A good book for learning Linux

**Danial** · May 29th, 2003, 01:08 PM

Hi,
I have been using Windows for a long time. Now i wanna move on to linux/unix. I have used unix from time to time, but my knowledge of unix is limited.

I would like to install linux in one of my machine and play around with it. Can you guys recommend a good book and any other resources where i can learn more about linux.

Also what is the minimum req for running linux, i have a old Pentium 166 with 3 gig, would that be too less for running linux.

Thanks

Danial

**Sastraxi** · May 29th, 2003, 03:07 PM

You can run many GNU/Linux distributions on 386s, it's just that you won't get nifty graphics and shyte. However a p166 will be just fine for running a minimal desktop, even if you want it to stay as a webserver or somit. Finally, I wouldn't recommend a book; I'd recommend a good forum for you to ask questions, and that would probably be JustLinux.com.

**siyan** · May 29th, 2003, 07:00 PM

I would try to get something better than a P166 with 3GB....

All the newer distributions are loaded with stuff that would bog that system right down (and you would likely run out of space). If you instead choose LFS or Gentoo then you'll wait forever for things to compile.

IE: Compiling Gnome took 5 hours on an Athlon 1.1Ghz w/256MB RAM. Think how long it would take on a P166?

Even if you're not going to compile Gnome, the kernel took about 10 minutes if I remember correctly, and XFree was about 6~7 hours....

**parksie** · May 29th, 2003, 07:32 PM

The OS itself is actually pretty lightweight, far more so than Windows.

Think how long it would take them to compile IIS when preparing for Windows releases

If you don't overstress the CPU, then most Unices are far more efficient with the available power.

**Pirate** · May 30th, 2003, 01:33 AM

Since you have little experience on Unix , I would say to look for some tutorials . free , summed up , quick .I don't have it installed , I'm having troubles downloading this freak though...lol

**siyan** · May 30th, 2003, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by parksie
The OS itself is actually pretty lightweight, far more so than Windows.

Think how long it would take them to compile IIS when preparing for Windows releases

If you don't overstress the CPU, then most Unices are far more efficient with the available power.

No doubt, but it still is a 166...

**Danial** · May 30th, 2003, 08:30 AM

Thanks for the replys guys.

Yes P166 is a very low spec, but i just wanna play around with linux/unix, once i am familiar with it then i would probably install it in my main machine. I am consedering to turn this into my own little web server by installing Apache !! I gues no more ASP programming !!

So u guys think i should use online tutorial to learn linux. Is there any good reference book for linux?

Is there anywhere i can downolad the latest version of linux or do i have to pay for it? And i hear different version of linux such as Red Hut linux etc, what version should i get and what are the differences.

Do let me know.

Thanks

**parksie** · May 30th, 2003, 08:47 AM

Linux is always the same. The different distros are of the entire OS, GNU/Linux. They usually differ in their installer, and in their package management systems.

Some are more powerful, some are more friendly, some are aimed at things like floppy-disk only routers, etc.

For a standard distro I quite like Mandrake, but other people will recommend things like Red Hat, SuSE, etc.

**Pirate** · May 30th, 2003, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by Danial
Is there anywhere i can downolad the latest version of linux or do i have to pay for it? And i hear different version of linux such as Red Hut linux etc, what version should i get and what are the differences.
Do let me know.

Never download from ftp sites , they sucks . This Linux thingy is confusing me as well .

**Danial** · May 30th, 2003, 08:49 AM

Originally posted by parksie
Linux is always the same. The different distros are of the entire OS, GNU/Linux. They usually differ in their installer, and in their package management systems.

Some are more powerful, some are more friendly, some are aimed at things like floppy-disk only routers, etc.

For a standard distro I quite like Mandrake, but other people will recommend things like Red Hat, SuSE, etc.

So which one of these are powerful and which one more friendly ?

**parksie** · May 30th, 2003, 08:53 AM

For most friendly, I'd have to say Mandrake. For most powerful, you're looking at Debian and Slackware. They both take a lot more experience to be able to use well, though.

**Danial** · May 30th, 2003, 08:55 AM

Thanks Parksie,
Where would be able to get hold of these versions, and how much will they cost. Is there any free version available !!

How about SuSE, i have heard of its name along with Red Hut.

Thanks again

Danial

**siyan** · May 30th, 2003, 09:11 AM

Look at a multithread FTP downloader to get your ISOs....

I'd recommend Mandrake / RedHat.

**Pirate** · May 30th, 2003, 09:24 AM

Originally posted by siyan
Look at a multithread FTP downloader to get your ISOs....
I'd recommend Mandrake / RedHat.

Where can I find that siyan ??

Thanks

**parksie** · May 30th, 2003, 10:03 AM

Danial - The whole point of these things is that they're free

Go to the individual vendors' websites, and they'll point you to download links.

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