This thread is to replace the old Unofficial Linux Thread. The threadstarter was never around and we wanted to have an FAQ available at the beginning of the thread for new users. I asked the mods to remove the old thread, but they're slow as balls so I guess it'll happen when it happens.
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If you are new to *nix operating systems, it's going to be very helpuful to you, and make it easier for those of us in this thread to help you, if you have some understanding of how it works, specifically the command line. Here are a couple of links to get you started:
UNIX Introduction
Intro to Unix Commands
Most of you will be coming here with help for Linux. The above guides will still be helpful to you, but because Linux is only based on UNIX there are some differences between the two. To get a more specific feel for Linux here is some recommended reading:
Windows to Linux: A Beginners Guide
Basic Linux Commands
Linux Beginners FAQ
Filesystem Hierarchy
Also to help point you in the way of a distro that will be right for you, try this out:
Linux Distribution Chooser
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We've composed a list of FAQ's from the previous thread to give some more immediate help, and take the strain off of some of the regular users who are getting dangerously close to putting their googleplane on autopilot. This list will be updated continually.
How do I delete *nix from my computer?
I deleted *nix from my computer and now my windows install won't boot
The easiest way to solve these problems is to fix your master boot record(MBR).
Just pop in your windows installation disc, when the prompt comes up to do so hit "R" to start the recovery console, and select your windows installation when asked. Use the commands "fixmbr" and "fixboot" and you should be good to go. Once you are booted back into windows you can use a partitioner like Partition Magic to remove the *nix partition from your disks and resize them.
* Some users suggest running a chkdsk /r on the drive you are repairing before fixing the mbr
*
How do I get my restricted drivers for my video and/or network card to work in Ubuntu?
The restricted drivers manager should take care of all that, however in order to use it properly you have to enable the correct repositories. To do this navigate to
System-->Administration-->Software Sources
And check the "main", "universe", "restricted", and "multiverse" repositories. You should now be able to enable your drivers via the Restricted Drivers Manager.
My video drivers are installed but I still don't have the correct screen resolution.
You can follow the beginning of
this guide if you are running Ubuntu. Or if you are running a different distro you can use the same guide, just skip down to the "Adding custom modeline" section.
How do I get my wireless working?
If you're running Ubuntu the first thing to try is the Restricted Drivers mentioned above.
We probably aren't going to be much help there unless we have your specific wireless device as well. The best thing to do is, first, try googling "*your wireless card here* *your distro here*" to try and find some results pertaining to your specific situation. If you can't find anything pertinent, go to the forums for your specific distro and ask there.
Should I use a 64-bit version of *nix?
Currently, because of compatibility issues, 64-bit linux is not really suited for every day home desktop use. You're better off sticking with a 32-bit version of *nix for now.
Should I use KDE or GNOME in Linux?
They are both
very different from one another, run them both and decide which one you like.
What media player should I use?
For music:
If you want something comparable to itunes -
Amarok
If you want something a little more lightweight than Amarok -
Rhythmbox or
Banshee
Some popular text based music players are
cmus,
moc, and
mpd
For video:
VLC or
Mplayer
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Also come visit us in #linux on irc.roachware.net if you want some live-chat help or just want to hang out.
Awesome is too bloated, and DWM is not for me, after using it for a month or so. I was thinking about trying XMonad or WMII, but I think for now I'm going to probably end up going with a *box.
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