Category: Tips & Guides

Guides or tutorials (computer related)

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Mandriva Starter Guide Wiki

Mandriva Linux LogoSeems that Mandriva Linux users doesn’t need to spend hours of unproductive work trying to figure how to work things out for their Mandriva Linux system.

The fine folks at Linux Center of University of Latvia have started an Unofficial Mandriva Linux Starter guide in spirit to help fellow Mandriva Linux users across the world. The guide itself is organised in a wiki, and everyone else are encouraged to contribute.

The website contains many useful links and guides that could be helpful for new Mandriva Linux users. Among the guides and tips included :

  1. Where to download Mandriva Linux
  2. Where to look for new programs
  3. How to Install Java 2 Runtime Environment Plugin in Mozilla Firefox
  4. Configuring Network Connections
  5. How to add extra Repositories in Mandriva Linux
  6. How to Add/Delete Users and groups
  7. How to watch DVD in Mandriva Linux
  8. And many more…

The same folks that brought you this wiki is currently also working to release Unofficial Gentoo Linux Wiki.

Hope that these links will be helpful to you !!

linux, mandrake, mandriva, repositories, wiki

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Instalinux – A new approach to get GNU/Linux

Downloading GNU/Linux usually involves a process of downloading the entire CD image (called iso). This sometimes can be a time consuming process if you only need to install GNU/Linux with a few desired applications, as ISO provided by GNU/Linux distro is bundled with lots of applications that you wouldn’t ever use. It would be nice to have an ISO that would be tailor-made to your needs with all unessary applications removed to lighten the download.

Furthermore, the installation process for most GNU/Linux distribution is too generic, where a user has to attend the installation by manually answering questions such as Languange preference, Timezone, Keyboard Layout, Mouse, etc. This can be a bit of an annoyance if the user would wish install the GNU/Linux on multiple computers, usually those settings will remain the same for the user (how many are you have changed those preference?).

Instalinux

Instalinux (http://www.instalinux.com/ ) has taken a new approach to provide customized installation CD to the power users. Based on the LinuxCOE project by Hewlett Packard, Instalinux solves the problem of “generic ISO image” by providing a way to the user to create a custom installation disc by his/her own preference.

Users can choose from Fedora, SuSE, Debian and Ubuntu, select their system parameters, select software packages and pick a public mirror to install from, and then download the ISO image that is generated.

All of these are obtainable by the means of Kickstart, AutoYAST, or the Debian Preseed autoinstallers through Instalinux interface.

fedora, instalinux, linuxcoe,linux,gnu+linux,suse,tips

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Installing GRUB in USB Flash Drive

GRUB (GRand Unified Boot) loader is a boot loader for multiple operating system. It is one of the most popular bootloader for GNU/Linux operating system (the other is LILO). GRUB flexibility and easy-to-configure boot parameter has made it the default choice for most of GNU/Linux distros.

This article highlights yet another GNU GRUB usefulness in booting GNU/Linux inside a portable USB Flash drive : Installing GRUB on a USB flash memory key

gnu,linux,grub,bootloader,tips,tutorial

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How to use diff and patch in your project

Diff and patch are two separate tool that are often use together, particularly in software development. The use of these tools can ease up the process of recording differences and applying changes between two files.

diff is a tool that can be use to create a “diff” or “patch” file that contains differences between two files. Though diff can write into many different format, most people will prefer the unified format as it is easier to work with.

patch is another tool that complements diff, it will apply the differences in the “patch” file to the target file. Think of it is a way to “patch” your old files with newer modifications.

The guide below is the simplest way to use diff and patch. Though the information provided here is incomplete, I believe it can get you started in using them in your project.

How to use diff

The basic use of diff is,
diff -u original.txt modified.txt > file.patch

If you want to use diff against two source tree, the command is,
diff -rupN original modified > program.patch

How to use patch

To apply the patch, change into the same directory as the unmodified file and execute
patch < file.patch This is how to apply patch to an entire directory, patch -p0 < program.patch Patch applied can be simply removed by adding the -R switch, patch -p0 -R < program.patch patch -R < file.patch For the explanation of using the -p parameter, please read Applying patch to other directories

Other reference : LinuxJournal

unix,guide,tips,diff,patch,tutorial

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Which GNU/Linux Distro is Right For You?

linux, gnu/linux, distro
mypapit ubuntu

I found this website while surfing the Ittutor.net forum, the Linux Distribution Chooser tries to determine what kind of GNU/Linux distro is best suited for you through a series of easy to answer questions. Suprisingly, the results are fairly accurate, my personal result was Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Mandriva, Mepis and Debian.

IMHO, based on testimonials from ittutor forum, this website can help users to determine the right GNU/Linux distribution for them.

Which GNU/Linux distro is best for you? You can try Linux Distribution Chooser here : http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

Original Ittutor forum thread : http://forums.ittutor.net