrake was only one version of Red Hat with KDE time has passed, and now Mandriva is certainly one of the giants of free software, and as a trading power and as a product to offer to users. It is distributed very updated and edited graphically. And is’ always stood out for its orientation to the desktop market, thanks to the configuration tool provides its users with tools to help you step by step to configure your PC the best to enjoy the full OS.

What’s new in Mandriva Linux 2010.0 includes the inclusion of the latest versions of KDE and Gnome, reducing boot times, hardware present on the optimization of the recognition and integration of Moblin netbook, making it even faster and more usable ultraportable on the distro

Safety: Mandriva in the past (when it was still only Mandrake) was affected by the decision to cater mainly to the desktop market and, consequently, some choices made in order to provide a system as simple to use. Over time, however, has managed to improve from this point of view, introducing new software.

Simplicity: The strength of Mandriva has always been the simplicity and it is always the beginning bar table reference for novice users, looking for discharging them at ease with their instruments.

Software Included: Many current and complete packages are available for Mandriva Linux, which can not be missed really nothing to its users: in a simple way you can get every application we need.

This distribution is one of the more usable thanks to the enormous amount of their developments, which ensure both the recognition of most of the hardware configuration of programs and devices.

I took advantage of this break to try and test the Linux distribution for KDE hottest of the moment, I’m glad I did! I tried Chakra in two ways: first in live-USB port on my PC and then rush through native installation on a rather old PC, to test, that despite his years continues to give me great satisfaction. No problem.

What is Chakra: Arch Linux and is not KDEmod, both with perhaps a little more.

Chakra is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Arch powerful that focuses on the KDE desktop. From Arch inherits features such as speed and flexibility advantages immediately apparent from the first day of use regardless of what you do with. The type of release of updates is semi-continuous (half-rolling), a feature that guarantees a good compromise between stability and modernity, thus making it less oppressive dependence on the user since the release of new versions.

The version of Chakra that I had the honor to try 0.3.0 is released just a week ago with the SC version 4.5.4 of KDE. I have not encountered problems with hardware recognition on either PC (beginning to think that this story continue to tell us about the hardware recognition just because “it’s cool,” I do not think these are the problems of Linux distributions, no more). As a matter of time (and space) I would omit information on how to install the system, despite Tribe deserves a lot.

The desktop environment is pleasant and that statement does not derive solely from my preference for KDE. The dark is very elegant desktop theme, the wallpaper is stunning, the customizations related to Kickoff (judicious choice of the favorites) and Dolphin (toolbar and panels) are intelligent and not at all trivial.

The system’s response to my command has been more than satisfactory in every aspect to ensure a good stability in most stressful situations that I have to submit it. On Arch? On KDE? I do not know and do not care!

The system bundles. Undoubtedly it is the characteristic of this distribution I was most impressed, to say the truth is the main reason why I decided to try it. Often, the biggest problem of the installation of KDE are the GTK applications. It is difficult for many, myself included, completely disengaging from them and maybe the time is not yet ripe to make the complete switch to Qt applications entirely satisfactory.

The bundle, and I quote, car mountable file systems are that they contain all the files needed to run an application that is not in the repositories. Simply stated, referring to problems of common nature, is a system for installing software packages that allows us to take advantage of our favorite applications GTK without affecting the cleanliness and stability of our system KDE. The system works something like this:

we go on this page and download the bundle for the software that we are interested
click on the file and proceed with the installation by the excellent, albeit simplistic, CInstall
END

In two minutes flat I installed the ubiquitous Chromium.

Although on the official website of the project is presented as a suitable operating system mostly for advanced users, I believe that in the future can enjoy a good reputation even among non-experts. Perhaps the greatest difficulties are inherent in the choice of the ED rather than in its being-based Arch. We know that KDE requires more effort than GNOME, a commitment that comes mostly from the many possibilities of customization with the K Desktop offers.

Moral of the story. Chakra is a ‘good distribution and certainly among the best that package KDE. It is very difficult to transmit their enthusiasm to others in the use of a Linux distribution rather than an ‘other, perhaps because it is a bit’ like visiting for the first time a foreign country, not a monument or museum that counts but rather the ‘atmosphere in the streets. This distribution has many points in its favor, I was able to describe, alas, only a couple of them. Do yourself a favor, put your suitcase in a nice PC, a USB stick, a little ‘healthy enthusiasm and take a trip on Chakra, I’m sure that after you will want to return!

You can download the ISO to burn from this page. For more information I invite you to follow the pages of the official forum of Chakra in comments reported by Lazy.

See also Chakra Linux: tested for you … and for me! Part Two
I take this opportunity to wish you all happy holidays!

If the latest edition of Ubuntu will have disappointed or you do not completely convinced, Linux Mint “Debian Edition” is a candidate to become a practical alternative.

Increased speed, lightness in startup and in memory, compatibility with packages. Deb and GNOME are just some of the strengths of this distribution.

If previously you’ve seen Guide to Linux Mint “Debian Edition” so this time we will show some applications that in Debian Mint.

Welcome us to reboot the login screen.

Click on our user name and enter the password.

We welcome your desktop Mint Debian.

The GNOME desktop environment is used, then those who have already used Ubuntu will not feel completely lost.

Menu Bar located at the bottom and compact Windows-style.

The first news are visible by opening the menu, clicking on the homonymous button at the bottom left.

The menu is divided into sections and allows you to control every aspect of the OS:

The Resources section (1) allows:

• access to PC peripherals (Computer icon)
• to open the user folder (Home Folder Icon)
• access to shared folders on your PC or network (Network icon)
• shows the desktop and the Recycle Bin

The System section (2) allows:

• install / uninstall programs (Icon Management Software)
• install / uninstall system packages (Package Manager icon)
• to manage and administer the operating system (Control Center icon)
• to open a command shell (Terminal icon)
• to lock the screen from prying eyes (Lock screen icon)
• Terminates the current user’s session (Icon End Session)
• to turn off / reboot / suspend / hibernate the system (Exit icon)

The Favorites section (3) lays down a list of programs for quick access, the section is fully customizable, we can add or remove programs according to our needs.

Clicking on the All Applications (4) we have access to all applications in the operating system, including tools and programs management system.

All programs are divided into categories for simplicity and order.

The search bar (5) allows you to search for a specific program or tool, without going crazy between the various categories.

Activating the team repository Mint (more information later in the article) the bar then capture new and interesting functions: allows you to search for the software you want on Google, Wikipedia, among the files on your PC, or seeking the meaning of a word entered Dictionary . If the server software is available in Mint just click on “Install Package” to install.

A Search Bar “Intelligent”.

Presentation Programs

Like all GNU / Linux, Debian Mint has a broad range of software preinstalled, can meet all the needs in the home.

Here is an overview of the various categories:
Accessories

On the menu are various tools like the calculator, the manager of the archives, the viewer virtual post-it notes and a text editor.

Audio and Video

In this menu there is everything you need for multimedia: Burn program, many audio / video players (including VLC) and a number of programs to manage the audio system.

The distribution is already equipped with all the necessary codecs, do not install anything else.

Graphics

The menu for those who love the graphics: there is GIMP, a Photoshop substitute, F-Spot to organize your photos; Draw to draw and a valuable tool to capture images from the scanner.

Internet

The menu dedicated to programs to access the network: a web browser (Firefox), a messaging client (Pidgin), an email client (Thunderbird), a BitTorrent client (Transmission), an IRC chat client (Xchat) a client for microblogging and Facebook (Gwibber) and a client for sharing files (Giver).

System Tools

A menu of “administrative” allows you to manage disks and get more information on performance, you can open the system monitor (task manager Mint) interesting and other administrative functions.

Office

This menu is available in the OpenOffice.org suite of programs, there is also a multilingual dictionary.

You need not install anything else: the distribution has all the tools to create and edit documents, presentations, spreadsheets and databases.

Administration

The second tab “administration” offers advanced configuration of the system.

Among the most interesting: the tools to block certain domain names, the tool to install the Windows driver for the wireless card and the update manager.

Many of these features are available on one screen by clicking on Control Panel in the Start menu.

Preferences

In this menu, highlight: Application startup, to manage the autostart programs; Appearance (to customize the interface and menu system), Keyboard Shortcuts and other useful administrative tools.

The ability to customize the distribution are indeed numerous.

See the next :

- Guide to Linux Mint “Debian Edition” : Presentation distribution
- Guide to Linux Mint “Debian Edition” : Initial Configurations

I started with RedHat 4.1 (it must have been in 1998), which was frankly difficult to configure (GNU / Linux was for me a completely unknown at the time). I went through several Linux distributions (Mandrake, Suse). Today, I use Ubuntu (see below). I can be assertive, the choice for your future GNU / Linux, depending on your activity, what you do with your PC (for me …).

I reviewed numerous distributions, often by following their evolution and on different machines (486, AMD 100, Pentium 200 MMX, PII 400, PIII 500, PIV 2 GB, 2.6 GB PIV; AMD64 3400 +; [ ...] notebooks and desktops). I often use Qemu to test these Linux distributions without risk using a virtual machine.

a good site to select and download (ADSL desirable) the Linux distribution of your choice

You can order a CD for Linux distribution to http://ikarios.com (I have no connection with this company)

Free Linux distribution (for download, print or CD drives)

The notes are comprehensive with logos (my appreciation of the Linux distribution)

Probably the best Ubuntu distribution now.

This Linux distribution is running from a CD, is based on Debian and can be easily installed using the dedicated software. I prefer Ubuntu but now I recognize that from the “wonderful world of Windows” I had a little trouble at first with the GNOME interface. Now I wonder how I managed to do without it for so long!

Ubuntu is very informative. The hardware recognition is almost perfect. I use without problems in my Wacom tablet that I thought leaving the closet forever. The prints are finally free frame and I enjoy 3D.

The bundled software small but essential and especially simple enough for use in Live-CD that does not repel. If you put nothing prevents you to complete the list.

My current workstation: UBUNTU

I use virtual desktops with six gDesklets for applets (bottom menu so MACOSX, clock, weather and data system right) Conky (bottom left) showing the I / O network. Windows software were installed with Wine (icons on the bottom right).

Knoppix a classic

It runs from a CD, and is based on Debian, with an installation even easier. Knoppix is ​​far more interesting than DemoLinux and faster. This time, there are almost 2 GB on the CD. Recognition devices at boot is good – I have too many problems (printers, storage, networking, USB2, sound card, …). Knoppix still demand a little more DIY than some other configurations for …

It is also possible to install on the hard disk – see setup with screen shots, and also see the tips. While the installer is a little too basic, it is nevertheless perfect for the beginner (because not excessive).

There may be some problems with devices too recent, but I think it’s rare (an update of the system – kernel – solves this problem). In practice, think “Debian”, when one is accustomed to a Mandrake or Redhat – records management is a little different. But totally effective!

I installed it without problem on a Pentium 166 with 64 MB Ram, and on another machine with only 32MB (running very slowly). I appreciate it a lot, especially since the CD is updated regularly, whenever necessary (several times a month).

Finally, it is possible to make its own version of knoppix. Go to the “documentation” of the site www.knoppix-fr.org

I stopped to use it because KDE crashed too often. Maybe it will arrange with future versions.

You can also use a great script that helps you step by step to creating your own CD: http://thefredsite.free.fr/linux.php?id=93

Here is a screenshot of my old desktop Knoppix 3.2 (click to enlarge):
In the picture are visible: KDE 3 with 6 virtual desktops; KuickShow, Cycas and radiosity rendering, Gkrellm with Xmms control and clock moon.

Derived from Knoppix

Everyone can make his “Knoppix”. They are found as well in different areas (see knoppix-fr) such as education, astronomy, etc.. …

Examples:

Kaella - entirely in French, it follows the main developments of Knoppix.

Kanotix – exists for PC 32 and 64 Bits – really fast, this version is easy to franciser and Kanotix team has made many scripts to help you install and configure your hardware.
64-bit version: ftp://ftp.fbihome.de/linux/kanotix/KANOTIX-64-current/
(720 MB) also applies to Pentium64)

Damnsmalllinux, made to run on a CD format “credit card” (50 Mb)

Also note, Freeduc, linux distribution dedicated to education (early childhood to high school), made entirely of free software, which also contains a manual and those of linux software.

Oralux, linux distribution for the visually and hearing impaired.
For more information: http://knoppix-fr.org/site/derives

Debian GNU / Linux a classic

Very stable, probably the best linux distribution, but difficult to access for the novice during the installation is done in text mode. It is useful if you want a good server, or if you want a reliable job. But beware, your devices will not always be recognized and will not be possible (without encountering major complications) to install all the software you want.

In short, Debian is an excellent choice for those who have a lot of patience and … “Bottle” …

Mandriva another good choice

Mandriva is the linux distribution to many Fcountry who brought the community Linux (Mandriva was born from the purchase of Connective Mandrake). It comes in several versions (public, corporate server). You can download it or buy it (the paid version is more important with many CD or DVD and includes manuals).

I tried Mandriva 2005 64bit (v10.2 beta). It is very satisfactory, especially by its excellent performance in the recognition of equipment (including USB2 devices, engraver and graphic tablet, generic Nvidia card).

Mandriva is now a rapid and stable. It is excellent for beginners (easy installation – a model of its kind).

Derived from Mandrake

There are linux distributions based on Mandrake, conducted by independent or Mandrakesoft (editor Mandrake).

MandrakeMove is published by Mandrakesoft. This is a perfect product to discover Mandrake without risk, or work with, like knoppix (MandrakeMove but not install). You can download it for free (flanged version, without the possibility of backup) or buy a USB key (multiple sizes available).

Hardware detection is correct, and the configuration tool is generally excellent. Given the configuration options, I urge you to buy it to save your changes. But some changes made by Mandrakesoft interface, make heavy their use for the beginner (especially the Cups printer driver). The present software is perfect: OpenOffice in French dictionaries are pre-installed, Totem (Xine interface) as a media player, etc.. …

The menus are clear and each use (recreational, office, internet, …) is well defined – there is no software too (many browsers and word processing, for example, as is the case with knoppix) not likely to disrupt the novice.

Linux distributions paid (for download or order CD)

Suse – another good choice

Suse is only available to buy, 90 euros for the professional version and 50 Euros for the personal version (which I do not advise you; utilities installation and configuration are lighter). But once bought, you are free to duplicate it on as many machines you want. However, there is a CD LiveEval (available in journals or download) type knoppix, but without the possibility of installation and indolent. Finally, it is possible to install from their FTP server (broadband connection required). Suse to the advantage of being almost as fast as Debian stable, being accessible to all and provided a very good recognition devices. The control center of this distribution is YAST2, often more powerful than drakconf of Mandrake.

Manuals in English are relevant and quickly proved indispensable.

Linux Distributions of basic (classic)

RedHat – now destined for the corporate world. It is replaced by the general public Fedora open-source project. The original was based on Mandrake RedHat.

Slackware – one of the oldest linux distribution, and also one of the most easily accessible to the novice. I have not tested.

Debian – see above …

Suse – see above …

In short, know also that most of the time, regardless of the linux distribution you choose, it will be provided with several graphical environments that do not change their method of use, a distribution to another.

Thus the main (Gnome, KDE) and will find it was little adapted to the linux distribution. This will allow you to change it quite easily. Finally, for those who come from Windows, I recommend using KDE, with the recommendation not to forget that Linux in general can not click once on the icon to launch the application. But it is now possible to set KDE and Gnome, to adopt the method of work of another system (Windows, Mac) following the use of the mouse and keyboard.

The update (free) from your linux distribution:

In general, when we set up a linux distribution, it is often sufficient to update via internet, for fixes to bugs discovered, and the latest versions of applications and drivers. But it is better to have a fast connection (ADSL), as this little be long and of course it should be done for each of your machines (there must update the network on some linux distributions). Therefore, I prefer to get the latest version on CD that I re-installed. It also saves me some nasty bugs, such as where the software update prevents choose what you want and takes ages to recover the files on the Internet. Or even, he will need an update on the operation and plant …

Linux distributions paid:

There are many linux distributions paid, their quality seems close to Susa. You can also buy free linux distributions which are then provided with more CDs than those found in the press or for download. Sometimes you will have the benefit of documentation (Suse) or poor (Mandrake), but with the whole phone support or email. You will also sometimes privileged access to a database on the Internet, regularly updated (Mandrake).

I found other linux distributions that seem correct but they are paid and it is not always possible to download a CD-based (free). At best, if it were still the case, it is obsolete!