Beelzebub
- 2013-07-30
Dual booting is somewhat of a problem, I would like windows xp for older games, which cant be played on win 7 or linux.If someone could post up a guide, it would be good.
No problem, San Migs. Ideally you should install Windows first. I know you have a debian or ubuntu based preference from what you have said before- so once you have Windows inhabiting the whole hardrive, just boot up your ISO and install and go for the 'install alongside' option. When you get to the drop down options for where your grub-bootloader will be installed make sure you check it because it may be set on installing the bootloader on the sodding DVD -disc and if so then at some point installation will abort-and then you'll be in shit street. Make sure you choose the hard drive.
Now then-if you have Linux already it is a bit more complicated; and when you have installed Windows you will not be able to start Linux. If you really don't want to reinstall Linux-easy-peasy get back to me, but Linux is so easy to reinstall.
If you want to change the boot order-say you want Windows to start by default just follow this-
sudo gedit /etc/default/grub
You will got something like this :
GRUB_DEFAULT=0
#GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT=0
GRUB_HIDDEN_TIMEOUT_QUIET=true
GRUB_TIMEOUT=10
GRUB_DISTRIBUTOR=`lsb_release -i -s 2> /dev/null || echo Debian`
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT=”quiet splash”
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX=””
# Uncomment to disable graphical terminal (grub-pc only)
#GRUB_TERMINAL=console
# The resolution used on graphical terminal
# note that you can use only modes which your graphic card supports via VBE
# you can see them in real GRUB with the command `vbeinfo’
#GRUB_GFXMODE=640×480
# Uncomment if you don’t want GRUB to pass “root=UUID=xxx” parameter to Linux
#GRUB_DISABLE_LINUX_UUID=true
# Uncomment to disable generation of recovery mode menu entrys
#GRUB_DISABLE_LINUX_RECOVERY=”true”
Now to change the boot order, you need to change the GRUB_DEFAULT Entry, for example you have windows7 in the 3rd position and you want to set it as default, to do that set default to 3: GRUB_DEFAULT=3
2- Now update Grub using the command:
sudo update-grub
Oh yes- some distros will use 'pluma' instead of gedit-if that is the case, replace gedit with pluma.
John O'Shei
- 2013-07-30
I got mine for something like 350 RMB if I remember correctly, but shop around and you might even get a better deal.
You will most likely need a bluetooth mouse and keyboard as there is only one usb port and they don't handle usb splitters very well.
San Migs
- 2013-07-30
Dual booting is somewhat of a problem, I would like windows xp for older games, which cant be played on win 7 or linux.
If someone could post up a guide, it would be good.
San Migs
- 2013-07-30
that stick pc sounds interesting, any idea how much in china?
I dabbled with the idea of a raspberry pi, but it all seems a bit too technical.
Dragonized
- 2013-07-30
For me, the virus free stability of linux certainly offers a good option to hang on to. However, being able to play pc games is something I should want to have as well on so I do need windows. There is the option however of installing both systems. What you need to do is to partition your hard drive into 2 parts. Install the 2 operating systems onto the separated hard drives(the hard drive is still one in reality but it is simulated to become two). Now, if you did this correctly ever time your computer boots up it should take you to a "boot options" menu where you can have your pick of the litter of which operating system you want to install. For older versions of windows like Windows XP you will run into some problems of compatibility. But if you're on Windows Vista (Windows 6) or later you should have no problems getting this up and running if you have the installation packages for both operating systems. For younger folks like me and O'Shei we would know our way around. But older folks might want to look up "partitioning your hard drive", "installing multiple operating systems on your computer", "switching between linux and windows", and "boot menu + selecting from multiple operating systems" on search engines like google or yahoo.
John O'Shei
- 2013-07-30
Actually, there are advantages to Linux. It is harder to learn how to use, but there are many variants for different purposes.
I am a big fan of the idea of putting puppy linux on older machines to give them a new lease of life. If you do need to donate a machine to the needy, this is a good way to go about it. For example, in my home town there are actually kids whose smackhead parents can't afford a computer, it makes sense to give the kids something that the parents can't sell off for skag. Sure, they can't do the hi-tech stuff and play the latest games on it, but will still be able to type up homework, browse the web and stuff like that. My mother has donated a few old computers in the past for such reasons, although she isn't clued up on linux and stuff.
I've also got an Android HDMI stick computer (Android is essentially linux really). It is actually a great little toy and turns any newish TV into a desktop computer in a sense, if you only require it to do the basics.
My favourite use of linux however, is the boot disks, they are always handy if your windows os has issues and you need to rescue some files.
The only reason I really use windows now is to use Ableton and Traktor (software for music production/live performances/ DJing). Maybe because I'm too poor to afford a mac, who knows? Although Windows kind of got its act together with Windows 7, I would suggest that people actually go down the dual boot route, so that they can have the best of both worlds.
As for Microsoft Office, why pay hundreds, when openoffice arguably does a better job for free?