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Old 05-22-2001, 05:39 PM   #1
CragStar
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Question


Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone is actually using Debian as their Linux distro. I am trying to install the distro and have come across a few probs. I was wondering if anybody else has had any probs, and what they think of it as a distro.
 
Old 05-22-2001, 05:52 PM   #2
trickykid
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I am not currently using it but have tried it out before. The install can be a pain. What kind of problems are you having?

Also, nice signature file.
 
Old 05-22-2001, 07:44 PM   #3
jeremy
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I use Debian on my machine at work and on my laptop. What release are you using?
 
Old 05-22-2001, 08:26 PM   #4
notlinus
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I tried Debian first, loved the desktops, but found it difficult if not impossible to install important items (printer, sound card). I realize there are ways, but I read a book and looked a lot of places and these extremely basic functions were not covered. I switched to Redhat 6.1 with a different book (Teach Yourself Linux) and have a functional system at this point.
 
Old 05-23-2001, 05:46 AM   #5
DrDebian
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Smile

Quote:
Originally posted by CragStar
Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone is actually using Debian as their Linux distro. I am trying to install the distro and have come across a few probs. I was wondering if anybody else has had any probs, and what they think of it as a distro.
I started out with SuSE 5.1 a few years ago and tried most other major distributions for testing purposes. While some really have nice features, I came to stick with Debian. Simply put, I like Debian's policy of adopting new packages which makes it so ultra stable. In addition, the package format (.deb) and apt-get IMHO are simply outstanding!

Apart from that, Debian has the most software packages and makes those readily accessible. While the installation program is a bit rudimentary, it gives a seasoned Linux user all the options he could ever need, making custom installs a breeze. I also appreciate the fact that I can easily install over the Internet, only needing 2 bootfloppies and 3 driver disks, while the rest is fetched by FTP or NFS. Very cool indeed!

 
Old 05-23-2001, 10:15 AM   #6
NGene
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Cool

I started using Debian for some time ago, and I haven't had any problems with it - I have my printer, sound and X working fine, and the install went fine, too. I've tried out several distros, and Debian seems so far the best choice for me.


Apt-get just makes upgrading and installing new packages incredibly easy. It just simply kicks 455!
 
Old 05-23-2001, 12:24 PM   #7
CragStar
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Well, thanks for the response. I have tried to install it about 4 times now (well 3 and a half!), but seem to have probs with just about anything which happens. It cant detect my video card, and even though I have specified it and configured in Xfree86, it still will not startx. I have 3 cd's which are called Debian 2-2r2 (1-3), and 3 disks with source on them. Any idea what the last three are for?

Another problem I get is that it doesn't allow me to use some space on the HD, although I can use partitions which I had set up for previous use.

From your comments It seems that Debian is really worth it, and I shall keep trying. Just gota get past the install!
 
Old 05-23-2001, 05:29 PM   #8
ifred
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What kind of video card are you using? I ask because the versions of X windows on the CD may not support your video. However, once you install Debian and get your internet connection going you can upgrade to xf86 4.0.x. I will not sugar coat it though, from my limited experience this is not a simple process but you will probably be able to get some guidance here or from http://www.linuxnewbie.org .

PS: The last 2 disks are just additional programs for use with your Debian system. For a complete list of Debian packages and what they do check out http://www.debian.org.
 
Old 05-23-2001, 05:46 PM   #9
CragStar
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Here are the probs I have at the mo:

1). The partition app during the install wont allow me to use the space on the HD with nothing on (it says it is 'unusable'). The space is at the end of the drive does this matter??

2).I get to the point where it asks if I have any other cd's, and I do. I put them in like it requests, yet the install never asks for them again. You say the last 2 are only extra apps but surely they would be used during the install?

3).Debian does not recognise my Graphics card (S3 Savage2000, s3virge chipset), I tried to use XF86Setup once the 'partial' install has finished, yet it has no effect. I don't think all the X files are in there any way.

 
Old 05-24-2001, 08:17 AM   #10
DrDebian
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Quote:
Originally posted by CragStar
Here are the probs I have at the mo:
1). The partition app during the install wont allow me to use the space on the HD with nothing on (it says it is 'unusable'). The space is at the end of the drive does this matter??
Can you post what your current harddisk/partition setup looks like? It could be that you have already created 4 primary partitions or something like that.

Quote:
2).I get to the point where it asks if I have any other cd's, and I do. I put them in like it requests, yet the install never asks for them again. You say the last 2 are only extra apps but surely they would be used during the install?
Not necessarily. It all depends on which packages you select to install. If you go with a minimum install, only the first CD is needed. As soon as you select a package that dpkg (the packaging program) or dselect/apt-get knows is on one of the other CDs, it will ask you to insert the CD and install the package.

Quote:
3).Debian does not recognise my Graphics card (S3 Savage2000, s3virge chipset), I tried to use XF86Setup once the 'partial' install has finished, yet it has no effect. I don't think all the X files are in there any way.
Sounds like you didn't install the apropriate X-Server for your card. Run dselect and press "/" (without the quotes) and type "xserver" (again, without quotes!) followed by Return. Press "+", then "\", then "+", ... well, you get the picture. After all packages starting with xserver have a "*" left to them, press Return and proceed to install. This will install all available X-Server packages for you and you should be able to select your card using XF86Setup.
 
Old 05-24-2001, 04:44 PM   #11
CragStar
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Cheers for the reply.

I have worked out the first two probs, in that the other two cd's are there incase I select something from dselect (which I am just getting the hang of!), and the partition prob was solved by deleting a few partitions before the empty space, allowing me to use it all.

As for the xserver, I guessed it was something to do with that, and will do what you suggested to try and fix it.

I did however use XF86Setup and yet it still would not get X running dispite configuring it exactly. Will keep trying. If I get any probs I know where I will be heading!
 
Old 05-25-2001, 02:06 AM   #12
DrDebian
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Quote:
Originally posted by CragStar
Cheers for the reply.

I have worked out the first two probs, in that the other two cd's are there incase I select something from dselect (which I am just getting the hang of!), and the partition prob was solved by deleting a few partitions before the empty space, allowing me to use it all.

As for the xserver, I guessed it was something to do with that, and will do what you suggested to try and fix it.

I did however use XF86Setup and yet it still would not get X running dispite configuring it exactly. Will keep trying. If I get any probs I know where I will be heading!
You're welcome. Don't hesitate to ask.
 
Old 05-25-2001, 06:48 AM   #13
trickykid
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Hey, DrDebian,

I am not trying to be rude or anything, but how come on every post you reply with a quote from the previous post? It just seems useless a percentage of the time when you see the previous post and then its entire contents in your reply as well. Just wondering that's all.
 
Old 05-25-2001, 07:22 AM   #14
DrDebian
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Quote:
Originally posted by trickykid
Hey, DrDebian,
I am not trying to be rude or anything, but how come on every post you reply with a quote from the previous post?


No offense taken, but how do you expect people to know what I'm referring to, if I don't quote? I'm not always replying to the last post, so for my utterings to make sense, it is helpful to see in which context they belong.

Quote:
It just seems useless a percentage of the time when you see the previous post and then its entire contents in your reply as well. Just wondering that's all.
Well, I'm not so sure about that. In the rare case that I write something that refers to the last post, yes, you're right. In all other cases, it would be very hard to follow a discussion, because people would have to guess to which poster I am actually replying. Anyway, I don't just quote an entire post, but I actually quote the pieces that are relevant for my answer, allowing for a kind of "pseudo-dialog" to go on. If that seems to be annoying, I'll gladly stop.
 
Old 05-25-2001, 07:29 AM   #15
trickykid
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Oh I understand the quoting on like questions a person might have or a part of their post you want to clarify on, it does make it easier for all of us if its a long post or a lot of replies, I just didn't understand if you reply or post right after another person, its usually easy to understand your replying to just that one or last post whoever just posted.

No big deal though. Keep doing whatever you feel like doing.
 
  


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