Linux, that is a
name that is not heard too much among basic computer users. Well I
always heard I could take an old PC and put a different,
non-Microsoft operating system on it. I heard this system now had a
graphical interface. I also read that most install of this could run
a browser, email, view web media and play my media files. I also
heard that most came out of the “box” with a word processor, vis
calc look alike and and presentation program, that was compatible to
big bad MS Office. And I heard that most slowing machines worked a
little better because the Linux system was not small compared to many
MS operating system.
I cautiously
entered the game. I found a very old machine that was locked up as
Windows XP with a lost user password. Yes I know this can be worked
around, but the machine was a Pentium 4 with very little memory. I
had blown it back to MS 98se and it moved pretty good, but continued
to have hassles. I pounced. I got a Linux Ubuntu disk on Amazon for
10 USD. It would boot. I tried the install it took a long time and
never really looked right. Later I found out they had lighter
versions and I tried that and had some success with that box.
I had just upgraded
my junk, play machine (different than above) up to Windows Vista and
it had quite a few issues, but I could use it to email, browse with
Firefox and get frustrated at about every thing. Linux disk still on
the desk, I put them in and pretty much did a boot-able install of
Linux. Unit still had to work off DVD and that caused hassles. “Why
not?” I said. Lets go full on a machine that does not have to work
perfectly or could fail any moment. Install went well. One issue was
hard to get around. My machine, and old compact AMD, and Linux did
not want to find a modem to reach the WIFI. Yeah, this was a big
deal. I would like this machine for Facebook, web browsing, and
occasional streaming. Apparently after some hit or miss research this
Linux “distro” does not like Netgear dongles. Matter of fact my
very popular dongle is not supported. (Ok settle down, Linux, “I
can solve anything” crowd.) “Ok, find one that is supported.” I
did an Amazon search and a particular chip set is easly used by my
Xenial Xerus 16.04 distro. Oh and I had that little WIFI receiver. It
was a Edimax (less than 10 bucks) It is a small as a USB plug in with
a plastic cap. Tiny. I plugged it in and Linux recognized it. No
problem, full, not speedy access.
Now I had to put a
few programs on that machine. I went to net. That was not too great.
Very confusing instructions about how to install programs. In Linux
you really do not want to go to programing screen and start punching
around. My distro came with a “Ubuntu Software” app. Use that.
It has a few browsers, games, tools, several media programs and a
host of other higher level stuff. Your distro it seems, comes with a
lot of programs on it. It is a DVD and they fill it. Also when you
can access the net the Ubuntu Software app will allow workable
programs to be downloaded from them. Most are free that I can tell.
OK, what did I end
up with. I found Firefox gives me pretty much full access to the
Google word of Email and services. You could use Linux to just build
a Google machine I think. I use gmail, and found a widget that I can
touch to go to email if Firefox is going. The distro put on a unity
desktop that is pretty simple, and it came with file access, Firefox,
Libre Writer, Libre Office Calc, and Libre Office empress. So far the
word-processor seams fine. I added VLC to handle music and video. I
also just played and open GL game called Super Tux Cart that ran
fine.
This is not my
first walk outside the gate. I have used free ware to do a lot of
things MS wants to charge for. Some are very good programs. But now I
have a machine that big computer does not really own. And I think
I’ll keep it, if it turns on next time.
Scott.
I guess I wrote this because when I started listening to radio no streaming was available. We guessed it would happen. Then you had to have an expensive computer with expensive soft ware to listen to streams. Then progress took over and we could stream on phones, wifi radios and all kinds of browser enable stuff. Even a game machine or two. I wrote this to celebrate leaving the MS world on one machine I own. I have gotten streams to work. You will need a Flash plugin in at least a Linux Firefox setup. I also feel the Lord could use this technology to allow older machines to be put in the hands of poorer families. I have not worked that out yet, but I am playing with Linux and learning. Still Blogging about Jesus and Radio. SWT
