Off season pastimes

[Guest]

Most boat modellers build in the winter and sail in the summer but my workshop is too cold for building so winter is off-season.

To fill the time I normally 'mess' with my computer, generally managing to require two complete reinstalls per season, so this year I thought I'd try something new, linux.

I browsed for info, of which there is lots, ordered several "live CD's" and tried them all, finally settling on the current install which seems to work quite well.

There is still much to learn but I'm gradually making headway.

Anyone else use Linux?

J.

[Guest]

Not myself but some of the equipment on the ship uses a Linux based software because of its inherent stability. I read a bit about it a few years ago and although never had the courage to try it from what I heard those who did were very pleased with it.

[Guest]

Yup, i have dual-boot linux on most of my systems! You cant actually go wrong with linux although it does take awhile to get your head around.

A good program is "auditor systems" linux as its just a bootable cd that loads into your ram (doesnt touch the os) and runs off that. Its primarily used for WEP hacking/Wardriving and other wireless applications but its a great way to learn linux without actually installing it...

Which version are you using?

[John]

I keep saying I'm going to try Linux but never got round to it, I've tried those bootalbe disc's there ok for a quick look at it but not recommended, I have a mate that loves it his favourite saying it, it said on the box requires windows 95 or better, so I installed Linux

[Guest]

John, i quite agree, perfect for an introduction but not so perfect if you intend on actually using it as an OS.

What about just wacking it on an old P3 box or something? thats what i did?

[Guest]

It is a common misconception that Linux is is safer (less vulnerable to to viri/trojans/hacking) and uses less system resources than XP. If people tried to use their Linux OS to do the things to meet an average households needs, it would struggle, as you would be writing drivers for your hardware for the rest of your life, and you would have just as many processes running in the background. Also you would have to trawl the internet forever and a day to find reliable bug free software.

XP meets the needs of those that want ease of use and accesibillity (Since service pack 2, I have not witnessed a single crash or had any virui whatsoever. Using standard windows firewall + router firewall + AVG antivirus) I run four computers on my home network 2 of which are never switched off (Apart from 6 monthly dust outs).

Some of my friends are Linux addicts (I hardly see them, they are always busy trying to find out why the latest home written drivers are crashing their OS). Getting back to the virus and hacking issue. Another guy i know, looks after a linux based server system for Norwich Union, they are constantly under attack from wannabe hackers and such. He believes that because Linux is open source it is far easier to hack and write successful viri for. It is just that the virus/trojan or hack does not get the same media coverage as a MS aimed virus, also most Linux users are unaware they have a virus or Trojan untill it is too late ( This is because antivirus programmes for Linux ar far and few between, even rarer is one that actually works, is updated regularly and doesnt cost the earth). Linux systems that are in everyday use equates to less than 5 percent of all OS's in common everyday use.

If you can programme and have lots and lots of free time get Linux. But I cannot see the benefit. XP works and works superfast when you strip a few unneeded background services.

[Guest]

Wow Tiger, never realised you were so versed in os's.

I would agree, that linux's biggest problem is that its OS but then again it does have that in its favour because for every script kiddie theres ten programmers working against him. Also theres so many versions, some are a lot more secure that others.

Unix is the elitest OS in my opinion, its hardcore, secure and used my most!

But essentially i would agree that for 99% of users a "sorted" XP install would be best!

[Guest]

I'm not really that into OS's and such. I do 3d graphics for our big screens at work so things like Maya/3D Studio/ and Studio max are my gig. I need speed when rendering. For the price and stabillity necessary when rendering complex 3d animations, I have found XP (Stripped) and a good P4 unmatched in the current market. I operate a dual boot on my favourite machine. 1 partition with a stripped xp (13 background processes) for rendering and other artwork. The other is full on with all the bells and whistles for gaming and other online activities.

Wanna see some of my stuff for the clubs? go here http://www.streamload.com/TIGERTC

and download file mp1nexutardis.mpg its been compressed down to 12mb from high definition but you will get the idea 1920x1080 but you will get the idea.

[Guest]

OOOO WOW YOUR MY NEW BEST FRIEND!!!!!! i love maya, c4d and byrce. Before i got into this whole model lark i was a graphics designer working with PS and Quark.

I run dual screens, 2gb pc3200, amd althon O/C'ed to 2.6/333 and thats all i really need but i agree linux doesnt like rendering quite as much, mind you i would kill for a sunmicro setup!

Nice animation there dude, that must of taken a fair bit of time to produce! Whats nexus? like a cinema/club type thing? Do you have any more artwork/vids we can see?

Gaming pc....o0o0o0 dont surpose you play BF2?

[Guest]

Nexus is one of the nightclubs that the company i work for own. We use the segments of video like genre dividers. Like the Dj will play 20 minutes of r&b then to break it up play the vid sequence with a lighting show into a big tune of another genre. The tardis one was quite fast to render only about 3 hours in total.

there is another segment which is'nt finished yet, where the camera zooms into the tardis and pans around revealing the nightclub interior.. All the 3d work is done...I just need some free puter time to set it to render, this one will be a 24 hour job i reckon. Which i normally split into 3 hour render segments so that if one bit gets corrupted i havent lost the whole thing. I will upload some more stuff later. I do try to keep my stuff simple, as complicated lighting and texturing often leads to several attempts at getting the sequence bug free.

I have never used a sun machine. I guess its a case of what you dont have you dont miss. My trusty 2.5g P4 does me just fine and is actually faster at rendering than my AMD64bit machine (AmD's run too hot).

[Guest]

I finally I

[Guest]

Having worked with UNIX since 1984 it is a very stable and secure system. It is not so prone to Viruses (mainly because there are so many holes in MiscroSoft systems to exploit). It is also able to handle more threads and multi-tasking than XP. The commands were the basis for MS-DOS and it was the inspiration for many features of XP today (most obvious is the networking).

Linux is lighter weight than XP, requiring less memory and processing power but does not have the same range of software or drivers available. This is not so much of an issue as it once was as manufacturers now support Linus and there are 10,000 little UNIX gurus out there writing drivers.

The graphical interface is a bit different and takes a little getting used to, the range of software is limited but the majority is free and the software is often more feature rich.

[Guest]

You maybe need to clarify which piece of software for Unix/Linux is morefeature rich and bug free than the equivelant for XP. As I have a tattoo of Bill gates on my bum. If there actually is such a piece of software, I will remove the tattoo with a blunt spoon dipped in salt. I will then have the tattoo tanned and posted to Bill with a note reading "you suck! Rat boy"

(excluding server software, now your buggered!)

[Guest]

In answer to Squify, I am using PClinux as it was one of the few that supported my USB printer "out of the box".

There are lots to choose from, however, and most carry the standard 'office' progs , equivalent to Microsoft Office, as part of the setup. The KDE desktop is similar to the normal Windows stuff so any Windows user should find their way around without any difficulty.

As for "trawling the net", tigertc , there realy is no reason to do so as most of the linux progs are available from a small number of repository sites, perhaps your friends are just curious to see just what is available.

You quote your friend in a financial institution but appear to miss the point. The institutions are the target, not linux/unix, I for one should be concerned if my bank used Windows to keep my account in order.

If you haven't actually tried a "distribution" then give it a try, you could be pleasantly surprised. One problem you will face however is the number of choices you have, quite unlike Windows. Any prospective user should visit http://www.linuxnewbieguide.org/ which gives an overview, potential LiveCD's should include PClinuxOS, Knoppix, Linspire and Ubuntu/Kubuntu but there are many more, just google for "Linux" and you will get a whole heap of sites.

I have crashed WinXP simply by installing progs written for it, if you have have escaped that fate then you are lucky. Also, with a minimal machine set up with a modem/router including a built-in firewall, I can pass the "Shields-Up test, something rather uncommon for a Windows machine. Anti Virus progs do exist but Linux is far less suceptible to virus/ trojan attack so i do not need to ensure i have the latest updated software installed.

J

[Guest]

I have just added a signature to my profile, click on it to see just one Linux

'distro'.

J.