I'm seraching for help...

[jrosas]

Hello,
I am fairly new to Linux, and I have tried to install Debian on my laptop a few times, and I could never get past the vga issues. I have since then repartitioned my hard drive for just Windos. Now I am interested in putting on CentOS. Would anyone have some helpful installation tips, and a recommendation for a basic installation of CentOS?
Thanks for any replies...J.

 

[geirendre]

Any particular reason why CentOS?
It's a RedHat-enterpriceOS-clone, sounds a bit heavy for a laptop.
You probably would get more help with installation problems with an distro like Ubuntu, PClinuxOS, Mandriva or OpenSuse.
Or maby Fedora if you like RedHat-deratives
A guide for Fedora5 is here:

http://www.stanton-finley.net/fedora_core_5_installation_notes.html

 

[jrosas]

Well, I wanted to use it at home since I have to use it at work-at least the OS and shell scripting anyway. Is Fedora similar to the CentOS version? I will check out the link you provided. Do you think it will be good to copy everything I have now to a DVD or CD, or jump drive? Sorry, I have so many questions, thanks for your help!

 

[Kozusnik]

Backups are always suggested. I have installed over 20 versions of Linux on my pc at different times. I still backup the files I want to keep. Of course, I have 4 drives in the pc, so it's easy for me.

Although CentOS on a laptop is possible, I agree there are better distros for a home user. I use Mandrake (Mandriva), but I recommend Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Edubuntu (for kids). I've never really gotten comfortable with Red Hat, but I do use it at work along with Fedora and Mandrake.

I think the trick is download several popular distros and test them all on an old pc (if you have one). Find out which you like best.

Mark

 

[BobMCT]

I second the recommendation of (K)ubuntu for your laptop. I have run RH and SUSE on mine and ubuntu seems to run fastest (for me). Virtually ALL distros have the same utilities with the exception of their installation/package management suites/utilities. Pick what you like and what works best.

 

[geirendre]

If you want a distro close to RHES, I think Fedora5 would be a wice choice.
It's a community driven RH-distro.
Basically it's a free RH for privat and bussines use, lacking official support.
Claimed to be a testing ground for new applications and services etc. before they get approved for use in RHES.
But be warned, I have tested Fedora4 and 5 and they'r heavy distros, not so fast as Ubuntu and the like.
But for testing and education on RHES I think it's a good choice.

 

[trojanman]

I just installed Ubuntu. Nice so far but I cant get my 6800gt over 1024x768. The drivers for the AMD64's dont work and Ive tried multiple edits to xorg.conf. Good luck!