Linux and Open Source Blog

Monthly Archives: March 2008

An Introduction to Linux Operating System

Posted on by Posted in general topics, guides, tips .

An easy to read, accurate and in plain language guide to the linux operating system.

What is Linux

Preface

Some of my readers today will be aware of a beautiful operating system that goes by the name of Linux. For those who are not already familiar, here is a brief introduction: Linux is a free open-source alternative to Windows and Macintosh. Based off of Unix, Linus Torvalds laid the framework for the kernel many years ago and then made the source code open to all. He still works on the kernel today, but he’s not alone; millions of programmers around the world work to improve Linux with their free time. They’ve worked hard to bring Linux to maturity, and as of the past couple years, it has reached a mature stage where the average computer user is more than capable of using it. In other words, you no longer need to know how a computer works or how to program in order for Linux to be useful to you.

So why am I bringing up this topic? Quite frankly, there aren’t enough Linux users accessing TechwareLabs, and I believe this needs to change.

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How To Install VMware Server On OpenSUSE Linux 10.3

Posted on by Posted in applications/software, guides, how to, servers, tutorials .

bold writing are command that you need to enter

red letting are command that you need to issue as root

  1. click on Computer > More Applications > YaST

  2. Put in root password for YaST

  3. Scroll down until you see Software Management and single click on it

  4. Check for the following software. If you don’t have it installed, install it

    1. kernel-source

    2. gcc

    3. gcc-c++

    4. make (This is most likely already installed, but just to double check)

    5. Continue reading →

Howto: Create a Linux Box for Your Mom (50+ Resources)

Posted on by Posted in guides, how to .

Here is a great article from virtualhosting.com discussing some good resources for “getting your mom on linux”. Great idea!

By Jessica Hupp

For most computer literate children, a request from mom to get her set up on “this web thing” is met with panic and a feeling of drudgery. Are you about to expose your sweet mother to spam, phishing, viruses, or worse? Or perhaps more frightening, sign your life away as a 24/7 tech support center? Perhaps, but there’s a better way. By setting your mom up on a Linux machine, you can give her a safe, lean computing experience that will let her do all of the things she wants to do without giving you a nervous breakdown. Here, we’ve compiled over 50 of the best resources to help you get your mom on Linux without a whole lot of trouble.

Systems & Environments

With these systems and environments, you can get your mom set up with low maintenance and friendly interfaces.

  1. SimplyMEPIS: SimplyMEPIS is low-maintenance and great for Linux beginners.
  2. Linspire: Linspire is the “World’s Easiest Desktop Linux,” with a familiar look and feel for Windows users.
  3. Mandriva: Mandriva Linux was specifically designed to offer ease of use for new users.
  4. Ubuntu: One of the most popular Linux distributions, Ubuntu is stable and easy to use.
  5. KDE: The K Desktop Environment is easy to use, and offers basic desktop functions.
  6. Ximian Desktop: Ximian offers a simple layout, with large icons that are great for elderly users.
  7. Lycoris: This distribution looks a lot like windows, and offers great ease of use.
  8. SuSE: With SuSE, you’ll got lots of popular open source software like OpenOffice, Kaffeine, and more.
  9. GNOME: In this desktop environment, you’ll find an extremely usable GUI.

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