["Opening Notes"]
- Welcome to the world of free open source software. We at LUV are delighted to have you here.
- Free Software = Open Source = FOSS from our perspective
- GNU/Linux = Linux for short (until you know enough to understand the difference between GNU/Linux and GNU/BSD)
INTRODUCTION:
Today's talk will try to pass on the advice I received and my own hard-earned practical knowledge of using Linux for my home PC. A few key terms that will inform the talk:
- Data Security
- Data Backup
- Online Security and Password Management
- Cloud Computing
A few snippets about me will help to put this talk in context:
- I run my company almost exclusively on free open source software and cloud-based applications and services
- I have no formal qualifications in IT and my starting point of reference was Windows XP
- I started using Linux in 2008
- I have tried dozens of distributions
- I have never lost any personal data
- People actually pay me to install Linux on their computers -- sometimes even to replace Windows completely
- I always try to find the solution that requires the least technical knowledge so that novices can apply them
- You can always get in touch with me for help.
- My distribution of choice is Ubuntu 10.10, soon to be 11.04, tweaked and customised to my requirements.
- Today's talk will use a vanilla installation of Ubuntu 10.10 so everyone is on the same page, but if you have a different release or distribution just about all of this will apply.
NOTE 1: Ignore the Ubuntu haters. In FOSS you can choose to tinker for weeks with your machine, and the world is a better place for all those who do, but as new users you should not have this foisted upon you. Start with a distribution that works out of the box and tinker when you're ready.
NOTE 2: This talk will stick to the simplest solutions that have worked best in my experience. I am certain that there are more elegant ways of doing this, and I welcome suggestions. However, please consider whether your approach assumes a level of proficiency that others haven't attained yet.
Let's get started...
HARDWARE
Please try to use hardware that is known to be compatible with Linux. It will save you time, money, and tears.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY HARDWARE IS SUPPORTED?
IF YOU HAVE A COMPUTER ALREADY:
The easiest way is to run an Ubuntu live CD on your prospective Linux machine. As far as I know, Ubuntu has the best hardware compatibility in Linux, so chances are if something doesn't work on Ubuntu, it won't work on another distribution. That's just a rule of thumb, of course, but it has worked for me.
If the live CD boots into the OS including the DE, your video card works at least for simple use, as do your mouse and keyboard;
If you can connect to the internet via ethernet, your network card works;
If you can use wireless internet, your wireless adapter works;
If you can use "broadband mobile", that works too;
If you can enable desktop effects, your graphics card is compatible and your graphics driver is working nicely;
If you can enable restricted drivers (requires internet access) and play youtube videos, etc, you are probably set.
IF YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT A COMPUTER:
Alternatively, if you have not bought a computer, then a great list to consult is the Ubuntu Certified Hardware page:
It's not an exhaustive list of computers that will run Ubuntu by any means, but if you can get a computer from that list then you have the security of official certification from Canonical and the manufacturers.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING AT COMPONENTS:
There are many websites that will help you. Just google "Linux compatible hardware" and read through.
GENERAL TIPS:
- Prefer Nvidia graphics cards
- Don't skimp on RAM
- Don't skimp on an internal HDD (Western Digital recommended)
- Don't skimp on an external HDD (Western Digital recommended)
- Avoid Broadcom wireless adapters.
Alexander Garber
Director
Clockwork PC
Clockwork PC
Open Source IT Solutions
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