Thinking About Linux

[lapsed]

okay, so i've always used winders. i don't have a real reason to "hate" it, i just think it's annoying. but anyways, i've been looking at linux.... mandrake mostly... but i have a dilemma. you people realize, if my games don't run i'll die :cryol: i've been told by a couple sources... don't know how reliable they are... but i've been told that my games will not run on linux. the only games i ever play are age of empires (yes, microsoft :rolleyes: ) and diablo 2... if diablo 2 will work on any linux, i'll give it a try. please, someone, convert me!! ^^

[lapsed]

okay, mandrake sounds so interesting. i put all my important stuff on the other pc and im about to TRY to burn the iso image to a disc using some program i was referred to called Nero. wish me luck :P

[[ GK ]]

I can't help with the answer on games, but if you have Nero, burning an ISO image is pretty easy. Just go to the file menu, and you should see "burn image" or "make image" - I can't remember the exact wording. Point it to where the ISO image is, and it should be pretty self-explanatory after that. Good luck! :)

[Grogan]

No, your games won't run. Use Windows for games.

There are emulators... but the games won't run "better" and many of them won't work at all and you'll have to go through a whole lot of bullshit to find out.

You will want to dual boot Windows and Linux in your case.

[Zerocoolgrl]

yeah Dual booting is the best way, Wine and etc have come along way, but have far to go.

[floppybootstomp]

Another vote for dual boot.

I have one machine dual booting WIN 98, for older games, and Mandrake 9.1.

Install Windows First, create a new partition for Linux (Min Recommended 8Gb) then boot from the 1st Mandrake CD and follow the prompts.

Mandrake should take care of the dual boot facility for you with no probs.

If you can lay your hands on or already have Partition Magic 8.0, this program makes the creation of a partition a helluva lot easier and you can also make the Linux Swap file (256MB suggested) before installation.

I'd then suggest using Linux for everything except Games, but it will take some getting to know. Fortunately, Mandrake has a very user friendly GUI.

Good luck.

[mlangdn]

I use Mandrake 9.1 and XP in a dual boot configuration. Mandrake is easy to use in the GUI, and very fascinating at the command line, which is a helluva lot harder to learn. Do not be put off by this though, it just takes a little time. I only use XP for the wife and kids. That's because I am not a gamer. I like games, but my thumbs are not as fast as they used to be!

Mike :beer:

[lapsed]

thanks for all of your input guys, i did a dual boot of XP and Mandrake, and i am very impressed. setting up mdk 9.1 and creating a partition was even easier than installing windows. i am pleased so far. i've experimented a bit with Konsole... i'm using KDE desktop. it took me about 30 minutes to install AIM, but now i can't figure out how to install my drivers, macromedia flash, or yahoo messenger. can anyone help me? by the way, every time i want to start AIM, do i have to open Konsole and type /usr/bin/aim ? can't i add it to the menus? thanks guys, if you want to contact me on AIM my name is lapsedmem0ry, or if you just want to reply here, that's fine too. but i really need sound heh, i can read all of my mp3's from the windows partition but i can't hear them :( thanks for all your help guys (and girls) i really appreciate it. :rollin:

[lapsed]

and one more thing... where the hell do i get a win emulator and which should i use? thanks.:D

[Grogan]

I'd forget the win emulator.. it's a waste of time. But what you're looking for is WINE.

http://www.winehq.com/?page=documentation

Yes, certainly you can add your AIM program to your KDE menus. Check out the KDE Menu Editor... it should be under the System menu.

As for sound, what sound card/onboard chip do you have? It may be supported.

[BobGuy]

but i really need sound heh, i can read all of my mp3's from the windows partition but i can't hear them

The default is usually to ship the volume set to zero so it doesn't disturb everyone else in the house, office. Dumb! :sarcastic

Also mere users may not have permission to use sound. Another default that is dumb :mad:

I can not imagine any situation where 'root' would need audio!

You do have the audio cable from the cdrom to the sound card installed don't you?
You will need it to hear CDs.

K-> Multimedia-> Sound-> Aumix

On the file menu up top, select mute and then uncheck mute sound.
Next adjust the sliders from 0 to 70 - 100%
Next click on file-> Save

(Now everytime you start mandrake sound will be enabled.)

If you have permission to use sound, this should now be functional. This depends on what security level you chose during the install.

The other mixer that KDE uses is Kmix, it may or may not be muted by default.
Mine was not muted. However it was set to like 33% volume, adjust it to what you want.
Then file-> Save Current Volumes as Default
The Aumix is the first one to configure!
Then Kmix second, if no sounds after Aumix.

Try using XMMS to listen to a .mp3 or .ogg
The desktop sounds are found in the control center in: Look-N-Feel-> System Notifications
Use the top drop down box to select groups to enable, disable.
Also take a peek at the More Options tab.

[BobGuy]

by the way, every time i want to start AIM, do i have to open Konsole and type /usr/bin/aim ?
No

K-> Networking-> Instant messsging-> Kit (aim client)

I use Gaim myself, but either way you will have to set them up before you can use them.

[BobGuy]

Savage to support Linux

iGames Publishing and S2 Games have announced that Savage: The Battle for Neweth will ship with full Linux support. The Linux version will be functionally identical to its Windows counterpart and will ship on the same CD-ROM. The Linux version is already a part of the ongoing beta testing of the game.

I'm not a gamer so cant say if its any good but here is the link.

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/savage/news_6072312.html

Scheduled for release on August 25

Looks like one game developer is starting to pay attention to linux. :D

[Walden]

Since now you have a dual boot, here is a good page(imo) for mounting your ntfs side into your Mandrake. The only way to learn linux is to dive in, and hold your breath!!