complete newb
I hope I don't annoy anyone too terribly with this but I am a brand new newbie to Linux and I am ready to rip my hair out just deciding what type of box to build. I have an old generic box that I want to use rather than dumping cash into what I'm sure will be a series of trial and error. Also, I've heard so much about how a low end box can scream with Linux that I want to see just how well I can pull this off despite handicapping myself with antique electronics. :] Here's the hardware I was hoping to use:
hardware:
mobo - ASUS P5A-B Pentium Super7
processor - AMD-K6-II/350AFR
RAM - 64 MB (Have 3 slots total & additional stix on hand if needed)
HDD - MAXTOR Diamond Max VL 30GB UATA-66
audio - Sound Blaster AWE64 Value (CT 4520)
video - This is one area I'm not sure about.
I'm considering using a Diamond ST II 4MB PCI that I have on hand but the mobo also has a AGP slot and I have a Voodoo 3 collecting dust and a ATI Rage somethin-or-other. Will one be signifigantly better than the other? From what I understand, the Stealth will run on the standard vga drivers as the AGPs might require manufacturer specific drivers. Tell me if I'm completely talking out of my posterior. No thin skin here.
CD-ROM - generic ATAPI 48x
NIC - 3Com Fast Etherlink XL PCI 10/100 Base-TX since I'll be networking to my Windows gaming box & a linux server (my next build).
Modem - Since broadband isn't offered in my area yet (I know!) I'll have to get a dial-up modem (just have Winmodems now and they don't work on linux I'm told) but I'm gong to purchase that anyway so I can skip it until later and just buy whatever I have to since they all cost about the same, right?
OS
I have checked out Knoppix and Mepis and they sound okay but I want somehting more aggressive. I've found a few others I like and think they may be more suited to my needs (listed at the bottom of this entry). I think I've decided on Gentoo though I'd also consider Ubuntu, or maybe Yellowdog.
software:
imaging (GIMP)
word processing (OpenOffice or Star Office.. either one?)
internet access, email, newsgroups, file sharing - Firefox
messaging - (Gaim)
window manager - (enlightenment)
mp3 player - (xmms)
Suggestions, comments, or bursts of laughter for the newbie blundering in over his head are welcome. ;]
hardware:
mobo - ASUS P5A-B Pentium Super7
processor - AMD-K6-II/350AFR
RAM - 64 MB (Have 3 slots total & additional stix on hand if needed)
HDD - MAXTOR Diamond Max VL 30GB UATA-66
audio - Sound Blaster AWE64 Value (CT 4520)
video - This is one area I'm not sure about.
I'm considering using a Diamond ST II 4MB PCI that I have on hand but the mobo also has a AGP slot and I have a Voodoo 3 collecting dust and a ATI Rage somethin-or-other. Will one be signifigantly better than the other? From what I understand, the Stealth will run on the standard vga drivers as the AGPs might require manufacturer specific drivers. Tell me if I'm completely talking out of my posterior. No thin skin here.
CD-ROM - generic ATAPI 48x
NIC - 3Com Fast Etherlink XL PCI 10/100 Base-TX since I'll be networking to my Windows gaming box & a linux server (my next build).
Modem - Since broadband isn't offered in my area yet (I know!) I'll have to get a dial-up modem (just have Winmodems now and they don't work on linux I'm told) but I'm gong to purchase that anyway so I can skip it until later and just buy whatever I have to since they all cost about the same, right?
OS
I have checked out Knoppix and Mepis and they sound okay but I want somehting more aggressive. I've found a few others I like and think they may be more suited to my needs (listed at the bottom of this entry). I think I've decided on Gentoo though I'd also consider Ubuntu, or maybe Yellowdog.
software:
imaging (GIMP)
word processing (OpenOffice or Star Office.. either one?)
internet access, email, newsgroups, file sharing - Firefox
messaging - (Gaim)
window manager - (enlightenment)
mp3 player - (xmms)
Suggestions, comments, or bursts of laughter for the newbie blundering in over his head are welcome. ;]
