>> Dear Sir/Madam, >> >> I am a Linux novice who would like to get started with Debian Linux. I >> currently have a Zenith Data Systems 486 33MHz SX with 16Mb of RAM, a 125Mb >> Hard Drive, a 1.44Mb floppy, and a VGA display. I have successfully >> installed the base system, unfortunately I would like to run X-window for >> Linux. I doubt that it would work on only a 125Mb hard drive, and I don't >> even have a CD-ROM. It would be nice if someone could steer me towards an >> inexpensive option for the minimum hardware required to run X. I have no >> real experience with UNIX or Linux and would like to use this system for a >> learning platform. I have attempted to install a IDE compatable CD-ROM on >> a Plug-and-Play compatable sound card but have not been able to get this >> set-up to detected or used by Linux. Could you offer any suggestions? > >you need a bigger hard disk,i use nearly the same computer ( 486/DX2 50 >mhz,16 MB ram,1.7 GIG hard disk,bare-bone vga) and yes i use X (on 16 >color except when running xquake,but even with this low end system,Star >Office run fine),about your CD,does your hard disk is IDE,if yes,plug the >CD on the same interface as the hard disk and put the jumper (if there's >one) on the slave setting (a manual help there but on my CD unit,it's >clearly marked). > > >> Might it be a better idea to aquire a new/er computer on which to install >> Linux. Could you please tell me the hardware which would keep me within a >> ~$500 budget ( I am a high school student with limited funds). Even a 386 >> type computer would be okay, if it works with Linux, but where could I find >> parts? I have a 14" VGA monitor which I'm planning to use with this >> system. My main problem is picking devices which are comptable with Linux, >> what would you recommend? Please offer any help you can. > >for a 500$ budget,you can buy a texas size hard disk (say in the 4 to 6 >GIG range). > >Alain > He's right, definitely a new hard drive. I installed Debian on a 100meg partition to test it out, and have since installed XWindows and KDE. Now I want to start adding some proper applications, and run out of room. However, I think a 4-6 gig is a bit overkill - just 1 gig would probably sort you out with all the Linux apps your'll need.
Graham Pople ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) SNES emulators at Emulation One (http://www.jalna.demon.co.uk/index.htm) All emulators at E1 Newsletter (http://www.jalna.demon.co.uk/e1news.htm) -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]