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Which version of Linux should I install for my T60p??

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by CrunchDude, 2008/02/05.

  1. 2008/02/05
    CrunchDude

    CrunchDude Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hey everyone...I would like to get into Linux. Now that I've put together my T60p with everything that's in my signature, which version of Linux should I install? I am particularly interested in running vBulletin, and I've read that Linux is a good OS for running vBulletin.

    Thanks all...:)
     
    CrunchDude,
    #1
  2. 2008/02/06
    ReggieB

    ReggieB Inactive Alumni

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    I don't run vBulletin so can't comment specifically on the suitability of an OS for that bulletin board software. It appears to be PHP based so should be relatively OS independent I think.

    However, I would suggest that the easiest Linux to play with at the moment is Ubuntu. It installs easily and with its Gnome desktop is reasonably friendly for Windows users new to Linux.

    Ubuntu is one of the most active Linux distributions at the moment so there is a lot of documentation and pre-compiled utilities for it. As it is based on Debian it has some nice tools (particularly apt-get) that greatly ease software installation (the main difficulty for Linux newbies in my experience).

    The whole system is very easy to maintain and keep up to date - with the update tools not only maintaining the OS but also the installed applications.

    There is an faq here, and plenty of books available if you're not one to hunt around the on-line documentation.
     
    ReggieB,
    #2


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  4. 2008/02/07
    r.leale Lifetime Subscription

    r.leale Well-Known Member

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    Hi Crunch,

    Why not try Puppy Linux? You don't even need to install it to see if it runs vBulletin OK. Run it from a live CD first, completely in RAM, and if it suits you install it.
    Very user friendly!

    Roger:cool:
     
    r.leale,
    #3
  5. 2008/02/07
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Before getting into vBullletin or any other WWW server based applications, run a Linux live cd or 3 and get a little familiar with its workings. Don't install to hard disk until you bare comfortable with it and familiar enough to use it for your everyday wants such as Web browser and other regularly used apps.

    After you get familiar with it, you can then install to disk. Bear in mind that whatever distro you install, it will become the "senior op system" on the computer. Most all distro will want to install a boot loader to the MBR, most now use GRUB (Grand Unified Boot Loader). It will auto detect your other op systems and add them to a boot menu.

    To run vBulletin you will first have to install a WWW server such as Apache and set it up. When installing Apache you will also have to install php, mysql and any other dependencies for vBulletin. Dependencies are software packages that are required for other software to function.

    Realize that vBulletin is useless unless you want to open up your comp to the WWW. You can run it on a LAN, but why? You'll be the only one posting threads!

    Setting up linux servers is not for "newbies ". Get familiar w/ linux first and see if you are willing to invest the time to learn it. I have experience w/ it, I use it as my primary op system on my laptop and have 2 servers on my LAN, one for my business database and the other for Web development.

    Ubuntu is pretty user friendly and it will run as a live cd. It's fairly bloated because it contains the complete Gnome desktop w/ all its apps for multimedia, graphics, networking, etc. Most of these apps you'll never need or want, but it's a good place to start learning linux.
     
    TonyT,
    #4
  6. 2008/02/08
    CrunchDude

    CrunchDude Inactive Thread Starter

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    Awesome. Thanks everyone!! TonyT, yes, of course, I want to run vBulletin for a specialized forum on certain topics. I want to buy a 2nd PC for it, amongst other reasons. I'd also like to get into Windows Home Server.

    At any rate, Ubuntu is what most people mention as the best choice for n00b's, and I am one when it comes to Linux. Thanks for all the links, ReggieB!

    r.leale, PuppyLinux...is that what it interpret it to sound like? Does "Puppy" stand for "brand new Linux user "? :)
     
    CrunchDude,
    #5
  7. 2008/02/08
    r.leale Lifetime Subscription

    r.leale Well-Known Member

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    Hi Crunch,

    You mean you haven't heard of Puppy Linux ! ! !
    Go to puppylinux.org , or google it. It's very small, runs in RAM until you decide to install it, but can also set up a folder to keep the settings in on the main machine.
    I have mine on a 256 MB USB key so I can use it on any machine I find unattended!

    Roger:D
     
    r.leale,
    #6
  8. 2008/02/08
    r.leale Lifetime Subscription

    r.leale Well-Known Member

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    A PS Crunch,

    Worth reading THIS

    Roger:D
     
    r.leale,
    #7
  9. 2008/02/08
    CrunchDude

    CrunchDude Inactive Thread Starter

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    Roger, that's awesome. And funny. ;) I hadn't heard of it, as I am totally new to it. I figured out how to install OS X on a Thinkpad, which was interesting as well. I don't get why Mac people think they have this "unbeatable" OS. I have nothing against Mac people, except for those who put down my carefully crafted 32-bit/64-bit Vista Ultimate machine. lol...

    I just HAVE to learn Linux a bit, which shouldn't be that hard!? :rolleyes:

    Thanks again! :)
     
    CrunchDude,
    #8
  10. 2008/02/09
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    For a fast easy server setup, with no graphical desktop, do a Debian Net Install. (it's not recommended to use a graphical desktop for a server anyway)

    Download a minimal Debian net-install iso:
    http://www.debian.org/CD/netinst/
    and use the iso to create a bootable cd.

    Boot from the cd.

    At the boot prompt type: expertgui and press return key, and install. At the section to select software, use the spacebar to deselect everything, finish install. This give a basic system. At next boot, login as root and do:
    apt-get upgrade
    apt-get install apache2 php5 mysql phpmyadmin phpbb2

    The above gives you a www server w/ mysql database and php, plus phpbb bulletin board software. (vBulletin is NOT free)
     
    TonyT,
    #9
  11. 2008/02/10
    ReggieB

    ReggieB Inactive Alumni

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    Nice post Tony!!!!!
     
    ReggieB,
    #10
  12. 2008/02/10
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Thanks!

    BTW, the above minimal server setup will scream on a P2 w/ 128 ram, imagine on a new system!
     
    TonyT,
    #11

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