Linux to windows logic converter. Book ?

[coolroyboy2]

I have win xp home running on this computer and win 2000 pro on my sons box , I put another machine togrther as a gift that could not be given so I installed mandrake 9.2 on it , to learn , and I would like to understand how this OS works. It works fine to surf the net but just installing programs seems to be harder than it needs to be. I downloaded several programs and went through the hoops now its gives me error messages when running these programs.

I really would like to understand how linux works and a book might help more than a web site as I have been reading many sites and fourms and now know there are alot of questions and not alot of answers.

Also I know how hardware works and have been working with windows for about 8 years and have assembled many computers as well as repairing mine.

Please be kind and point me in a productive direction.

 

[Drift3r]

Well let me help you by telling you that the only thing you need is to setup some URPMI ( package handler, installer/remover and updater all rolled into one app ) repositories. Read up on how URPMI works and how to set it up via consol or GUI in Mandrake's Control Center. Once you think you have enough understanding go ahead and install some repostiories and enjoy.

These are the ones I use. Go to each link and follow the instructions.

http://urpmi.org/easyurpmi/index.php
http://www.linuxlots.com/~buho/seminario.htm
http://norlug.org/~chipster/index.pxml?rpms

Remember to open a console and log in as ROOT via the su command and then copy and paste each URPMI link from each site and you should have access to a ton of applications using Mandrake's Control Center appliation. Just go to the software management section in MDK's control center and you should be set.

P.S. Mandrake sells a book called the "The Definitive Guide" for those wanting who want to learn and understand this distro. It's worth picking up IMHO.

http://www.mandrakestre.com/mdkinc/index.php?PAGE=tab_0/menu_3.php&id_art=360&LANG_=en#GOTO_360

 

[coolroyboy2]

Great links , thanks very much.

 

[drag]

Good things to learn about is how to use the command line effectively and make simple scripts and stuff. That way you can have a pipeline to modifying how your OS and to fix problems.

GUI tools and stuff are nice and all that, but they are limited in scope, power, and flexability.

Also learn about the directory stucture. For example all system configuration files are usually in plain text. You can modify them with any text editor (big difference from word proccessor, although that's OK to use.) They are stored in /etc/ directory. Directory system is very important and a big stregth over MS operating systems. Library files (.dll for linux) are stored in */lib directories and are easy to find. You user-specific configurations are stored in .filename files. You can't store them in the /etc/ because normal users don't have rights to that folder. The . in front of a directory or file makes it hidden. You can see them with a "ls -a" command.

If you have any questions your best bet is always google. Online documentation is by far the best your ever going to find anywere for any operating system. From using normal package files like rpm or .deb files to programming and hacking the kernel.

Check out places like The linux documentation project for detailed howtos and stuff like networking/administration guides.

 

[JohnnyAnnalog]

As for books, I find "Moving to Linux: Kiss the Blue Screen of Death Goodbye!" is one of the best book for newbie.