lots of downloading in Linux?

[ashtree]

Hello,

From my reading about Linux it seems that, even after installing from a CD, a lot of downloading is involved. Is it feasible to do this using only a dial-up connection?

I ask this as I only have a two hour, time-limited, deal with my ISP. In other words, after 2 hours I get cut off and have to re-dial.

So would I have time, for instance, to get the latest BIOS and drivers from my chosen mobo's site?

[smolloy]

You don't have to download anything to get linux working, however this means that you won't be able to get linux for free. If you go to http://distrowatch.com/ and have a look at some of the ads, you'll see that there are a few companies who will send you linux CDs for a couple of dollars per distribution. This might be the best approach for you.

[Thrillhouse]

Yes, there is probably more downloading involved with Linux than Windows. I still get updates just about every day on my Fedora machine and they'll usually range anywhere from 2 MB to 25. Also, most package management programs (yum, apt-get...) are internet-based so that means installing programs is best accomplished that way. I was just thinking about this the other day: I would not enjoy Linux as much as I do if I didn't have a high-speed connection. It's certainly not required but most distros seem to be drifting towards the user who has a high-speed connection.

[bigtomrodney]

Some distros require more than others. Ubuntu for example gives you a base system and allows you to add more via the internet. Distros like SUSE and Fedora come on 5 discs and usually have everything you'll ever need. There is one exception to this - non open source drivers won't be shipped with most distros so you will need to get these. For example nVidia, ATI, some wireless drivers may need to be downloaded seperately.

[fingal]

With Mandriva I download updates every couple of weeks. It is a hassle though, if you don't have broadband ... and Mandriva attracts a lot of bug fixes following a first install. It shouldn't put you off but you're making a good point.

I think with low bandwidth it would be very important to only run a base level of packages. The more you install the more updates you need.

[ashtree]

Hello All,

Many thanks for your enlightening replies. As my computing needs are modest I imagine that most distros will suit me - except those that don't have the plug-ins necessary to use the Web effectively. This is one concern of mine.

Another is the need to download bios flashing and drivers to get a new system working. Quite how one downloads if the box isn't operative passes my understanding. I intend to assemble a system just for Linux but don't want to spend a lot of cash on components that I can't get to work.

Perhaps I should look for advice, somewhere, on a set of components which is mature enough not to need updates and flashes to start with. I do realise that Linux can't support the latest hardware but don't know at what chipset level I should be looking.

And from what you all say, I think I'd better consider broadband.

Best wishes to you and yours.

[Roxoff]

Dont get disheartened by the downloading - if you do a fresh install of that other operating system (I forget it's name, but it's the one with all the security holes 'cos it's closed-source) then you get an enormous update from Microsoft. I've never really known Linux to be significantly worse than that. And if you bear in mind that you get all your software with your linux distribution, yet you get bugger all with the other operating system, then the size of the update download doesn't look half as bad. (NB: if you want to avoid huge download times for updates then dont install OpenOffice until after you've done your first update, and just get it straight from the package manager).

[ashtree]

Hi Roxoff,

Yes, you're right. I mustn't let problems loom too large. Other people manage so so should I.

Thanks for your encouragement.

[jazzyjerome]

Don't sweat it. I'm a newbie too. It's really no big deal. MS has mad updates and half of the time they break things. Linux is cool. Work with it, you'll like it.

[huckphin]

Another thing to think about is how large the Linux community is. I do not mean by how many people use it, rather but the many options as simple as what distribution can I use puts the options into perspective. I think that the beauty of Linux comes from the ability to get free software for a multitude of different aspects, and to have a sense of belonging to a community who cares about their products. Having a connection to the Internet is nice when running Linux, but it is not a necessity.

Like everyone has already said, with Micro$oft, there are many updates, and there are updates to the updates to the updates. Now that Window$ XP has been established as a solid system, there are many fixes that Microsoft has released for it, the Micro$oft.net framework, and Micro$oft Office. The updates are always there, waiting to be downloaded, and there may be up to 1 - 10 updates per week to be downloaded.

I would say, regardless of if you can download the updates, but not required. Go for it. Splurge on $10 to get the CDs, and spend another $10 for a T-shirt that says Linux. Wear it proudly. It will be much better than spending $400 to get Office 2007. You could then spend the money you saved on some other cool new gadget, or donating to the Linux community!

Just a thought, not a requirement.