Newbie looking for advice

Linux Support
1

Hi,
Up until today, I always thought linux was a cli based system where everything had to be typed regarding what you wanted to do, that is until an old friend got me interested in it.
What I would like to know is, first off I’ll tell you what system I have;
Motherboard : Asus M3A76-CM
Processor : AMD Athlon 64 (X2) 5200+
Ram : 3GB
Graphics Card : Nvidia 6200 Turbocache
TV Card : PEAK 138508AGPK DVB-T Digital TV Hybrid PCI Card
Fax Modem

Will I have any problems with installing my hardware? And what about installing my printers (I have HP and read that HP are ok) but will I be able to use the CD’s that came with them to install them and their supporting SW, the same goes with my monitors, I have an ASUS and a Samsung (came with an installation CD).

Also, will I be able to install software such as NERO10, Cyberlink PowerDirector, Daniusoft Media Converter, DivX Plus, EayMpeg MX, Real Player, Real Player Games, GIMP(think I read this is ok), Chrome (what other browsers work), Imageshack uploader, Irfanview, Logitech Keyboard & Mouse, Mediainfo, Asureus (VUZE), Peerblock, Surething CD/DVD labeller, TVersity - Link to XboX, VLC Media Player, Email Client - Thunderbird, Paint.NET.
What defragging SW works too, I use Defraggler (IObit) and what about cleaning the registry (CCleaner). and is there any free Fax SW out there?.
What about the SW for my phones, Sony Ericsson and Nokia (Soney Ericsson PC Suite, Nokia PC Suite and Nokia OVI Suite).

How much disc spaace does it take up after being installed? I have a 500Gb Boot drive and 2 X 250 Gb and 1 X 1Tb HD’s.
What’s the difference between the 32bit and the 64bit versions as on the download page it recomends the 32bit version.

2

Hi, you shouldn’t have any problems with your base hardware, indeed it’s an almost ideal configuration. Your TV card might prove to be more of a challenge, but I think it should be possible to get it going.

HP printers, “most” work perfectly, just be aware that there were a few models historically that were always painful, the 1015’s and 1016’s (I think they were the numbers, maybe 1010’s) never worked properly, but I think that’s about it.

Most of the software you quote is available for Linux, some isn’t (Xbox Link?).

  • there is no defrag software for Linux (**) , it’s design means it’s not required.

A typical server install is under 1G, a typical workstation 2-3G.

The 64-bit version will only run on a 64-bit processor (which you have) and will run “faster” than the 32-bit.

Lots of fax software about, the traditional package would be “hylafax”, althouth it’s 15 years since I used it (!)

The workstation download defaults to 32-bit, the server to 64-bit, this is a dumb “ubuntuism”, always choose the architecture to match your CPU unless you have a specific need for a given architecture.

(**) there is actually a command line utility that will defrag, but you will never need to use it.

3

Hi and thanks for the quick reply.
The printers I have are, 2 photosmart - 325 & D5460 and a new? Deskjet3070a.
The one to link the Xbox can be used to link most consoles e.g. Playstations, I used to use a different one but it didn’t work properly.
I am trying to dowload the .iso files (both 32 and 64 bit) but it’s proving a bit tempramental. When I have done this I will ‘try it out’ first and then if I like it I will install it on my PC.
What I want to do is forget Windows and do a ‘Fresh install’ - wipe windows, format HD and install Ubuntu as I dont really want to use Windows anymore if Ubuntu is as good as it says it is.
When I install Ubuntu, will it format my HD and then install itself? If not,how do I format my boot drive then install Ubuntu?

Pete

4

Hi pooky and welcome to the forums. I’d like you to remember that Linux won’t run Windows programs, not on it’s own anyway. This is where WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator). This program is open-source and free just like the thousands of free software available in the repositories. WINE will run Windows programs, but only some. If you’d like to see which programs it run, you can check out the App database by clicking here..

There are currently over 10,500 application entries, each with their own bug reports and regression tests.

Some of the software you have mentioned, there are actually native version for them in Linux. Things such as:

Chrome
Firefox
Thunderbird
GIMP
Vuze

However the software you have listed, such as:

Nero 10
Peerblocker
Cyberlink Power Director
Danusoft Media Converter
DivX plus
Easy MPEG MX
etc etc

There are native alternatives for them. You’ll find that files such as DivX actually play in VLC without the need of having a DivX player, VLC is also available for windows and is probably one of the most flexible multi-platform media players. It’s has nearly every codec imaginable.

When you goto install Ubuntu (or any other distro of choice, see http://linux.co.uk/category/distros for the most popular ones) it will confront you with a choice. You can either:

a) Install Ubuntu - and let it do all of the work. It will format, and then install Ubuntu for you.

b) You can use the advanced partition editor, to select how much space you want to use, and where you want to install it.

It might be worth noting, that “/” is root. That should be where you “mount” the install. You should also, use EXT2 for the filesystem type.

Being a Linux operating system, it will be able to recognize lots of different filesystem types. Such as Windows’ FAT/NTFS, or Mac’s HFS/HFS Plus filesystem. With a Linux based operating system, YOU have the freedom to do whatever you want to it. You are in control of YOUR computer.

Your printers should be fine. Can I just ask, what does this “TVersity” actually do?

5

TVersity is a network filesharing program that can also share to consoles.

6

Ah I see, well there is a program called “Ushare” which will do the samething. It’s not too hard to set-up, it does require some terminal commands but we’ll guide you through that, if/when you decide to install a Linux distro. :slight_smile:

7

thats a 'beyond me monemt…Move hand over head going ‘whoosh!’ lol

I’ve burned the 32/64bit iso’s so I’m going to try it now, back in a bit. :slight_smile:

8

I’ve got a problem.
I burned the 64 bit iso version to disc then rebooted and selected to install on drive c over windows.
I left it installing and left the room, when I came back, the two monitors I have connected to the TV card were blank and telling me there’s no signal.
I took the leads out of the TV card and connected them to the onboard output but still no picture.
I dont know what to do now, even rebooted and still nothing, the CD/DVD drawer won’t even open???
HELP

9

OK, did you test the CD/DVD by selecting “Try Ubuntu” before installing ?

I take it the BIOS / POST screen is displaying when you turn the PC on ?

10

yes, I tried it.
Theres NOTHING coming up on screen… No signal.
Iv’e tried reinstalling Windows but nothing happens.

11

I take it this is a desktop system, not a laptop ?

I’m guessing whatever card (“TV card” ?) you had installed that the monitors were connected to has disabled the graphics card … you may have to remove the card and reset the BIOS to re-enable the graphics adapter.

is there an “onboard” graphics card as well as your nVidia card ?

[EDIT]

I am however a bit baffled as to how you connected 2 monitors to a “TV Card” ??

12

I’m thinking that too but unsure as my second monitor is connected to the DVI and the other to the normal connector, when I had problems with that, I connected my old monitor to the onboard output and could see what I was doing. Don’t know if it’s the TV card causing the problem but I will have a go removing it to see if that works and yes, it is desktop system I am trying to sort out and talking her via laptop.

13

if when your system boots you don’t even see the POST screen … then it’s not Linux related, it’s hardware … so remove BOTH the TV and nVidia card and see if the onboard springs to life … if it does … install Ubuntu, then shut down, add the nVidia card back in … boot up and accept the “Additional Drivers” that should be offered … shut down, add the TV card back in … boot up.

That’s would be the way I’d do it … though you could try it with just the TV card removed … or whatever works :wink:

[EDIT]

Unlike Windows, changing the hardware after an install shouldn’t cause the OS to throw a wobbly :slight_smile: … it should just sort the drivers out for you.

14

You were right, it WAS the TV card causing problems, I took it out and it’s now working. Going through the install process.

Thanks :slight_smile:

15

Sorry, NOT the TV card but My nVidia graphics card.

My graphics card has 2 outpots, standard connector and a DVI connector.

16

No problem … when you have it up and running, let us know and we’ll find a solution to getting the TV card installed and working :slight_smile:

17

Ah right … as I said, set it up with the nVidia left out … once it’s up and running, add the nVidia card back in … if you are left at a blank screen after the login screen, let us know … there is a workaround for that :slight_smile:

Can you post the model of nVidia card.

[EDIT]

Ignore that last question … just spotted this:

Graphics Card : Nvidia 6200 Turbocache

Checking for the solution now :slight_smile:

[EDIT 2]

Actually a workaround may not be necessary, so let’s wait and see what happens when you plug it back in.

Before you plug the nVidia card back in … check to see if there is a setting in the BIOS where you select Onboard, or PCIe/AGP (add-in card) … some BIOS’s need you to manually switch rather than it being automatically switched when you insert the add-in GFX card.

18

Just doing a bit of housework on it, moving files back to C and other stuff.
Thanks for your help so far, it’s a fantastic OS.

19

No problem :slight_smile:

it's a fantastic OS.

No argument there :wink:

20

“TV card” that made me giggle a bit. I’m guessing your “standard” connector is VGA. Anyway, hope all is good for you atm. (: