Jim Plumb

Haven’t done anything on my Solaris 10 project in a while. However, the final version of the software has been released and I downloaded the files necessary to create a DVD and will install one of these days.

I’ve been wanting to check out Linux for a while now. I’m familiar enough with Solaris that Linux should be fairly easy to operate. There are many versions of Linux out these days. If you look at DistroWatch.com you’ll see what I mean. I decided to try Fedora Core 4 as it appears to be one of the more flexible as regard to install options. What I mean by that is you can install it as a desktop system, a development system or as a server. Another option you have is install options: you can use CDs or a DVD, both of which are freely downloadable. If you don’t have the bandwidth or time to download, several places will sell you the software for a nominal fee. One such is Rufoustowhee Books.

I decided to install on my HP zt3000 laptop I bought last summer and installation was very easy. I put in the DVD, rebooted and off it went. I chose the server option because I do PHP/MySQL development and wouldn’t you know, it gave me the choice to install php & mysql! Pretty nifty! I was also given other install choices. You’re given a choice of GUI desktops X, KDE & Gnome. I chose Gnome for no other reason than the name. I’ll see how it is.

Another thing to mention is that this laptop already had XP Home installed. I had to re-partition the hard drive and gave up 10 gb for the install. When the laptop boots up I have a few seconds to choose whether I want to go into XP or Linux. (Note to self: find out how to edit the Fedora bootup menu!)

Everything works except 1) the screen is mis-detected as 800×600. I believe the actual resolution is 1200×800; 2) the Intel 2200BG wireless adapter wasn’t detected and no driver was installed. I’m working on these now.