ok guys - an update.
I left mandrake running on the laptop for 2 weeks while on hols.
Still working when i came back - so i don't think its a hardware issue.
Did a bit more reading and D/l the Ubuntu distro ( getting the lingo now )
While that was D/l i read about something called MEPIS.
Seemed to do everything i wanted - which is basically a simple to install OS and something that supports wireless and firefox - which it does as its on the install disc.
So i D/l and installed MEPIS.
How easy was that ? Exactly right - boot up from an ISO CD, which was D/L complete - no compiling rubbish.
All questions asked via click boxes, no typing needed.
Its found all the hardware, but i had an ethernet card direct to the cable modem not the wireless yet.
It connected straight to the net - easier than windows !!
This is what windows converters want ! No piss-arsing about typing convoluted command line instructions.
Now - i'm learning whats what and whats available.
I'm still struggling with updates and installs though - as in I can D/L an update - ie firefox, but haven't figured out how to install.
edit : I've just seen the instructions above and will try that tonight.
If anyone wants to try it you can get a CD that runs from the CD drive as a demo - with no install. - just to check it out .
I'm impressed with this SO FAR......
I left mandrake running on the laptop for 2 weeks while on hols.
Still working when i came back - so i don't think its a hardware issue.
Did a bit more reading and D/l the Ubuntu distro ( getting the lingo now )
While that was D/l i read about something called MEPIS.
Seemed to do everything i wanted - which is basically a simple to install OS and something that supports wireless and firefox - which it does as its on the install disc.
So i D/l and installed MEPIS.
How easy was that ? Exactly right - boot up from an ISO CD, which was D/L complete - no compiling rubbish.
All questions asked via click boxes, no typing needed.
Its found all the hardware, but i had an ethernet card direct to the cable modem not the wireless yet.
It connected straight to the net - easier than windows !!
This is what windows converters want ! No piss-arsing about typing convoluted command line instructions.
Now - i'm learning whats what and whats available.
I'm still struggling with updates and installs though - as in I can D/L an update - ie firefox, but haven't figured out how to install.
edit : I've just seen the instructions above and will try that tonight.
If anyone wants to try it you can get a CD that runs from the CD drive as a demo - with no install. - just to check it out .
I'm impressed with this SO FAR......
