Linux Help

[eddie00001]

Does anyone have any links for help sites on Linux?

Just trying my first use of Linux (Mandrake 9.2 & Lindows OS 4.5).
Mainly how do you install on Linux. Downloaded a few programs but when I double click all I get is a lot of script or a choice as to what program to use to open it up with.

On LindowsOS I can't get the reolution any higher than 640x480 regardless of what I set. Changing the refresh rate and gfx card type does nothing. I have an ATI 9500 pro, and I have ATI selected, and even if I change the gfx card type there is still no difference. The screen is also constantly flashing black about once every 30sec. Mandrake doesn't have this problem though.

[Paul K]

http://www.linuxhelp.net/ any use to you?

[Swipe]

www.linuxquestions.org
www.mandrakeusers.org

[eddie00001]

Thanks, give that a goog look over later.

[chriscl]

You could also check out:

http://www.justlinux.com/

They have a very good forum, and the site is targeted at "new" linux users. You'll find plenty of friendly advice and help.

HTH!

[John Smiths]

Originally Posted by eddie00001

On LindowsOS I can't get the reolution any higher than 640x480 regardless of what I set. Changing the refresh rate and gfx card type does nothing. I have an ATI 9500 pro, and I have ATI selected, and even if I change the gfx card type there is still no difference. The screen is also constantly flashing black about once every 30sec. Mandrake doesn't have this problem though.

Linux can be very picky with gfx card setting, so much so that it has to be exactly the right settings - your best bet would be to find out exactly what settings your card has and try those...

[philip.j.fry]

Originally Posted by eddie00001

Just trying my first use of Linux (Mandrake 9.2 & Lindows OS 4.5).
Mainly how do you install on Linux. Downloaded a few programs but when I double click all I get is a lot of script or a choice as to what program to use to open it up with.

This is the bit that's probably most difficult for Linux newcomers. It depends on what type the installation is, source, binary, rpm etc. RPM's are probably what you should be trying install from at the moment. I can't remember where it is in Mandrake but if you can find the package manager and follow the help files for it to install new programs you should be okay, doesn't take too much knowledge.
Binary tarballs are a little harder, you need to unzip the files and put them in the correct directories. Source is the hardest because you need to compile it. If you have any of these, I'll try to guide you through it if you would like.

[eddie00001]

Tried a few of the RPM files (got Mozilla working now) and have tried another file type (I forgot which) and have managed to install Overnet. At the moment though, I haven't quiet let go of Windows. I have dumped Lindows though as I can't get it to change the resolution/refresh rate. Mandrake ran pretty smoothly straight from boot.

[philip.j.fry]

Originally Posted by eddie00001

Tried a few of the RPM files (got Mozilla working now) and have tried another file type (I forgot which) and have managed to install Overnet. At the moment though, I haven't quiet let go of Windows. I have dumped Lindows though as I can't get it to change the resolution/refresh rate. Mandrake ran pretty smoothly straight from boot.

Nice one, it does get easier the more you keep using it. What caused me to move over from windows totally was breaking outlook somehow and not bothering to fix it, it meant if I wanted to get mail I needed to be in Linux