Linux Mint 8 Query?

[eltheza]

Hi All !

I'm going to get a Linux Mint 8 live CD and at the moment, I'd just like to have a play around with it and explore, in other words, I don't want to install it yet.

My query is, on my Vista HP laptop, do I need to change the BIOS settings to "boot from disc" to do this, or is that only necessary if I want to install Mint?

I know (I think!) how to change the BIOS settings (Press F10 or summat like that, then choose 'Advanced' ....etc.) - just wonder if I need to do this as I'm only "window shopping", so to speak! Or should that be "Mint shopping"? !

Also, any recommendations for a "Linux for Dummies" manual ?

Thanks very much for any advice !

[Ratae]

May 17, 2010 15:48:52 GMT eltheza said:

Hi All !

I'm going to get a Linux Mint 8 live CD and at the moment, I'd just like to have a play around with it and explore, in other words, I don't want to install it yet.

My query is, on my Vista HP laptop, do I need to change the BIOS settings to "boot from disc" to do this, or is that only necessary if I want to install Mint?

I know (I think!) how to change the BIOS settings (Press F10 or summat like that, then choose 'Advanced' ....etc.) - just wonder if I need to do this as I'm only "window shopping", so to speak! Or should that be "Mint shopping"? !

Also, any recommendations for a "Linux for Dummies" manual ?

Thanks very much for any advice !

Ellie...usually it's F2 to get into the BIOS. Is on all of my lappies anyway! Just tap F2 on startup and see!

However...When I loaded Linux Ubuntu on one of my lappies, I didn't need to boot from the disc. I just 'ran' it and all of the options for how I wanted to load the distro were shown. This was on an XP machine however. I took the option to dual boot!

I think I have a copy of 'Linux 4 Dummies' on my ext. drive. I'll have a 'butchers'...

[eltheza]

Thanks very very much, ratae!

Will do!

That would be great - thanks a lot!

P.S. Do you like Ubuntu/Mint etc.? What do folks here think about it?

I'll have the live CD in a couple of days' time !

[Ratae]

Ellie...I've had a 'butchers' and I'm afraid that it's the Ubuntu pdf that I've saved. Ubuntu is the only distro that I've tried and I now rather regret not persevering with it for longer!

Linux is a very nice OS. The problem is that if you're used to Windows, it's easy to get annoyed at what Linux can't do, rather than be pleased at what it can do!

It is a bit geeky tho' and it can be very frustrating trying to understand what the hell people who are trying to help, are talking about!

However...I will give it another try sometime!


Ellie....look here..... www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-8-helena

[eltheza]

Thanks, ratae - that's a really helpful link !

Quote: "It is a bit geeky tho' and it can be very frustrating trying to understand what the hell people who are trying to help, are talking about!"

Yes. yes, yes !

I just want to have a look, really. I don't expect it to be like Windows. I don't like the "Linux fanatics" who use the term "Windoze" ! Most unfair!

Thanks again !

[uncleub]

Hi Eltheza.

There are some excellent Linux tutorials over at Kitz which Roseway has created.He uses Linux all the time and is very knowledgeable on the subject.

forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/board,25.0.html

[eltheza]

Hi UncleUB !

Thanks ever so much! I've just read the first tutorial over at Kitz - really, really useful, as is ratae's link above !

Thank you again! I do hope you're feeling a bit better after the sad loss of Blue !

[Ratae]

Ellie...I agree with Unc. Roseway over at Kitz's site is an absolute whizz with Linux!

[uncleub]

May 18, 2010 11:18:30 GMT eltheza said:

Hi UncleUB !

Thanks ever so much! I've just read the first tutorial over at Kitz - really, really useful, as is ratae's link above !

Thank you again! I do hope you're feeling a bit better after the sad loss of Blue !

Hi Eltheza.

Thank you for thinking of me at this sad time.