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Steve<br>
<br>
Your comments are consistent with the general recommendations that I
have received from work colleagues, that is, Q-Tek did not provide the
full set up they should have, and Ubuntu would have been a better
introduction to Linux. Apparently, it is notably better in detecting
the dual boot Windows element, and able to extract the Internet
settings information, etc. As for the Lexmark printer, I have found
that Lexmark do provide driver software compatible with SuSE Linux and
other Linux operating systems, therefore, once SuSE Linux is set up
correctly, it should be a straight forward process to down load the
software. Suffice to say, help received from Lexmark with Windows Vista
was really comprehensive, easy to understand and follow. The bad bit
was trying to stop Windows Vista automatically overriding the correct
driver software! Put it this way, Vista is my first ever Microsoft
purchase, and will be the last.<br>
<br>
I must add that rather than feeling that my experience with Linux has
been bad, or possibly frustrating, I suspect that this has more to do
with Q-Tek not preforming the installation requested completely,
possibly because they are not familiar with Linux installations. Being
new to Linux myself means that I was unable to detect that this issue
was applicable, therefore, I am reluctant to blame Linux as being at
fault. In fact, I remain very keen to have a Linux operating system as
my prime operating system, and only use Microsoft products as a last
resort for those increasingly less common elements that require a
Microsoft operating system. Even within my Microsoft system I use Open
Office, etc., and have found this better than Microsoft Office.<br>
<br>
Yes, operating a Linux system from a DVD does work, and this is one
method, possibly, of testing Ubuntu, before installing over SuSE Linux.
The live DVDs I have are those intended to allow the user to run a
Linux system from a DVD, without endangering the computer's existing
operating system. If it works well, then the option exists to provide
an installation. As my computer is already a dual boot system, with a
50% partitioned hard drive means that the process should be relatively
simple, provided that I over write the correct half of the hard drive!
However, I know that the Windows side is a FAT32 or NTFS system, and
SuSE Linus should be EXT 2 or EXT 3 so that the risk of deleting the
Windows system in error is low. Even if I did, I have an external hard
drive used as a full back up of the Windows Vista system, all the
documents, files, etc.<br>
<br>
As for bringing in my computer, the answer is yes. However, I am may
miss this month's meeting, I as I am due to be in France on a business
trip. Suffice to say, being in the minority as an Analogue Design
Engineer at work means high demands upon my time at work!<br>
<br>
Enjoy your Easter break, whilst I look forward to eliminating my
initial frustrations with SuSE Linux, where SuSE Linux, itself, is not
the cause of the problem.<br>
<br>
Regards<br>
<br>
Andrew Porter<br>
<br>
PS. I have been advised that SuSE Linux is biased towards office
applications, therefore, a Local Area Network. This make explain why
Ubuntu is regarded as a better option for the home user.<br>
<br>
On 02/04/2010 12:37, Steve Clark wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:201004021237.32663.steve@bagofspoons.net"
type="cite">
<pre wrap="">On Wednesday 31 Mar 2010 21:22:22 Andrew Porter wrote:
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">4. Is Linux your main OS?
It was intended to be, but I have failed, so far, to get the system to
recognise the DVD drive, the printer, and connect to the Internet. Books,
etc., have not been of any help, as they assume that all that is needed has
already been established, reference the DVD drive recognition, printer,
Internet connection and settings. The information sources are intended to
provide guidance once all that is needed is in place and working.
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap="">
I'm sorry to hear you've had such a bad experience with Linux so far. I think
that back in the old days (a few years ago) I too found it tricky to get
everything working, but my recent experience, mostly with Ubuntu, has been
that it 'just works'. I've plugged in a webcam, Bluetooth adaptor and scanner
and had them working without any extra drivers or even editing of
configuration files.
You say you've tried SUSE, which I haven't used. Have you tried other distros?
Have you tried live CDs? Can you bring the PC to a meeting so we can try and
help?
</pre>
</blockquote>
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