Linux, Windows, and hardware.

[VDarthusV]

Hey, I'm new to Linux, but I'm very excited! I have been reading articles and how to's for a while, and everything about linux really appeals to me. Windows feels cramped sometimes. =]

So because I am going to go to college for Computer Science, I have started to try to learn C++, html, ect. and I thought it would be a good idea to build a computer. For an extra challenge + more fun I also want to install Linux Ubuntu and Windows XP as a dual boot.

I plan on having two hard drives, one for Windows XP(and to upgrade to windows 7 in the future) and one for Linux Ubuntu w/Beryl. (I like my computer to be organized, I'm very OCD sometimes)

I've looked around at a ton of FAQ's, and different motherboards, processors, ect, ect. Now I want opinions from people as to what the best choice would be. I do have a budget though, so I don't want SUPER UUBER powerful computer, but more of a SUPER stable computer.

Can you give me opinions on which Motherboards and processors would be good for this project? Athlon is nice, cheap and pretty good.... That's what I'm leaning toward right now.

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

Regarding hardware, pretty much anything that has been out for a few months or more should work under Linux these days.

One issue that crops up from time to time is onboard network (wired/wireless) controllers, so you might do some googling for info on any controllers that come with the motherboard you are considering buying.

[VDarthusV]

Welcome to the forums!

Regarding hardware, pretty much anything that has been out for a few months or more should work under Linux these days.

One issue that crops up from time to time is onboard network (wired/wireless) controllers, so you might do some googling for info on any controllers that come with the motherboard you are considering buying.

Thanks for the advice. I will research that further.

[Cabhan]

I agree with ozar that in my experience, problems usually arise with wireless support. But through native projects (madwifi, etc.) or ndiswrapper (use Windows drivers under Linux), many popular wireless devices are now supported. Just be sure to check.

The other advice I give you is about graphics cards. If you're planning to get one, I would suggest NVIDIA over ATI. NVIDIA has a better track record: I understand that ATI is getting better, but NVIDIA has been working for many many years now.

Other than that, most things should work (you can always google to make sure of this). Good luck!

[VDarthusV]

I agree with ozar that in my experience, problems usually arise with wireless support. But through native projects (madwifi, etc.) or ndiswrapper (use Windows drivers under Linux), many popular wireless devices are now supported. Just be sure to check.

The other advice I give you is about graphics cards. If you're planning to get one, I would suggest NVIDIA over ATI. NVIDIA has a better track record: I understand that ATI is getting better, but NVIDIA has been working for many many years now.

Other than that, most things should work (you can always google to make sure of this). Good luck!

Google is indeed the best friend of knowledge.

I was leaning more towards NVIDIA already, so now I'm pretty sure I'll get one of them.

If a wireless device that is integrated in the motherboard doesn't work, would using an external wireless device (like a USB wireless device) work?

[Cabhan]

Assuming that the external one is supported, I can't imagine that they would interfere with each other.

Also, if it helps, I know that Intel integrated wireless (ipw2200 or whatever that series is) works.

[VDarthusV]

Hey All!

Thanks for all your help from last time.

I've been looking through google and I can't to get a definate answer about this internet card.

Newegg.com - LINKSYS WMP54G IEEE 802.11b/g, PCI 2.2 and 2.3 32bit PCI2.2 Wireless-G Adapter Up to 54Mbps Data Rates WEP, WPA, CCX 2.0 - Wireless Adapters

Does it work with Linux (ubuntu) or not?

Thanks so much.

[rokytnji]

Software Included: Drivers & Utilities

OS Required: Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition / Windows ME, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP

To get it working in Ubuntu

Ubuntu Manpage: ral - Ralink Technology IEEE 802.11 wireless network driver

[rokytnji]

Note that the Ubuntu Manpage only refers to the Linksys WMP54G v4 RT2560 PCI

The v4 at the end is important.

[rokytnji]

Linux Compatible Wireless Devices - The Linux Emporium
Most notably the latest versions of Ubuntu, 8.04 Hardy Heron and 8.10 Intrepid Ibex, enable the Edimax cards and sticks to work "out of the box" and furthermore the devices can be configured for all of WPA, WPA2 and WEP encryption using Network Manager. A further feature is that the removable devices can be plugged and unplugged whenever you like!