UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

I have a new motherboard & HD etc that have working bios etc but won't accept my W98 upgrade as the O S, I need to know if I can get the Unix OS to work with it, instead of using Windows? I understand that the Unix OS works very well but will it install easily??
Al

This may be a dumb question, but by the way you phrased your question, it may be valid.

Do you have WIN95 running right now or some OS? Or do you only have the 98 Upgrade and are trying to install an "upgrade"? You must have an OS, WIN95, in order to use the 98 upgrade software.


And YES, UNIX ( ie Mandrake, BSD, Redhat, etc...) are fairly easy to install. As to whether they will work with your hardware you will have to find out by installing.

They are fairly compatible; I have only seen problems with video cards running the Xwindows functionality.

I have tried installing with my old W95 complete installer CD, but that won't take either. Maybe a problem in the new board,, or the much faster board 1.6G / 266MHz may not like the old W95??
Where can I order a 'Unix' Installer CD? Al

Before you go out there and order a verion of Linux (UNIX) you should do a bit of reading around to see what the best Linux version will be for you. If you have never used UNIX or Linux before well you don't want to start out with SUSE Linux. Something more along the lines of Mandrake or Redhat is the better Linux to learn with. Easier to use then some of then others.

If you really want to get tricky and have some fun. Or really want to try UNIX itself, you can order a copy of Solaris 8 for intel from the Sun Microsystems website. Don't think you can download this yet as they took the Soalris 8 for intel download off awhile ago, if it's back up and you want to try to download it, make sure you have cable it's not small.

But where to get Linux from? Well you can download it, not really a good idea unless your on aleast a cable connection. Or you can buy it. Or sometimes you can go buy a magizine with the free CD's on the cover, and sometimes they'll have a version of Linux.

:-)

Also the core part before you started to install any of the OS's check your Motherboard specification. Try to check it out in the webpage. Also suggest you could check your BIOS compatibility. Some new/old boards doesnt really allow kernels such as Unix to be installed. Should work for most of it, but some doesnt allow. Give a try. If your Bios doesnt allow to install the OS as you said. Try check the BIOS webpage for setting tips. There should have some suggestion on setting Jumper wires on your Motherboard. Do post back.

Thanx for the info and advice. My current trouble was caused by a defective 'brand new' Maxtor 30 gig HD. I installed my old 15 Gig and the system works fine, I also had to reset the CMOS. Al