Learning Linux

[GTX2GvO]

Hi, I'm GTX2GvO.

And I recently installed DSL and Dsl-N in VirtualBox in my WinXP.

Just to see how 'this Linux thing' is put together and see IF I could learn a different OS than MS.

Well....
First problem...
I'm MS HardCoded. Been using Microsoft since Dos, throughout Win3.11, the full 9x series and after that straight to XP.
So, it's a full switch to understand Linux. (especially since it on a virtual PC and I'm still using MS as main OS type)
So this the the main problem for me. The fact that Linux is NOT Windows.


Second problem/issue..
All those Distro's! It took me quite a while to find DSL (& DSL-n) Install it in VirtualBox AND getting it to boot up with only the use of the Hard disk.
I just gave a few demands to my first linux. Small (due to the fact I don't have so much HD space for this) And 'new' user friendly.
DSL came out this search and looks user friendly at first glance, but DSL-N direcly cleared that state of mind (it lacks the Icons on the desktop that DSL shows). But I still think DSL is a good starter Linux. (Right?....)

So all in all. I ended up here in the hope I can Learn Linux and maybe, just maybe, I will actually understand how it is 'put together'.

For now, I'll be reading documents and links that I can find on this forum.

[devils casper]

Hi GTX2GvO,

Welcome to the LinuxForums.

check the link in my signature. it will get you going. do post back here if you have any problem any where.

[MikeTbob]

HIya GTX2GvO,
Welcome to the forums.
I think you are doing well so far, maybe your next move should be to try one or two LiveCD's, particularly since you don't have much HD space and also to get you out of virtualbox.
The LiveCD List
I recommend Knoppix, Mepis and Ubuntu.

[GTX2GvO]

Devils_casper, I'll be checking alot of links here the comming time.
Yours are in the first sticky post in this forum. They're a defenite reader.

I won't be usng a liveCD inside my Windows directly. I tend to make screw-ups quite easily. And I don't want to reinstall windows cause I didn't got Linux right.
This is the whole reason why I actually installed it in VirtualBox. Wich was quite a douzy on it's own. And still I managed that.
(basic partitioning a VirtualHD and choosing to install)
I could also use it as a LiveCD IN VirtualBox. All in all, I actually want to KEEP it in VirtualBox till I'm comfortable with it. (might take a while)


As far as I know DSL(-N) is based on Knoppix....

[bigtomrodney]

Well the cool thing is that LiveCDs don't run inside Windows, you actually boot right into the system from the CD. It is all contained in RAM and does not affect your harddrive and thus leaves your Windows system alone. It is a read only system so when you reboot your Windows is okay, and next time you boot the livecd you start from scratch again.

They are a great sandbox to learn in.

[GTX2GvO]

Well.... Nice that it is good as a sandbox, but what if I want to save stuff So I can continue where I left off.
Cause like you said. RAM won't save a bit for you.

QuickQuestion: (QQ: ) How to change the resolution in DSL when you're already in the desktop?
I've read something about 'fb800x600' to be used before the desktop, but how about inside the desktop itself?
Also, how to run/edit 'xsetup.sh'? This should allow you to change the used resolution at startup..
[EDIT]managed to run xsetup.sh in terminal, but the resolution didn't changed right away. So I need a restart for changes to take affect?[/EDIT]

Also, using VirtualBox allows me to use both Windows And Linux at the same time.
This way I can try things out and ask questions on the forum.
(I'm not allowing linux to use the internet, for now)

[GTX2GvO]

OK. I need to run the file 'VBoxLinuxAdditions.run'

It's in the directory /mnt/auto/cdrom

I managed to log in as root, but I'm unable to run the above specified file.
(It installs guest additions for VirtualBox)

I just simply don't know the (string of) command(s) to run this file.

I've been searching the forums here, but I don't know where the link to the most importand linux commands are. (I know there is one)

[ryptyde]

You don't need Windows to run DSL and actually running it in "Virtual Box" ,VMware,QEMU etc is slowing it down.
You don't even need a hard drive just run it from a mini-CDR or thumbdrive and you can save your settings and make resolution while running also.

Have fun with DSL or any Linux distro. I have run DSL from a 64MB CF card.

When you run from RAM you are not using the hdd but when you are using "Virtual Box" you are using the hdd ie: you would most likely have a problem/screw-up running from your hdd. When you run from RAM you should be relatively safe.

[GTX2GvO]

Sorry RypTyde, but I MUST run DSL in VirtualBox cause I'm a TOTAL noob.

Cause How must I ask a question here while running Linux only, If I don't even know how to run a single file properly.

Now I can run DSL in VirtualBox, find a problem and Directly address this problem using FF in Windows right away. Then When there is an answer, I just switch back to the VirtualBox (without needing to restart a thing) and apply the given help as if there was no waiting line.

Oh.... About the used HDD in VirtualBox. It's Virtual.
So I can Screw it up, Replace it with the backup Virtual HDD and continue screwing it up. It's fail-save.

And the RAM won't allow you to save single bit or byte.
And I want the ability to save what I do...

[ryptyde]

Good idea proceed with caution.
Have fun!