In the past, to use Linux, you needed to install this operating system onto your computer’s hard drive. However, times have changed, and there are now several versions of Linux that can run directly from a CD-ROM, such as the Ubuntu Linux version, which for the purposes of this article, we will refer to as “instant noodle” Linux.
Similar to other Linux distributions that require installation on a computer, Ubuntu Linux allows users to download a file with the .iso extension for free from the Internet (find.pcworld.com/48470). After downloading the file to your computer, you can use a disc-burning utility like Roxio Easy CD Creator or Nero to burn the .iso file onto a blank CD-ROM. With Roxio Easy CD Creator, follow these steps: click File.Record CD from CD Image or File.Burn Image (with the Nero utility). Once the disc has been burned, you can use this Ubuntu bootable CD to start exploring the world of Linux without going through the complicated installation process.
Like instant food, “instant noodle” Linux comes pre-loaded with numerous applications to best meet the diverse needs of many users. Since it runs directly from the CD-ROM, you cannot install new applications or remove unnecessary ones, nor can you tweak the configuration for the system to operate according to personal usage needs as you would with Linux installed on a hard drive. Furthermore, the performance speed of “instant noodle” Linux is somewhat limited because part of the RAM must be allocated as a buffer for the operating system to function. Therefore, if you try it out and enjoy using Linux, you should “descend the mountain” by installing the “instant noodle” Linux version you are using onto your hard drive. You can choose between two Linux versions: Fedora Core, sponsored by Red Hat (find.pcworld.com/48472), and Open Circulation from Xandros Desktop (find.pcworld.com/48474). It is important to note that this version only supports burning to CD (not DVD), and Xandros is a commercial product, meaning the manufacturer does not provide a free download option.
If you previously installed Windows on your hard drive, be sure to accurately declare this during the installation process so that the Linux installation utility can automatically set up a dual-boot system (allowing users to boot into either Windows or Linux).
Before installing Linux, you should write down the necessary system configuration parameters such as your computer’s IP address, DNS server, and Internet gateway. To obtain this information in Windows 98/Me, right-click on the Network Neighborhood icon and select Properties. Then, double-click on the TCP/IP option and look for the IP Address, Gateway, and DNS Configuration tabs. For Windows 2000/XP, right-click on the My Network Places icon and select Properties. In the Network Connections window, right-click on the network connection icon and select Properties, then find and double-click on the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) option. Additionally, you should also record the name and specifications of your monitor and graphics card in case the Linux installer cannot automatically detect these devices.
FIXING NAUTILUS UTILITY ERRORS
The Nautilus utility in Ubuntu Linux version 5.4 (which has similar features to Windows Explorer) has a drawback of automatically closing folder windows when you open another folder. To fix this issue, select Applications.Run Application, type in Enter>. In the left folder tree window, select apps.nautilus.preferences and check the no_ubuntu_spatial option in the right window (Figure 1). Next, close the Configuration Editor (similar to the Control Panel in Windows) to finish. From now on, all folder windows will remain open until you command them to close.
Le Thu
PC World USA
