[greatfastcheap]

Hi all

I have used windows for too long. It is time to make the switch to Unix/Linux. Things I have:

Hardware: Desktop
Pentium III 1 Gig Processor
512 MB Ram
Airlink Wireless G PCI network card (TNET1130 or ACX111 driver

Hardware: Laptop
Pentium IV 1.4 GHZ
1 GB Ram
Airlink Wireless N PCMCIA card or Airlink Wireless G PCMCIA card (Ralink RT2860 driver)


Software:
Win XP
Knoppix Live CD 5.1
Knoppix Live DVD 5.1.1
PCLinuxOS 2.21.2

Books:
Wiley Linux Bible 2007
Ubuntu Linux Bible 2007

You are the system administrator.

This is what I need:
Simple advice (unconditional) on how to setup and connect to internet using a live distro from any of the Unix distros above.

Seriously want to get this box up and connected this evening. Stat!


Remember the keys are simple and unconditional (without "ifs" "ands" "or" "buts") well maybe "buts"


Who will win the prize for speed, accuracy, simplicity?


Thanks all for your help

[jayd512]

Great news, my friend!!!

Your desktop will support a Linux OS without to much of a problem. I should know as your specs match very close to mine. As far as a LiveCD, and since you're new to Linux, I would advise Knoppix. It's live, and a complete distro. Try it out... I know you'll love it! Let us know how it goes.

[devils casper]

Latest version of Ubuntu, Gutsy configure most of hardware out of box. I would suggest you to try Ubuntu LiveCD.
Try PCLinuxOS too.

[Manchunian]

Like devils-casper, I suggest Ubuntu. I also advise you to take a look at Mint - which is essentially Ubuntu, but a bit more 'out of the box'. Note that Knoppix is an excellent live cd, in fact it's still the best in my opinion, but is not meant to be installed on your harddisk. Try it out, be wowed, but don't try to install it.

[jayd512]

My mistake on that... in the original post, he referred to a live distro. For some reason my brain saw it as live cd.
That being said, Ubuntu would indeed be one of your best choices for getting up and running quickly.

Sorry about the confusion, guys.

[nlyric]

greatfastcheap,
Simply Mepis you won't need a book IMHO

[usamamuneeb]

Get your free copy of Ubuntu LiveCD from shipit.ubuntu.com.

[JusWipe]

Since you are posting in the Knoppix area I would suggest using the Knoppix CD or DVD. If you can boot from a DVD, use that. It has a ton more stuff.

1. Set your computer to boot from cd/dvd rom.
2. Insert Knoppix DVD disc.
3. On splash screen simply hit -ENTER-
This distro will determine all of your hardware needs and set it up for you.
4. Click on the penguin on the "task bar"
5. Choose Network/Internet configuration-left click
Knoppix will now autodetect all of your devices for networking.
A screen will appear with several choices. eg. Lan, WLan.
6a. If you want a wired connection straight away, choose Lan.
6b. If you want a wireless connection straight away, choose WLan.
Later if you want to configure others you can start back at step 4.
7. On the "task bar" at the bottom, 5 over from the penguin, you'll see a gear partially circling a world. Hovering the mouse over it will say Konquerer. Click this.

You may now surf to any web site you wish.
It's fast, it's free and oh so cool.
Hope this helps,
JusWipe