Linux- Mac to it?

[jim preston]

Hey. Well, here's the short of it. The computer that is in my room is an iMac G3, one of the colored ones (mine's green) I got it for ten dollars at a school computer sale, and then picked up a Hawking wireless card thingy for $50. It runs- well okay, and there's a lot of school junk on there.
So, I was thinking about switching to Linux.
Linux is a free OS. My Mac is currently running 10.3.4 (Panther). It's old, and I don't like it. My questions are:
Linux- would it be able to run on this computer?.
Would installing a new OS delete all saved files, etc? Or would I have to delete them myself. If so, how?
Is iTunes avaliable for Linux? Same w/ Firefox
Would the controls be the same? ie hitting the power button lightly turns off the screen, pressing down hard on it shuts down the computer
Would my wireless device, and the software that came with it (Hawking Wireless Utility) work with is- so I could still get internet? If not, is there a Bootcamp type program that would allow me to run it, that I could download before I switched to OS? (or, I suppose, I could plug diectly in to the cable) http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=35&FamID=111&ProdID=362&AppleComp=1
Is the current Linux OS more similar to Microsoft OSes or Mac OSes? (Microsoft preferred)
How steep of a learning curve is it, switching (unfortunately, the only computers I use are Macs, so I've grown used to OS)
Does it have a widgets/gadgets app like OSX and Vista do?
Are there any good free manuals/info out there for Linux?
Is there anything else I should ask?
Thanks. I'll do some research too. The part that concerns me especially is the part about the wirelles card. I love having internet and there is no ethernet port in my room.

 

[Bob W]

Linux- would it be able to run on this computer?

I've never done it, but I think it's possible. There's lots of info online.

Would installing a new OS delete all saved files, etc? Or would I have to delete them myself. If so, how?

To install Linux you would reformat the entire hard drive, deleting everything on it. Then you'd create new Linux partitions and install from scratch.

Is iTunes avaliable for Linux?

No, but there may be some solutions available. Try Googling for iTunes on Linux.

Same w/ Firefox

Yes, absolutely. It's probably pre-packaged with most Linux distros, or you can download the Linux version from the Firefox website.

Would my wireless device, and the software that came with it (Hawking Wireless Utility) work with is- so I could still get internet?

Check the wireless manufacturer's website and see if they have Linux drivers available for your particular model.

Is the current Linux OS more similar to Microsoft OSes or Mac OSes? (Microsoft preferred)

Aspects of Linux are similar to OSX, and nothing at all like Windows.

How steep of a learning curve is it, switching

Maybe not so steep coming from OSX, but very steep for long-time Windows users.

Are there any good free manuals/info out there for Linux?

Tons. Books, websites, forums, etc. I started with a commercially-boxed Linux version years ago and it came with complete books on CD, plus two extensive printed books.

Is there anything else I should ask?

If you've never used Linux before, I ~strongly~ recommend you download and play with one of the bootable CD-based distros before you make any permanent changes to your computer. Most of the major distros offer live-CD versions for testing, and there are several nice distros developed specifically for CD-based operating and even distros that can run from USB drives.

Here's a list of Live-CD Linux distributions:
http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=cd

Downloading and booting DamnSmallLinux would be an excellent first step. It'll give you an idea of what Linux is all about, with a small download, bootable CD, simple setup, and free cost.
http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/

 

[jim preston]

Hmm- how do you download/run/install Damn Small Linux. I tried, and can't figure it out.

 

[turd]

Try Puppy Linux, it's great
First download it, then burn it as an ISO with Nero or something else and there you go.
Here are some how to's.


eric

 

[tricker]

try ubuntu first.....it can be put on and ran from a compact disk

 

[carrot]

Something better to try would be the full Ubuntu LiveCD. Ubuntu is one of the most commonly installed Linux distributions today and will run very happily on a PowerPC Mac. The LiveCD lets you test drive Linux before you install it so you know Linux is right for you. You would lose all your files, applications, settings, and data if you choose to install Linux. I recommend backing up all of these things to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or CD's. Ubuntu will completely delete the contents of your hard drive for you.

Controls may not be the same and may require some tweaking. Linux is an alternative OS, not a direct replacement for Mac OS X. You will find that the behavior of GNOME Linux applications (this is what comes with Ubuntu) is somewhat a cross between Windows and OS X. Everything looks slightly like Windows but the way menus are organized feels similar to OS X.

Your wireless device and software may not work. You cannot run the software in emulation but there may be a direct replacement for the device drivers. I would recommend again, using the LiveCD to evaluate whether Linux works properly on your system. If it does not, it may be possible to install the drivers on your own, but be advised this is usually not easy.

Keep in mind that any solutions you come across online to running applications using WINE, Cedega, or CrossOver Office do not apply to your Mac PowerPC G3. There is no iTunes, but there is Songbird, which many claim to be "just as good" or "better."

Linux does take some getting used to and unless you are willing to invest some extra time into it you may get bewildered. Many of the more "technical" things like installing drivers and certain unsupported applications can be difficult. Ubuntu tries to offer the best user experience but if you find you need more than it offers by default (by installing more applications) it won't be as easy as OSX or Windows.

There is some semblance of widgets on Linux. It's not really the same as Dashboard, though.

Free manuals -- try Googling for Linux and the subject you are looking for. There are very many sources of information on Linux.

Edit: I forgot to mention that to get Ubuntu you either need to download the disc image (in the form of ISO) and burn it as a CD or you can request a CD free from the Ubuntu site.

 

[jim preston]

Thanks, but turns out I'm getting an Inspiron 1525, so, no need (yes, I do like Windows)
However, I have a 97 dell the just begs to be tinkered with...