[RESOLVED] Here is the deal
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    Resolved [RESOLVED] Here is the deal

    I've never even dabbled in Linux...so complete noob here.

    I have an older Dell computer, Pentium 4, probably a 2.4Ghz. I was thinking to try Linux on it. Where would I get drivers? Cause Dell only has drivers for XP or Vista. This comp was given to me as part trade, for building a brand new one.
    I thought about just dropping an xp load one it, but then decided, why not LInux.

    Anyone want to give me the guided tour?

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    I've found Ubuntu is pretty good at having most of the drivers necessary.I've installed it on my Toshiba Netbook and ran it from a Live usb http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=811397,on my newest build , until my copy of Win7 arrived .It worked flawlessly ,and allowed me Internet access and provided me with a distraction during the wait.
    Win 7
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    Thanks wonderinguy, I'll check it out.

    Did I mention the computer has no harddrive yet. I would just install Linux not run from USB, in fact, I doubt this 7 year old computer will boot from USB.

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    Ubuntu can boot and run directly from a 'Live CD', (although this is usually slower than running Ubuntu from a HD. This allows the user to test-drive the OS for hardware compatibility and driver support. The CD also contains the Ubiquity installer, which can then guide the user through the permanent installation process. Installing from the CD requires a minimum of 256 MiB of RAM.

    http://www.ubuntu.com/

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_...ting_system%29

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_cd

    http://livecdlist.com/

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    Okay Doc. Thanks. I'll look things over when I get time.

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    Boot from the CD and run it "Live" first, if everything works OK, then you know that you won't have to hunt for drivers. Ubuntu is particularly good with driver support, and rarely has a problenm with even the very latest hardware, let alone older stuff
    Nick.

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    Yeah, well, I have a few weeks to wait because I forgot the dvd drive in this computer is bad. I've been meaning to order another but things seem to get in the way.

    but I'll do that what you said Nick.

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    New CD/DVD burners usually run about $20 or so.

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_sc...ner&sort=price

    --

    Did you look in the BIOS to see if it has the option to boot from USB?

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    I was going to suggest booting from a USB drive, that's what I usually do, but I assumed that the PC would be too old. If it can boot from USB, a 1 or 2 GB stick is all that you need. You can make a bootable USB stick very easily with either of these:

    UNetbootin

    Universal USB Installer
    Nick.

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    It's too old for USB boot Nick, I tried that when I had to work on it once.

    Doc, I know the prices are low but right now I can't rub two nickels toether to make a dime.

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    Sorry to hear that.

    Here's hoping that'll change soon.

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    Oh it will. I'm on a fixed income. I pay the bills, and usually have no money left to buy extras.

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    Quote Originally Posted by photolady View Post
    It's too old for USB boot Nick, I tried that when I had to work on it once.

    ODD??? My old Athlon 1.2 Ghz(circa 1999-2000 ) would boot from USB,the USB stick had to be plugged in before USB will show up in the BIOS boot options though.Granted it was a homebuilt and not a Branded computer i.e. DELL.

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    Does it currently have Windows on it? because you can run the Ubuntu installer (wubi ) from within windows.

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    No, it doesn't even have a hdd in there yet. I haven't decided which one I want to use.

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