Linux on Windows

[Guest]

Linux on Windows

Method 1

Cygwin is a Linux-like environment for Windows. It consists of two parts: A
DLL (cygwin1.dll) which acts as a Linux API emulation layer providing
substantial Linux API functionality. Cygwin also includes a collection of
tools, which provide Linux familiarity.
This CD contains all the packages of Cygwin in one easy download.
http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/~instcd/iso/index.html

Method 2

Damn Small Linux - N
Linux Distro
Free

DSL-N is built on Damn Small Linux technology. DSL-N is also small, bigger
than DSL but smaller than most. DSL-N provides a reliable, and compact array
of applications based mostly on the GTK2 libraries.

DSL-N is not an evolution of DSL, it is not intended as progress over the
philosophy of DSL, but is intended for a different user, or the same user
under different circumstances.

Features of DSL-N:
it is small
it has software which is feature full
it takes advantage of redundant lib dependencies and suits to pack features
into a tight distribution
DSL-N has a modern kernel and does not squeeze out critical modules that
would limit compatibility

Like DSL, DSL-n can:

* Boot from from a CD as a live Linux distribution (LiveCD)
* Boot from a USB pen drive
* Boot from within a host operating system (that\'s right, it can run
*inside* Windows)
* Run very nicely from an IDE Compact Flash drive via a method we call
\"frugal install\"
* Transform into a Debian OS with a traditional hard drive install
* Run fully in RAM
* Modularly grow -- DSL-N is highly extendable without the need to customize
The applications in DSL-N were chosen because they are functional, usable,
and relatively compact. Unlike DSL, DSL-N has GTK2 applications, that means
DSL-N will need more ram and CPU cycles than DSL. To have a pleasant
experience, we recommend at least 64MBs and 300MHz.

DSL-N, unlike DSL, does not have a hard size cap, but it is being developed
by the DSL team, and we hate bloat! So, don\'t expect DSL-N to get too big.
http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/dsl-n/

The above methods are for people tip-toeing into Linux without wiping
Windows off their machines or duel booting.

Any comments please,

Is duel boot better ?

What if you need XP, Linux and Mac all on the same machine, is multi boot
possible ?

 

[Robert Moir]

Any comments please,

Consider virtualisation. Virtual PC is a good product. Virtual Server and
VMWare server are not as user friendly but are free. VMWare player is also
free and may do what you need.

Is duel boot better ?

Better than what? While automated tools have made it easier for the user to
get this going, it is the most complex of all the possible solutions and in
my experience the most likely to cause future problems.

Running cygwin won't give you a good flavour of running Linux, I'll tell you
that now.
Cygwin is a superb bit of software and should be on any serious user's
computer IMHO but it does a different job to what you seem to be expecting
it to do.

Live Linuxes (e.g. run from CD without affecting the computer) are very good
ways to sample Linux and a representative set of software packages, but not
perhaps to use it seriously. This is where dual booting might be attractive,
if something prevents you from using virtualisation.

If you want to try a Live Linux, I'm a big fan of Knoppix -
http://www.knoppix.org/
There are also Live versions of Ubuntu available. Ubuntu is generating a lot
of noise at the moment and is well worth a look. (www.ubuntu.com for proper
ubuntu site, http://www.gnoppix.org/ for a Live version).

What if you need XP, Linux and Mac all on the same machine, is multi
boot possible ?

There is no legal way of using Mac OSX on a "normal" PC (e.g. one not from
Apple) so the point is moot.

If you want to use OSX, you'll need to buy an Apple. If you do that, then I
suggest you get parallels Virtualisation tool and use that to work with both
Linux and Windows on that machine.

--
--
Rob Moir, Microsoft MVP for Security
Blog Site - http://www.robertmoir.com
Virtual PC 2004 FAQ - http://www.robertmoir.co.uk/win/VirtualPC2004FAQ.html
I'm always surprised at "professionals" who STILL have to be asked:
"Have you checked (event viewer / syslog)".

 

[HeyBub]

Linux on Windows

Method 1
Method 2

"A woman in the pulpit is like a dog raised up on its hinder legs. It is not
done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all." Samuel Johnson.

 

[Guest]

Rob Moir, Thank you very much for you advice,

Kubuntu is in the news lately, very true, there are so many Linux
distributions, choices unlimited.

"Kubuntu v6.06 for AMD64. Kubuntu is a user friendly operating system
based on KDE, the K Desktop Environment. With a predictable 6
month release cycle and part of the Ubuntu project, Kubuntu is the
GNU/Linux distribution for everyone." ...so their blurb goes...

"TheOpenCD project aims to introduce users of MS-Windows to the
benefits of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). We include only
the highest quality programs, which have been carefully tested for
stability and which we consider appropriate for a broad audience. We
provide a description and screen-shots of each program, so you can
get an idea of what it does before installing. All these applications
install and un-install cleanly, so you can be comfortable testing them
with the knowledge that they will not adversely affect your system. The
programs on the disc are all distributed under an Open Source
License (OSI approved), which allows you to freely use and distribute
them. You may even change the programs using the source code,
which we make available, and distribute your own modified versions,
provided you then in turn make the source code available, and give
appropriate credit to past contributors. It also includes the Unbuntu
5.10 Live Operating System on the same disc.
http://www.theopencd.org/..... This OpenCD sound interesting.

I am not sure if Kubuntu and Unbuntu are basically the same, will read
up on them.

Basically Windows Media Centre is nifty, but only runs on Windows OS
and, Final Cut Pro video editor, is expensive, but great and only runs
on MacX OS, and so it goes with quite a bit of software.

Mac shop said WindowsXP OS, all Linux distributions, and FreeBSD /
PC-BSD ( which they think MacX OS is basically a derivative of) will all
run on Mac Intel Duel Hardware (G5) but its expensive, while PC
Hardware is cheap but wont "Legally" run MacX OS. not fair !

Virtual PC for Windows there is even a thread in this newsgroup for it.
WindowsOS on a MacX OS with Mac Hardware works, but MacX OS

If you want to use OSX, you'll need to buy an Apple. If you do that,
then I
suggest you get parallels Virtualisation tool and use that to work with
both
.Linux and Windows on that machine.

That sound good, G5 hardware is so dam expensive, and I noticed that
they have slow CPU speeds, even the new Intel duel core Mac's are
only 2.20GHz, PC's go up to 3.6 - 4.0GHz great for HD Video at
1920x1080p.

Also if you want more than 4GB RAM, for HD Video work, you have to
go to 64bit machines and then a lot of software has problems.

But I think your advice is very wise, Mac Hardware (G5) with all three OS's
on board is the way to go.

Thank You.

 

[Guest]

HeyBud, Guess What !

Its going to be Windows and Linux on a Mac, now thats fair !

 

[Robert Moir]

Rob Moir, Thank you very much for you advice,

Kubuntu is in the news lately, very true, there are so many Linux
distributions, choices unlimited.

It also includes the Unbuntu
5.10 Live Operating System on the same disc.
http://www.theopencd.org/..... This OpenCD sound interesting.

It is. Very good. The reason I didn't reccomend it is that its currently
built of an older version of Ubuntu.

I am not sure if Kubuntu and Unbuntu are basically the same, will read
up on them.

same back-end stuff with a different windows manager (desktop, basically).

Basically Windows Media Centre is nifty, but only runs on Windows OS
and, Final Cut Pro video editor, is expensive, but great and only runs
on MacX OS, and so it goes with quite a bit of software.

Yep. You can maybe get a "good enough" version of each on one platform. If
you don't want to watch TV then a new Mac with Front Row might have your
media needs covered. If you do want to watch TV on a mac look at Eye TV.

Final Cut Pro... there isn't anything on the PC that good at that job imho.

Mac shop said WindowsXP OS, all Linux distributions, and FreeBSD /
PC-BSD ( which they think MacX OS is basically a derivative of) will
all run on Mac Intel Duel Hardware (G5) but its expensive, while PC
Hardware is cheap but wont "Legally" run MacX OS. not fair !

I use a MacBook. Yes it is arguably a little expensive than the equivilent
PC, but it is money well spent. That presumes that you have the money to
spend in the first place of course.

One final note, the Mac hardware is in a state of change. You mention "G5"
above - this is the old Mac processor. Perfectly good, but won't work with
the Intel stuff.

The Intel Mac hardware available at this time is

MacBook (entry level laptop)
MacBook Pro (higher end laptop)
Mac Mini (really, the media centre or 'front room' PC of the mac world)
iMac ("Consumer" desktop mac.)

All of these will run Mac OSX, Windows & Linux quite happily and with very
good performance. If you're serious about needing Final Cut Pro then you
really only want a MacBook Pro or an iMac of the models above. The Mini and
the MacBook just don't have the graphics ability for where FCP is supposed
to be going.

Virtual PC for Windows there is even a thread in this newsgroup for
it. WindowsOS on a MacX OS with Mac Hardware works, but MacX OS
on Windows OS with PC Hardware is not "Legally" allowed.
Linux seems to work on PC or Mac (OS and Hardware).

That's about the size of it.
Virtual PC for Windows absolutely won't run OS X. That isn't even a "legal"
issue but a straight technical "just won't work".

rob

 

[Guest]

Just up the road from where I live there are a couple of TV stations,
many TV production companies and TV commerical ads agencys, so
often in the local second hand shop, software, including expensive
FCP, etc along with hardware is available. Even very occationally TB
HDD's turn up.

The Mac shop is selling G5's cheap, now I know why, they are clearing
for the new intel versions. They have G5 posters all over the shop. The
shop has sold a lot of the tiny MacMini boxes, but they said I should
stick to iMac full size desktop with jumbo 108cm sized monitor, very,
very expensive.

Funny thing I asked the guys in the Mac shop if Windows Vista Media
Centre would run on a Mac, they all looked at each other, and said why
on earth would you want to, there is better Mac software that does
similar, not same features but for video or TV viewing similar. They all
said once you go to a Mac you won't ever go back to Windows.

Rob Moir, Thank you for your advice and guidence.