On Linux

By: Euan on 5:40 AM

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As my Windows OS crashed due to Win32 virus, I was faced with the problem on how I will retrieve my precious files. I got interested to Linux when I read somewhere that some people are using it to retrieve their files.

I had the resource of unlimited and reliable DSL while I was staying in a dormitory. It had become my hobby to download softwares, antivirus, tools, editors, etc. then I burn them in a CD (I haven't upgraded to DVD RW) and compile them or lend to my classmates and friends if they need them. The first Linux I downloaded was Puppy because of it's small size (easy to download) and for the sake of my curiosity. I ran it and I got impressed with the fast speed of internet browsing. It had become my OS whenever I need to surf the net during my college days. I can even watch the movies stored in my HD. It's preloaded with apps but I don't know how to add one and configure the theme. I had looked for more distro and downloaded Zenwalk, Freespire, the newly released Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon (that time) and Alinux (iso is still on my laptop because it won't fit on a 700mb CD).

To solve my problem, I used Puppy because I am somewhat familiar with it already. I successfully retrieved them and transfer them to my sis laptop. But when the stage of OS installation came, my laptop won't install any OS, it turns off everytime I reached the partitioning and formatting. The Linux live CDs that I had downloaded before were also no use, not one was booting properly and I can't get to the installation screen. Due to desperation, I tried and tried and finally installed Windows. The next day, the new Ubuntu and Kubuntu CDs that I ordered from shipit.ubuntu.com arrived, much to my surprise but it missed the exciting part of my experience.

Having lots of Linux in my CD case now, I tried them all last night to know why they won't boot. The Gutsy Gibbon that I have downloaded has a Wubi installer inside, I installed it and was able to ran the Live CD but it only gave me an unresponsive desktop. How come that the instruction says just reboot and it will do its task automatically? The Zenwalk and Freespire are leading me to the Caldera DOS DR boot and MD suggested that I type startx but the command is not valid. Then, I tried my newly arrived Kubuntu and Ubuntu CDs but still the unresponsive desktop and white screen. I thought it was my RAM but MD said he had run Ubuntu on a 192mb RAM. So, I can also ran it to a 256mb one.

I am persistent and won't just give up. I want to know why the Ubuntus are acting like that. I read some blogs and was able to discover the F4 SAFE GRAPHIC MODE during installation. I did it and voila, the desktops are now working on both Kubuntu and Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope. The Kubuntu ran faster than Ubuntu even it was loaded with lots of graphic effects. I don't know why. I am still in doubt if I will install it as a permanent OS (along with Windows) since it's running slower than normal under my laptop specs. 

There's also an Xubuntu on which my specs will be suited but my prob is how I will download it. The fast connection that I have is at my Aunt's house and I haven't got the time now. I had taken a snapshot of the Kubuntu desktop.


Sunday, June 7, 2009