So I've got this junker from 2005
that runs OK. It has XP, which of
course isn't good, and there are
all sorts of strange things popping
up on the screen. And I do understand
why that is.
BUT, because of vision problems (as many
of you know) I really don't know much
about computers.
I have wanted to put this machine on LINUX
for years. There are a lot of people around here
with good intentions, but it seems nobody
really has the time. (At least for the foreseeable
future.) We have some of the best computer people
anywhere on this board. So I need help with
this. Is there anyone around out there?
In the meantime, I am mainly using other people's
computers when I can.
Bruce
Believe it or not, I have heard stories about
people not knowing how to turn computers on.
(Not lately, though.)
I don't want anyone to feel pressured, and quite
frankly, if nobody responds I will not be offended.
I'll tell you a few things that I know.
I know there are a lot of different kinds of LINUX,
and some are perfect for old computers. I have
been told that UBUNTU might work, or a version
like it. I know that there are MANY versions of
LINUX, some with strange names, like BRUCE or
CARL. SERIOUSLY -
I know that you can download a version from different
websites - I know it is shareware - I know if is free.
Apparently you can make a mirror image of the
operating system and then put it on your hard
drive. I know you might need a boot disk to
get it running. i know that some people carry
whole LINUX operating systems and programs
and data on thumb drives that they can take
with them. There is some company in Europe
that has a LINUX system already installed on
a thumb drive, and you can buy it and plug it
in apparently.
So that's some stuff I know. I can also provide
the RAM and hardrive space on this old PC, as
well as clock speed.
I'm not typing on "this old PC" right now. And I don't
use it much. I don't like all of the weird junk that
gets in the way of websites.
So anyhow, any experiences or anything
would be cool. Maybe this post narrows
the field down a bit.
As always, best wishes.
Bruce
A word of caution - LINUX really isn't an O/S that is intended for those who 'don't know much about computers'. I'd attempt to do a clean install of XP (if you have the original disks) or perhaps migrate to Vista (depending on your hardware). Vista got a bad rep early on, but it really is solid (after bug fix releases, much like the vaunted Apple's IOS) and most current applications run on it (as opposed to XP where you may have to find older versions). And Vista doesn't have some of the extra security built into Windows 7 & 8 (i.e., in the latter O/S's all device drivers have to be digitally signed, so apps such as Virtual Audio Cable don't run natively - you have to either accept that and find alternatives or remove ALL driver security and run in debug mode). It does take more resources so you have to take a look at your memory & disk space.
LINUX is fine, of course, but you just have to work harder to administer it and get apps to run.
Just saw your last post, Bruce.
I think too much is made in having the latest & greatest computers. Maybe for high speed gaming, but all my computers (play and production) are at least 5 years old and some are much older than that. It all depends on what you want to do and what your expectations are (I run Vista, Windows 7 and on one of my production machines, Windows Server 2003). As an example, if I want to convert an mpg file to xvid, it generally takes me about 2 hours of encoding (two pass) to convert one hour of video. If I had a more modern, faster computer, I could probably get it done in 15 minutes or so, but I don't mind waiting (I generally do that kind of stuff overnight, anyway).
I appreciate the info.
By the way, I tried to listen to Artisan Radio
on the net a while back.
I must have made a mistake because I
couldn't get it.
Best Wishes,
Bruce
My first Windows computer was a consumer level HP model that I found on the curb on trash day, and it was the first stream server for KDX Worldround Radio, with many glitches owing to its slow CPU and harddrive speeds.
Of course I am yet another techo fanatic who tries to re-purpose everything, so I dream about installing Linux on the old HP so I can mess around and learn.
Bruce's mention of the idea reminds me of this wish.
This seems like a good time for a "Project List" to keep track of everything...
CARL'S PROJECT LIST
1.) Install the Big Talker Shortwave Transmitter in metal cabinet;
2.) Build End-Fed Dipole Antenna and broadcast on shortwave;
3.) Complete design of Deep Voice longwave transmitter;
4.) Plan 50-foot vertical antenna and broadcast on longwave;
5.) Repair LPB AM2-20 and AM-5 transmitters and return to carrier current;
6.) Install AMT3000 and begin Indoor Antenna Experiment Station KHZ;
7.) Find girl friend with decent radio voice;
8.) Clear all the branches and trees that fell in the back yard;
9.) Once clear, install underground wiring out to site for outdoor AM antenna;
10.) Obtain digging permit to sink 8' ground rod;
11.) Finish LPH # 96;
12.) Erect 3-meter outdoor stick with ground radials;
13.) Order and build 2nd AMT5000 for outdoor location;
14.) Repair reel-to-reel tape recorder to access vast tape library;
15.) Install Linux on old HP computer and learn alongside Bruce.
It can be done!
But first, ALPB Meeting coming up.
Hi Bruce. It's been up and down lately, but it should be up now (and has been for a little while).
Build End-Fed Dipole Antenna and broadcast on shortwave;
How do you end feed a dipole?
That is not a dipole.
Sounds like a topic for another thread.