Hi Carroll,
Thanks and you're really filling out the picture for me.
Also, I remember looking at the Mandriva membership thing....that's
something I will think about.
I also have concerns about the winmodem...I may have to get an external
modem.
Laura
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carroll Grigsby" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, October 08, 2005 8:08 PM
Subject: Re: [newbie] compatibility? Mandriva 10.1 or 2006 w/ Inspiron 8600?
Rosemary McGillicuddy wrote:
Laura Callier wrote:
Hi,
Totally new....thought about using linux and Mandriva a while back,
but decided not to....have changed my mind.
Sorry for the totally newbie questions.
What is the difference between 10.1 and 2006...are they both complete
systems? Is 2006 more up to date?
I think I need the 10.1? I read about 2006 coming out, but i don't
know if that is just a download. I have dial up and would want to get
cds in a box, so I think I want 10.1? Can I upgrade to 2006 alittle
later?
Right now I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 w/ 512 RAM, 40 g hard drive and
Nvidia graphics. it's slowly dying on me, and I will probably have
to get a new computer next year (a desktop).
Is 10.1 or 2006 compatible with my Dell?
Thanks,
Laura
Hi Laura
I began using mandriva earlier this year, after a minor dabble with
Linux a few years ago. I do still have Windows XP for a couple of
things (Family Tree and scanner), but rarely boot to it now.
I use mandriva LE/2005, and it is great. Also the community is very
helpful and supportive - probably the best Linux community. There is a
section here which has a lot of useful information, but is a bit strange
to navigate at first (I found anyway).
http://mandrake.vmlinuz.ca/bin/view/Main/WebHome
2006 has been released but not freely to the public yet (someone on the
list please correct this?). 2005 has everything you could need and want
and more.
I buy my CDs, seeing as I am also on dial-up. I am not sure where you
are, if New Zealand I can post mine on, but I think earthlink is not an
NZ ISP. Use google to find a place that sells Linux CDs, or try find a
local Linux Users Group (LUG). My LUG will do CDs at a two for one CD
offer. Then if you liked mandriva you could later join the Club and buy
direct from them.
I've now tried a number of different distributions, including some of
the current "newbie recommended" ones. My own opinion is that mandriva
has the easiest install for a person new to Linux, and is good for
learning, as there is an option to do things with a Graphical User
Interface (point and click using mouse), and also the command line. I
hope you will enjoy mandriva as much as I do.
Adding my two cents to Rosemary's excellent advice:
1. Don't waste your time on Mandriva 10.1. It's a year old, and a lot
has happened in the past year.
2. Since you're in the US, there are several good sources where you can
purchase Mandriva CD's. I've used www.cheapbytes.com several times, and
their service has been excellent. According to their website, they are
_now_ shipping 2006 at $9 plus shipping for the 4 CD set, and they will
be shipping what they call the PowerPack CD's on Tuesday at $19 plus
shipping for the 9 CD set that also includes a T-shirt. However, they
provide neither manuals nor factory support.
3. The Mandriva Store does include manuals and some manual support with
their boxed sets. Hint: The Store gives discounts to Mandriva Club
members.
4. Give serious thought to setting up a dual boot installation that will
allow you to choose between Mandriva and Windows. It's amazingly easy to
set up, but does require some housekeeping beforehand. Then you won't be
dead in the water if you do run into a hardware problem. I'm
particularly concerned that your Dell probably has a winmodem in it, and
that is not always a good thing.
HTH,
-- cmg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________
Want to buy your Pack or Services from Mandriva?
Go to http://store.mandriva.com
Join the Club : http://www.mandrivaclub.com
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Want to buy your Pack or Services from Mandriva?
Go to http://store.mandriva.com
Join the Club : http://www.mandrivaclub.com
____________________________________________________
