Some basic questions

**kbieri** · 02-03-2008, 06:43 AM

Well I am building a new computer from scratch and have become interested in escaping from the world of microsoft. I have used SUSE before and liked the linux platform. I am basically wondering if it is possible to have a computer that runs entirely off of knoppix, from the very beginning and as its only OS. I really dont want to mess with windows and MS anymore, i am sick of all the crashing and crappy software. All I really need a computer for is email, internet, word, spreadsheets, and some image processing and vista is a rip off.

So, is doing this reccomended or possible? Also, how much linux knowledge is needed, becuase i know some but am still learning.

Thanks

**Harry Kuhman** · 02-03-2008, 07:01 AM

Knoppix really isn't intended or suitable as a hard disk based system; it's a Live CD. See answer #2 for details. If you want to install Linux to hard disk, I suggest Debian or some other distro intended for that (I suggest Debian because Knoppix is based on it). Sure, you could run a computer from the CD or DVD, but there is no good reason to do so for most users. And, of course you can use Linux and divorce yourself from Microsoft. But you may have some issues if you like to play the newest games (which may not do as well under wine as opposed to real Windows). All depends on what you want to do with a computer.

**kbieri** · 02-03-2008, 07:32 AM

well the reason i thought of doing this was becuase i read that you can actually run it from your harddisk, as if it were a normal OS. And i dont really need anything other than internet, and some basic programs that should be fine on knoppix like office stuff and GIMP. I dont really play games anymore so much. And the other reason is that it is free, and I am very poor right now due to moving to a new city and some other stuff.
I will look into debbian though, sounds interesting.

**Harry Kuhman** · 02-03-2008, 07:44 AM

Read the warnings in answer #2, then do what you want. But your logic that Knoppix is free is somewhat flawed, Debian is also free. I strongly suggest downloading the net-install CD or business card CD (as long as you have high speed access) and install from the internet. If you think Knoppix is fine then try it. However, many people who do have a lot of trouble with their Internet connection when used that way. And If you install any new software or try to update anything that you do have, it very well might break. Debian is much more stable. Do whatever you think is best, but you did ask.

**kbieri** · 02-03-2008, 08:13 AM

yeah you are right, I am reading some more and debian is obviously a better choice to try. at first i didnt know it was free. thanks for the input.

**Harry Kuhman** · 02-03-2008, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by kbieri

Well I am building a new computer from scratch...

Since you are going to be on new rather than old hardware, I suggest using the "testing" version of Debian rather than the "stable" version. Th"stable" version is somewhat old. The "testing" version is newer and should have better support for new hardware, and in spite of the poor choice of names is actually quite stable.