Newbie, IT FINALLY WORKED

[AFineMan]

Greetings all

This is my very first post here, I have history in trying to get Linux to work. I was determined to make it work this time

A little back ground, I started playing with computers around 82, I started with a Sinclair Z 80 ( 2K on board memory, I bought the 16 K upgrade, it was a screamer ).

I of course went thought the TRS 80 stage, Commodore Vic 64 stage, then I got in to the 8088 stage, that lead to building my own computers form that stage on (around 8

I first tried to install Linux (Mandrake) between Windows 3.11 and 95, well it installed, but no support for the generic modem and I kinda gave up.

My second effort was between Windows 98 and XP, again I tried various versions on Mandrake, Red Hat, and another I can't remember. They all crashed or were missing something or I needed an option that wasn't supported, now for my most recent effort.

Well the new computer I built used all new parts, so I had a spare computer when I was done and I figured I would give this a serious effort. I then dove into reading a lot of posts and I actually went to Best Buy and bought a copy of UbuntU, it was the 8.04 build, but buy the time I was done I had download and tried (on several occasions) all versions.

Well after I wasted a few weekends on that I tried 4 more brands, knock of Red Hat, ?? Mint, and a version that actually worked Debain, but I was having difficulty with the browser, e-mail, then TODAY.

At work I was reading reviews at Linux.com and in the end I downloaded Mandriver 2009 with KDE, got home dropped in the CD and everything went flawlessly (so far) I am running an AMD 3000 Semp. 1 gig generic memory, Maxdor 130Gig, ATI 9200 video card and a Gigabyte mother board.

So far not a single lock up, not even after it upgraded/installed 342 files. I've tested every application I use a computer for, office, video edit, music, internet (with all the plug-in already there), picture editing, etc.

There are on 2 things I need to figure out (I will spend the time researching the solutions because, heck it's only 2 things, Web Cam, and DVD video play back). I'm getting a flashback, this effort is reminding me of the DOS ?.? and windows 3.11 days.

When you compare the learning curve of this version of Linux vs Vista (on my wife's lap top) and the fact you have to pay for Vista and it is a crappy OS. I would much rather (if I have to relearn more about an OS) spend my time on learning Linux rather than having to spend the same amount of time on an OS that should be seamless.

Well thanks for letting me babble, I figure here is where my story could could bring a grin to the face of others.

Night All

AFM

ps I've been working on this for about 4 weekends (on/off)

[rokytnji]

Howdy and Welcome AFM. I Liked your story. Just got done with a Hardy Heron install myself tonight. You'll find that practice makes perfect. Enjoy the journey.

[jayd512]

Hi, AFM! Welcome aboard!

Yeah... Linux can be an exciting ride the first time you really sit down to it. But when you finally have your first working system it's hard to stop using it. After a while you'll probably forget all about that other OS!

Have fun with it, and be sure to drop in on us!

[Manchunian]

Good to see another convert! Welcome!

[oz]

Welcome aboard... glad to hear it finally worked for you!

[elija]

Welcome aboard. It sounds like you met computers at about the same time I did. So Howdy Old Timer

If yo are anything like me you will find that Linux puts the fun back into personal computing

[bigtomrodney]

You know, I was dissapointed when I got my first system working flawlessly. Up until then I thought Linux was only about fixing stuff. Now I run so smoothly that I go to Windows machines and find their quirks drive me crazy.

[thorkelljarl]

vlc will fix you up, I think.
VLC media player - Overview with a link for Mandriva

As an openSUSE fan, I wonder if you tried that as a live-cd to see if it configured your webcam. SUSE is known for its good device support.

Oherwise, welcome and now try to break something. It's more fun that way.

[AFineMan]

And still smiling

Evening all, well I put it through heck last night and am still amazed the progress Linux has made since my last effort(few years back), the upgrades and the installations so far have gone with out a hitch.

I got the real time spell checker with the Google tool bar (I can't spell worth crap, dyslexia) even though it doesn't work the same here as it did under you know who, it still lets me know before I post something cryptic .Actually my windows system is off, and this system is connected to the entertainment system (YEP that's correct, remote in the left hand, keyboard on the lap and mouse in the right hand, I'm in MAN HEAVEN).

I wanted to say thanks for all the "Welcome, to the experience" comments.

elijah well, if you were born in the late 50's, then yep you are correct

thorkell jarl I know VLC player well, it is much better than WMP, and no I didn't get around to trying SUSE (heck with the luck I seem to be having, why would I)

I'll tell you, once the other find out about this, you helpers are going to be inundated with questions (I've already RAVED about this with my co-workers).


Well off to punish it some more


AFM

[jayd512]

I'll tell you, once the other find out about this, you helpers are going to be inundated with questions (I've already RAVED about this with my co-workers).

Bring it on, Man! What do ya think we're here for?
Still, glad to know you're enjoying your new 'toy'!