Computer operating systems

[myglaren]

Some progress - I managed to get a floppy from work - god knows what they use them for but was a blessing as I can't get into computer shops.
Unfortunately the floppy drive isn't recognised so couldn't use it
On the brighter side, Plop is installed on the HD and will allow booting from USB.
Unfortunately I only had 64 bit Ubuntu on the dongle. Incompatible with this hardware. Downloading Linux Mint Xfce for a shot now.

[CitroJim]

Floppies die from being unloved and unused Steve...

Still, at least some good progress.. Excellent

I notice that Ubuntu 13.04 is really quite resource hungry now and is taxing my (admittedly low-spec) hardware. I fear it might not be up to 14. This is not in the spirit of Linux...

12.04 is OK though..

Might be time for me to find another bistro. Will look at CentOS next as I work with that one in my professional life.

[myglaren]

Oddly enough in the BIOS the HD and floppy were marked as bootable but the CD wasn't so I had high hopes for the floppy.

I was going to try the PXE method at the weekend as I am completely unfamiliar with that and wanted to take some time with it. The Plop method looks like a runner though and now I find my eldest son and wife are staying the weekend so wouldn't have had time to try PXE anyway.

It wouldn't even consider installing a service pack t bring IE and XP back to life.

You could try the Xfce version of Ubuntu Jim. Less resource hungry. Mint is quite nice too although basically Ubuntu under the skin.
Or Debian - the same but with the focus on stability rather than piles of widgets. Said to be boring but do we need to be entertained?

[CitroJim]

Said to be boring but do we need to be entertained?

Nope, just a stable, fast OS that’s all.. No bells, no whistles and definitely no widgets...

[spider]

I don't like the 'sidebar' and no top menu in the later distros.

[myglaren]

I don't like the 'sidebar' and no top menu in the later distros.

I didn't initially but have grown accustomed to it. You can 'fix' it if you really want to.

[CitroJim]

I don't like the 'sidebar' and no top menu in the later distros.

I didn't initially but have grown accustomed to it. You can 'fix' it if you really want to.

I find whatever it's called quite intuitive now once you bin the unwanted tiles..

[myglaren]

Unity, Jlm. Will be interesting to see the result of replacing Xorg.

One variant of the Kubuntu desktop:



Apologies for the scrolling requirement.

[CitroJim]

That Kubuntu desktop is rather good looking.

[myglaren]

Mint Xfce failed to boot. Downloading Kubuntu now, perhaps Xubuntu would have been a better choice.
The Kubuntu desktop is highly customised.

The 'cube' interface is interesting

[CitroJim]

The 'cube' interface is interesting

Ohh That's a bit different Steve...

[myglaren]

Instead of multiple desktops - or rather a variation on them, you spin the cube then select the desktop you want.

[myglaren]

Zero progress with the laptop, refuses to boot from USB.
However, Ubuntu 13.10 Saucy Salamander is out now

[Hell Razor5543]

I remember that, a long time ago, it was possible to get an external CD-ROM drive that connected to a printer port (provided it was bi-directional). I wonder if it might be possible to get hold of one of those?

[Xaccers]

PCMCIA SCSI CD ROM drive