General Knoppix install questions

[seshomaru samma]

I would like to install Knoppix on my laptop because it is the only Linux distro that recognises my ancient external network card ( here -scroll down to see pix). I tries puppy, etch, xubuntu,sidux, dreamlinux and DSL.
I understand that there are 3 types of installation. Debian install seems to be the preferable option ,but will it keep my network configuration? that is the most important to me,
Also as my laptop is old ( here) I would like to use icewm or XFCE , does that rule out a "knoppix install" (because I will be automatically logged into KDE)?

What I want is:
1. have internet access
2. run XFCE or IceWM
3. apt-get some programmes (most important SCIM- Chinese input)
4. not interested in updates or the latest software
5. don't mind doing some reading or terminal work but would rather click the mouse

which install option would you recommend for my case ?
thanks

[Harry Kuhman]

I would like to install Knoppix on my laptop because it is the only Linux distro that recognises my ancient external network card..... I tries puppy, etch, xubuntu,sidux, dreamlinux and DSL.....

which install option would you recommend for my case ?
thanks

What you didn't seem to try is Debian, the distro that Knoppix is based on. I would be shocked if Knoppix supported any NIC that wasn't also supported by Debian, and a real Debian install will give you a much more stable and reliable system, allow you to install just want you want or need, and more safely install other software.

[JohnnyH]

I would like to install Knoppix on my laptop because it is the only Linux distro that recognises my ancient external network card ...

Which version of Knoppix was it that recognised your network card ?
I ask in case it was an 'ancient' Knoppix to suit an 'ancient' network card, because I found that Knoppix 3.7, for example, made a 'Debian-like' installation with fewer set-up problems than 5.1.1 .

I recommend that you read this to be aware of the pitfalls : http://www.knoppix.net/wiki/HD_Insta...g_not_to_do_it
(in the long run it would be better if you can identify and find the network card driver that you need, and install it into a proper Debian, e.g.your Etch, installation, if possible).

I understand that there are 3 types of installation. Debian install seems to be the preferable option ,but will it keep my network configuration? that is the most important to me, ...

Your network card driver should be installed OK ; expect to have to run the network configuration utility (N.B. you would need to search the Forum for solutions to set-up problems. On my system for example, in 5.1.1 it would not work in DHCP mode and I had to enter the IP address manually - this would be *tedious* and probably impracticable if you will be connecting your laptop to different networks and having to ask the administrators for IP address allocation ! )
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/viewtop...332&highlight=
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/viewtop...322&highlight=
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/viewtop...965&highlight=
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/viewtop...868&highlight=
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/viewtop...867&highlight=
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/viewtop...656&highlight=
http://www.knoppix.net/forum/viewtop...346&highlight=

...Also as my laptop is old ... I would like to use icewm or XFCE , does that rule out a "knoppix install" (because I will be automatically logged into KDE)? ...

In 5.1.1 you can use the boot-up cheatcode desktop=icewm

...What I want is:...3. apt-get some programmes (most important SCIM- Chinese input)..

Since Knoppix 5.1.1 was released, Debian etch was released as the new 'stable' version, so the meanings of 'stable' 'unstable' 'testing' and so on in the /etc/apt/sources.list file have changed.
e.g. sarge, which was 'stable', is now 'oldstable'
Currently etch is 'stable' , lenny is 'testing' and sid is 'unstable'
(see the Debian website for full explanation; I recommend that you read there anyway).

Save away your original /etc/apt/sources.list and /etc/apt/preferences files by renaming them.
Create a new /etc/apt/sources.list file containing at least :

deb http://ftp.de.debian.org/debian/ etch main non-free contrib
deb http://security.debian.org/ etch/updates main contrib non-free

(You can replace de by your country code to get a closer mirror - check the full address )

[seshomaru samma]

What you didn't seem to try is Debian,

I tried Debian etch. see my post here

Which version of Knoppix was it that recognised your network card ?

I tried several versions of Knoppix , all of them including the latest version (kernel 2.6.19) recognised my network card.

Anyway , your information was very helpful. I tried the "Debian" install and it didnt remember my network card. But the "beginner" install did and now I got a running HD installed Knoppix. I commented out everything but 'stable' in the sources.list and everything seems to be working fine for now. Thank you for your help.