Mandrake Linux 8.2: A Newbie Tries His First Linux Install
Written: Apr 19 '02 (Updated Apr 21 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Free distribution, easier to install than Windows.
Cons: Lacks trouleshooting, settings on some hardware, and software support by vendors.
The Bottom Line: The transition from the Windows World to that of Linux has far exceeded my expectations for ease of installation and usability.
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| rpllingrock's Full Review: Mandrake Linux |
If you’re a Windows user and had the notion to try Linux, Mandrake can ease this transition from Windows by allowing a nearly trouble free installation with hardware support that surprised even me.
I tested Mandrake Linux 8.2 on the following configuration:
AMD Athlon 1.33 GHz , 512 MB RAM, Nvidia GeForce 2 MMX video (64 MB).
Linux, Not For The Squeamish
I base this whole opinion on my experience with Linux based on the Mandrake install. I’ve not had any previous experience with Linux, UNIX, or any OS besides Windows, and of course DOS. So why bother? Well I was impressed by the many articles written in praise of Linux and how it beats Windows hands down. I was also influenced by a fellow moderator at Bluehawq’s Nest, xiphoid, who in my opinion, knows her way around a Linux box! ;)
If you’re looking for an in-depth comparison between different distributions or an in-depth review of Linux itself, then stop reading. This is based on a newbie’s attempt at installing Mandrake.
Why Mandrake?
Since most of the GUI’s for Linux are free and can be downloaded, Mandrake along with a few others played into my final decision. I chose Mandrake because of the many reviews I’ve read here on Epinions and other sites, which praise it for its ease of installation and it tendency to be less problematic recognizing and configuring hardware than RedHat.
From what I gather, Mandrake has, since its inception, attempted to appeal to Windows users, where as Red Hat concentrated more on business applications.
The download took a little over 2 ½ hours and included 2 files in ISO format which I burned easily with Easy CD Creator. At the very least, you must download the Install ISO. Actually, you can start the install process from within Windows and creating your install diskettes if needed.
The second ISO contains many add-on programs and tools, and I found it worth my while to download it, as it does contain tools and apps such as an UnTar, VNC, and a host of other free programs, games, tools, and utilities. This will save you from seeking and downloading them later on.
The Preparation
I had an old 6 GB HD lying around so I threw it in my current box and had Partition Magic run its magic. I dedicated this whole drive to the OS with the exception of 150 MB for the swap partition. I just didn’t feel safe installing it alongside my dual-boot system (XP Home/Pro) I had installed already, so this separate drive allowed me the security of knowing that the chances were slim that it would adversely affect this drive. Should the Mandrake install fail, I was only one boot into DOS away from getting my system back.
I suggest reading through the Adobe PDF documentation (about 9 MB) before attempting an install to familiarize yourself with what’s about to take place on your system.
It would be a good idea to check on available drivers for your hardware. There’s a rule here, the installation depends on your system not being too old or too new. One thing to keep in mind is drivers. Many of the Linux drivers are not written by or supported by the manufacturers. These, along with Linux itself, are supported by programmers from all over the World, and in most cases, for free.
Installation
I don’t want this review to turn into a FAQ for Mandrake install, so I’ll try to cover some of the things I came across during my install.
Since the install ISO which was previously burned is bootable, all that was necessary was to change the Boot sequence in my BIOS to boot from CD-ROM. While you’re in there you might as well change the setting “PNP OS Installed?” to NO. This will allow DrakX, the graphical installation program, to recognize most if not all hardware on your system. You will have to make a few choices here and there but nothing too critical, unless you consider choosing your country critical. In that case, may I suggest you not install Linux at all!
I chose the easy route and allowed DrakX to do most of the work. I only intercepted it to change the location and partition where I wanted it installed. According to the docs, it can coincide right in your Windows directory if you want, but performance will be hampered, and it is suggested that you create its own Linux based partition, which I did earlier.
So what did it not recognize? Nothing! Even my MS Optical USB mouse is functional. The Nvidia card was recognized but the bit depth is restricted to 16 for whatever reason. Even a driver upgrade from their site had little effect.
Within 25 minutes, I was up and running with my new OS! Much faster than any previous Windows upgrade, that’s for sure! ;)
The sad part is I have no reference point. It is impossible for me to compare one distribution of Linux over another. But I will say this, Mandrake Linux installed without a single hitch and I’m glad I chose it.
It’s Installed, Now What?
• Well, if you’re a Windows user, particularly Windows XP, you’re greeted by a somewhat familiar interface. Personally, I found the KDE interface a much closer match than the included Gnome. One of the first things I noticed is the lack of font smoothing. You can choose anti-aliasing which cleans it up a bit, but not to the point where it removes that stair-stepped jagged looking font.
With what resembles a Windows Control Panel, users are able to make specific changes to their system in a familiar environment. What’s missing here is a little MS wizardry, or something to make changes a bit less daunting.
• Included are 2 web browsers, Mozilla, a Netscape spin-off, and the KDE Browser. Since I’m more familiar with Netscape, this tends to be my browser of choice. What I found very disappointing though, was the exclusion of any pre-installed Java package. Several attempts to install it were futile via Netscape. So I sit here Java-less! ;)
• Mediocre word processing and spreadsheet programs. Just like MS, Mandrake includes these offerings as a taste of what’s really out there, and for most users, it will suffice until your needs change. StarOffice from SUN would be a wiser choice, which includes a plethora of useful applications.
• Depending on your choices during the install, you may have access to messaging programs such as ICQ, e-mail clients, and a host of board, action and mind games.
• Installing software usually requires a lengthy battle with the console. (similar to the MS-DOS prompt window)
• As time goes on, and I make adjustments to the interface to more closely emulate Windows, I am much more comfortable behind the keyboard. Some of the changes include replacing fonts, removing the single click on programs to start, and other configuration to make me feel at home! ;)
• I recommend purchasing a good book on Linux if you intend on doing any serious work besides just tinkering. Although I haven’t made up my mind on which to purchase, I have found several that were worthy of a look. Check out your local library or book store before ordering online.
Two books I’m looking at currently:
Complete Idiot's Guide to Linux (yes, I’m an idiot)
Sams Teach Yourself Mandrake Linux in 24 Hours (Teach Yourself -- 24 Hours) Don’t let the name fool you. It is made up of 24 individual lone hour lessons.
Problems So Far
• Since my printer is connected to a print server via my SMC 7004BR router, I am having a difficult time getting consistent print jobs.
• After the initial install, you may need to configure your Internet connection. This may not be a problem if you have an external modem, or one that is not a winmodem. Linux and winmodems do not like to play nicely together as I’ve found out.
• Troubleshooting problems? What problems? That’s what it seems like. Any problems I’ve encountered had to be researched via the newsgroups of various web sites. It would have been nice to include something which resembles a wizard of some sort. Maybe I’m asking too much here. Is it possible I’ve held MS’s hand a bit too long?
But I love Windows!
• There is hope. Included on the 2nd CD is a Windows emulator generically called Wine. Although buggy, it can enable you to run some MS applications, and get this, without Windows itself installed. Setting it up was a nightmare and I was unable to get a few apps running to my satisfaction. I did manage to get some apps from Office 97 to function, but nothing to write home to mother about. It can and will run MSIE version 5 fairly well.
• Another project called Lindows OS, makes the promise of allowing you to run just about any Windows program in the Linux environment. This will be the subject of a later review.
Links
Mandrake
http://www.linux-mandrake.com
Linux
http://www.linux.org
Resource for downloading ISO’s
http://www.linuxiso.org/
Linux modem drivers
http://www.linmodems.org/
Overall
I now have great respect for all Linux and UNIX users after evaluating Mandrake Linux. No longer will I think the world was built around MS Windows and that there is hope for other OS’s besides Windows. It’s just not its time, yet.
Microsoft has nothing to worry about! ;) That’s not to say Mandrake is not an easy install or a bad GUI for the Linux OS, what I am saying is the general computing population (self included) wants plug and play software and hardware, not the meticulous manual installation of software programs and system configuration. Until manufacturers get their collective heads out of MS’s rear, Mandrake and distributions like it, will never make any great strides at toppling the evil empire.
Long Live The Penguin! ;)
Since it doesn’t really hamper my Windows installations, I will leave it there to tinker with from time to time.
Recommended:
Yes
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