A Glimpse Of The Future!

[qldit]

Good Evening Everyone, Puppy Linux Version 2.14 has just been released and is available here.......
http://www.puppyos.com/
This is approximately an 80 meg ISO download and can easily be burned to make a bootable CD which has quite remarkable properties.
If you haven't tried this system now is your chance!

This CD loads to memory and the CD may be removed to provide a system as if it were running from a hard drive.
The operating speed is remarkable!
It will load to most machines and leave no trace afterwards.

If you might have been thinking about trying a Linux system do give this a try!

To load it, simply place the properly burned CD into a CDROM set for boot priority and follow several simple questions, the desktop appears and away you go!

(You will require a P200 or better processor and 128 megs of RAM, a wireless keyboard or mouse may present problems.)
All networking wizards are included including wireless.

Google the "Puppy Linux" dot org site for tutorials.

This is a free system and includes all programs to function online or whatever.

Certainly a credit to those that have created and allowed this system to be realised.

Once you have had a play and appreciate this system, imagine it as an embedded system in a small machine!

Anyone with problems might post here, drooling is not a problem!!!

Enjoy, Cheers, qldit.

[mylanta]

Any of you who have not tried this, and who have ever become disheartened with Linux, needs to download and try this. I was literally amazed at how well it works off cd, and have never installed it to my systems, I just run it from cd.
You will get unmatched internet speed and ease of running. (Actually I never figured out how to install it is the real reason.... and then decided why bother. It saves what you do to a file opn the hard drive so you are always updating by your experience)

[PeteF]

Good Evening Everyone, Puppy Linux Version 2.14 has just been released and is available here.......
http://www.puppyos.com/
This is approximately an 80 meg ISO download and can easily be burned to make a bootable CD which has quite remarkable properties.


One small problem. Many people reading this may not know how
the use the downloaed file to create a bootable CD.

Could you provide some useful links or brief instructions to help them?

I used CDBurnerXP Pro v3 to make my bootable Linux CD, but I'm not
sure how many others use that. I think we need some basic instruction
on how to do it using Nero or Roxio Easy CD creator which are popular.

---pete---

[mylanta]

No way I can help with either Roxio or nero I don't understand either and wouldn't risk my pc using them...You can download trial version of Alcohol 120 which is what I use to burn iso file to cd and free program pete mentions also.
Say Pete I just noticed Cd Burner XP pro which I use too, does not format cdrw's? What do you do about that?

[Freehold Fred]

What is needed to 'burn' Puppy to a USB flash drive?

[Tortanick]

google mainly ;)

http://www.puppyos.com/flash-puppy.htm

I wonder if you could partition the flash drive?

[PeteF]

Say Pete I just noticed Cd Burner XP pro which I use too, does not format cdrw's? What do you do about that?

I'm not sure what you mean.
Are you saying it won't burn CDRWs?

I'm pretty sure I've burned CD-RWs using CDBurnerXP pro

---pete---

[casey]

I use Sonic to burn ISO files without any problems...

[mylanta]

I'm not sure what you mean.
Are you saying it won't burn CDRWs?

I'm pretty sure I've burned CD-RWs using CDBurnerXP pro

---pete---

No I cannot see any way to format them so you can drag and drop.

[PeteF]

No I cannot see any way to format them so you can drag and drop.

Ok, I never use that feature.
I just burn selective data all in one session or on rare ocassions
I'll add a few more files. I never felt comfortable about using
a CD-R or CD-RW as you would a hard drive. It just seems
like it would not be a reliable method to use for backing up
important data.

---pete---

[mylanta]

Ok, I never use that feature.
I just burn selective data all in one session or on rare ocassions
I'll add a few more files. I never felt comfortable about using
a CD-R or CD-RW as you would a hard drive. It just seems
like it would not be a reliable method to use for backing up
important data.

---pete---
Well the only way I would ever use an rw is if I can drag and drop to it.
If you burn to a cdrw without formatting, is it erasable anyway? I really seldom use them because they corrupt after about the 5th session anyway.

[qldit]

Good evening everyone, have a look at this site........
http://www.puppylinux.org/user/viewpage.php?page_id=1
Checkout the "how to" tutorials, the burning program called "BurnCDCC is a special free program that only burns ISO files (either to CDs or DVDs)
This program is a windows program, download it from the site suggested in the tutorial on "how to burn a bootable CD".
This program (once unpacked) when operated gives a small simple burning window, there is a feature to leave the CD open or close it, plus a confirmation, plus a speed selector bar.
It is suggested whenever burning critical CD's to burn them at the slowest speed to ensure the best accuracy. Highspeed burns often introduce odd unexplainable errors.

For initial trial I do suggest closing the CD and when shutting down after using Puppy do not save the settings. (Saving either saves back to the Cd or places a small file on your hard drive, this may not be advantageous if you use that CD in another machine which invariably happens.
If a save file is allowed to be made, it is generated in the root directory of your C: drive usually under a name like Pup_save or something like that, this file then contains all your preferential settings and stuff, so the on later boots from the CD that information is retained and not needed to be re-entered. This has been reported to sometimes cause system odd behaviour in Puppy.
That file is deletable within windows.
Once you get an idea of how to use this system, make another CD and you can experiment saving ideas if desired, in the meantime at every boot from your CD you will require to answer the boot up questions. (There are only a few)
The actual CD (when left open during the original burn) can be saved back to at session termination etc, it also saves settings to avoid the boot up questions, it acts someting like a hard drive but you need to have a burner and may not be able to remove the CD during operation at times. Saving to the CD will happen until it runs out of space.

If you wish to make a bootable flashdrive your machine will need to have a boot from flashdrive ability and be appropriately set after making your flashdrive.
This is all done initially from within a running Puppy system using the appropriate wizard.
I don't believe the flashdrive is partitioned, but it must be clean and at least 128 Megs.

All sofware is also included to repartition your hard drive if it is needed to pinch a bit of space off the end. (GParted) This program is similar to Partition Magic.
A boot manager is also included to produce a boot menu for any operating system in the machine. (GRUB GRand United Boot manager)

All these activities are done from within a running Puppy system and are point and click,.
If a bootable system off the hard drive is desired, you will find it easiest to use GParted to "pinch" a clear bit of space off the end of the drive, I suggest at least 3 gigs if possible, once this space has been acquired, it can be subdivided to create a gig of swap space in it right at the end and make the other 2 gigs as EXT2 file system. This can all be easily achieved in GParted from a running Puppy system. I find a gig of swap space allows extra flexibility when downloading large files, (typically 700 megs or so) bearing in mind that this system is entirely a ramdrive principle and the swap space is similat to having more RAM ability (slightly slower) and when the system is shut down all material is loaded back to the drive. After carrying out activities with those files it is an idea to move them to another media to keep your Puppy "Lean and Mean"! Especially if your machine is memory challenged.
When you are happy that you have correctly created these partitions (I usually make them primary partitions but it doesnt seem to matter much. (provided you don't try to exceed 4 primaries)
logicals are OK.
To achieve this, boot and run Puppy from a CD, navigate to and open GParted, ensure the correct drive for the activity is displayed, (multiple drives are catered for) select the resize button, this will display a representattion of the drive to be operated on, sinply click on and hold and drag the end of the drive to the left to the overall desired size, (the space for Puppy plus the space for swap) hit the apply button under the edit heading on the menubar or rightclick and use that apply item, this will reclaim that space, now carry out a similar exercise by rightclicking on that new space to divide it and make one a swap space and one an EXT2 File system partition.
When you are happy that all looks proper, hit the apply button again.
When GParted comes back on after that activity you should see the new partitions correctly showing with the pre-existing partition for windows or whatever also showing.
If all is showing accordingly when you reboot with the Puppy CD that swap space will be accessed and become part of its operation and will show additionally in the memory counter on the taskbar.
Puppy sees that swapspace additional to the RAM you have in your machine and will then use it as needed.
At this point navigate to the Puppy Universal Installer within that running system and follow the prompts you will easily see which section is the available partition for the new installation and the Puppy files will be loaded to that partition.
This is quite easy and the information is easy enough to follow.
You will be asked if you would like to install the Grub Bootmanager to boot that new system, I just select yes and use the defaults except when asked if you would like to place the files in the MBR, this alters the MBR slot one and directs the boot to the GRUB boot manager.
The GRUB bootmanager automatically reads any bootable tags in the sytem and will add them to it's menu.
When all is complete and a successful message is displayed you might try rebooting and should then get a screen asking which system you would like to boot.
This system uses a chainloader method to alter the position in the chain of the boot tags, so whichever you select will boot.

The boot screen can be edited to make it more visually attractive with renamed items, like Puppy Linux Ver. 2.14 or My Best System or whatever.
Windows menu item can be altered similarly.
This is done from a text editor within a booted Puppy System (icon on desktop) and simply altering the respective heading (title) as desired, then saving it. ((this file is located in /boot/grub/menufirst)

All care should be observed partitioning a drive containing a present operating sytem to ensure the area desired, is clear and the drive has been properly defragged and precious files are backed up before attempting this routine.
It is a good idea to ensure the previous operating system defrag operates normally after the initial re-partitioning is done, before loading the new operating system to that drive, in some cases it is possible that defrag, scandisk or chkdsk my have a problem and not scan. Normally if defrag runs all will be OK.
If it doesnt, redo the partitioning and use a marginally different size for the new partition..
I don't know why this sometimes happens but suspect it is due to cluster sizes differences.

I don't think I have forgotten anything, I understand that progressive future Puppy systems can be loaded over existing systems and the existing user information remains, but I haven't tried it.
The advance of new ideas and improved wigets is producing a new version of these systems probably every month, the accellerated appearance of new ideas is phenomenal, as linux becomes more accepted the technical input is snowballing, it is exciting to follow. A great deal of these ideas are from typical experimenters and interested programmers, but this is an enormous resource with limitless potential.
My systems have operated in excess of two years with no viral protection whatsoever and no adverse problems have been observed.
There is potential for incoming contaminated emails or data to be passed on in "forwarded" emails or copied data that may affect windows systems, this should be considered with any activities.

A firewall is included in the Puppy system and is easily set up with a wizard.

A wizard-wizard is included to help determine which wizard you may need to use.

Be warned this system works pretty quickly and only uses single mouse clicks, the right click is a common usage for what you might like to do, and the left click is usually simple like using MS systems.
Double clicking may open multiple windows, be warned! LOL!!
Any drives that are desired to be accessed require the drive mount tool (icon on desktop) then selecting the drive desired.
This system can see FAT or NTFS windows files and can be used to copy or manipulate files between systems or to another media.
Drag and drop between open panes is normal.

Usually to get online, the networking wizard has the capability with easy to understand operation.
Internal winmodems for dialup my not work, these are windows dedicated, but most standard dialup modems operate normally
Any ethernet connection to broadband is easily accessed using the networking wizard, usually this would simply be selecting the ETH 0 path and using the DHCP button.
You will know you are online when the TV screens appear in the taskbar, this is normally quite simple.

The processor activity gives realtime readout alongside the clock in the taskbar.

Multiple desktops are available also shown in the taskbar, If a multiple task is undertaken this becomes quite useful, this amount of desktops can be increased if desired and items may be made common on destops as desired, the taskbar icons indicate active desktops and open panes.
These are just a few of the features in this system, it is extremely well designed and includes programs to achieve virtually any action.
More programs are available from the online repository if desired.

A forum for assistance is available from the home page online.
Significant information is included in the help icon on the desktop.

Some directory architecture relearning is needed.

A DVD and CD player is included and online streaming is supported. (Gxine)
Normal movies and music DVD's and Cd's do not need to be mounted, the Gxine program can be opened and selecting the appropriate item in one of the dropdowns from it's menubar will initiate the appropriate action. All data media normally needs the respective drive to be mounted.
Any codecs not included are available (or information about them) from the Puppy site.

This system certainly has got global attention, and anyone using it for a period gets pretty addicted to it.
It is a hard act to follow!!!
Enjoy,
Cheers, qldit.

[Freehold Fred]

ty, now all I need is some time to play.

Is there an Apple Puppy for an iMac, too? I see some links for PowerBooks.

google mainly ;)

http://www.puppyos.com/flash-puppy.htm

I wonder if you could partition the flash drive?

[qldit]

Good Evening Fred, sorry I don't know of that one, but I imagine someone would be working on one.
Cheers, Lawrence.

[qldit]

google mainly ;)

http://www.puppyos.com/flash-puppy.htm

I wonder if you could partition the flash drive?

Good Evening Tortanick, that is a good question, I don't believe it is possible because of something to do with the arrangement, but I would also love to know.
I believe some of these newer f/drives are split somehow, but I don't know.
Cheers, Lawrence.

[jflan]

One small problem. Many people reading this may not know how
the use the downloaed file to create a bootable CD.

Could you provide some useful links or brief instructions to help them?

I used CDBurnerXP Pro v3 to make my bootable Linux CD, but I'm not
sure how many others use that. I think we need some basic instruction
on how to do it using Nero or Roxio Easy CD creator which are popular.

---pete---
I agree, successfully burning a bootable CD is often the first stumbling block for the noob. I fully understand noob mentality...I am a knighted one.
From the Windows environment, BurnCDCC makes this process Point & Click easy.
Cheers qldit :)

1. Verify in BIOS that your CD drive is set to 1st in the Boot Priority list.

2. Download and unzip BurnCDCC it's a no-brainer ISO burning utility that simply makes burning ISO's so easy. Put its shortcut (icon) in an easily accessible place (ie. Desktop)
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/burncdcc.html

3. Download the Puppy ISO and leave it on the desktop or wherever you'd like. Don't open it.

4. Now, light up BurnCDCC, show it where the ISO is, say start, tray opens, insert disk, light cigar :)

5. Now shut down Windows and restart. Your machine will now boot to your freshly minted Puppy bootable CD.
As qldit mentioned, there will be some simple questions you will be asked about keyboard and monitor. (Jot down your monitor settings while in windows, so you will be ready.)

And if you've never done this before, you've just started a new chapter in your computing experience.

Edit:
For the Ultra-Noob, here are some nifty Video Tutorials:
http://rhinoweb.us/

[PeteF]

2. Download and install BurnCDCC it's a no-brainer ISO burning utility that simply makes burning ISO's so easy. Put it in an easily accessible place.
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/burncdcc.html

[/url]

Excellent post jflan!
So simple, it encourages people to try
burning their own Linux bootable CD.

I DL'd the BurnCDCC just to see how it operates.
It's very simple, no intstallation required. Jut download the
*.zip file, extract the contents and double-click the *.exe
file to run the application. Seems like a few clicks and you
are burning your bootable Linux CD. No complex menus
to deal with. Excellent!

Thanks for posting!

---pete---

[Tortanick]

ty, now all I need is some time to play.

Is there an Apple Puppy for an iMac, too? I see some links for PowerBooks.

Be carefull what yo wish for, I tried Debian on a G3 (newworld) and it wasn't easy. I could only boot from the CD by unplugging the hard drive, then plugging it in before I reached the installer.

After that things worked fine with two exceptions:

1) many linux codecs are binaries copied from windows, they don't work on PowerPC. Thats not to say its totally hopeless. VLC works fine on powerPC and it has most codecs internally.

2) Sun's java is x86 only. IBM has a powerpc java but I couldn't get that intergrated with my browser. Maby Sun's Java will be ported after its GPL.

[jflan]

ty, now all I need is some time to play.

Is there an Apple Puppy for an iMac, too? I see some links for PowerBooks.
Fred, I don't know if this will be of interest to you, but there are some Mac-specific versions of Kubuntu*.
Kubuntu is a full-size OS (there are lightweight versions) that is friendly to newcomers. Tons of support in the (K)ubunto forums.

You can order free, live (and install) DVD's here:
https://shipit.kubuntu.org/?loggingout=1

*Kubuntu = Ubuntu with the KDE user interface and its associated software.
Ubuntu uses the Gnome user interface and its associated software.

[fleamailman]

hi, I am still on kubuntu and love it, but this interests me, what if I am missing some drivers though? I ask because I have another computer and I still cannot find the sound driver(dell dimention 9150) for kubuntu but I will post that problem elsewhere here.

[qldit]

hi, I am still on kubuntu and love it, but this interests me, what if I am missing some drivers though? I ask because I have another computer and I still cannot find the sound driver(dell dimention 9150) for kubuntu but I will post that problem elsewhere here.

Good Evening fleamailman, I suggest you might try making a Bootable CD of this operating system and seeing what happens, this is a pretty universal system and is well worth a try.
I think you might be surpreised at how excitingly different this one is!

Cheers, qldit.

[fleamailman]

tried the bootable, puppy worked but I had neither sound nor internet on this dell dimention 9150, the sound being the same problem with kubuntu for this desktop, where does one get drivers for puppy linux, thanks.

I had just given away my copy to Rometotalwar because I was burning the night away, last night I spent it playing bubbles and the other games from puppy, this morning I am a zombie.

[qldit]

tried the bootable, puppy worked but I had neither sound nor internet on this dell dimention 9150, the sound being the same problem with kubuntu for this desktop, where does one get drivers for puppy linux, thanks.

I had just given away my copy to Rometotalwar because I was burning the night away, last night I spent it playing bubbles and the other games from puppy, this morning I am a zombie.

That is interesting fleamailman, I havent struck that problem, especially with Puppy version 2.14, did you try the wizard-wizard?
Normally the sound will be detected during the boot phase, and the thing woof-woofs at you!
The internet is usually easily configged by using a ethernet connection and using the network wizard and then selecting auto DHCP
You may experience a problem with USB modem connection.
I haven't struck one that has really been a problem.
I have no suggestion apart from posting on the Puppy Linux forum they are usually pretty good with their answers.
I can only suggest obtaining a Knoppix Live CD and seeing if that works, it has remarkable capacity and normally works on anything.
Usually running the lsmod command gives an idea of what is loading to direct you in the right direction.

Tortanick may have a futrther idea on this, some of those Dells are getting pretty unique.

Cheers, qldit.

[fleamailman]

I imagine that it would means configuring each time I booted up on the cd, I will leave it for now because I want to get the kubuntu correct on this desktop first, I am in love with the idea of dual boot since if ever the windows crashes on me, I can still have internet while not having to rush the mending of the problem.

I suppose the other idea is to go to dell and ask them which linux this desktop supports, fitting the distro to system I suppose.

[qldit]

I imagine that it would means configuring each time I booted up on the cd, I will leave it for now because I want to get the kubuntu correct on this desktop first, I am in love with the idea of dual boot since if ever the windows crashes on me, I can still have internet while not having to rush the mending of the problem.

I suppose the other idea is to go to dell and ask them which linux this desktop supports, fitting the distro to system I suppose.

Actually with the Puppy Linux CD, if it is left open when burning it, after booting on it when you shut down it will ask you if you would like to save back to that CD and burn the saved information, as far as I know this should save the settings, the alternate is to allow a save file to be generated on the windows partition and that will save the seetings.
On reboot these settings should be interrogated and used.

I can't suggest anything with the Dell, I haven't had the problem.

I prefer to create a hard drive partition personally, and install the system on that with a swap partition and use the grub bootloader as multiboot.
After using linux for a while it is preferable to windows because of all the innovative wigets.

Cheers, qldit.

[mylanta]

Flea,
I have given up those pursuits a long time ago. Want to lengthen your life?
Buy a Creative Soundblaster Live pci card for $10 on ebay...you will live longer and save your hair!

[Tortanick]

Rich is right, I use a Creative Labs SB Live! EMU10k1. Its got good quality output, and dose MIDI synthasything in the hardware/

[fleamailman]

good idea I will buy the soundcard then