BdLug.Org FAQ

Last modified: Feb 05 14:22:21 BDT 2004

This page lists some frequently asked questions in BDLUG meetings and the mailing list. It is a good idea to check this page out before asking a question on the mailing list.

For BdLug.Org Linux Mailing List related questions Click Here

ANTI VIRUS For Linux Mail Server related questions Click Here

Linux Information

Q. I'm a newbie. Where can I get information about Linux and how to use it?

A. A good starting point is The Linux Documentation Project: http://www.tldp.org/

Linux availability

Q. Where can I get a Linux CD in Bangladesh?

A. Many linux related books come with a Linux CD. Magazines like PC Quest and Chip also carry Linux CDs from time to time. If you can't find a suitable one, ask for it on the bdlug mailing list, we will be happy to give you a copy (you have to pay a copying charge, about Tk 100/= per CD).

Q. What distribution should I use?

A. Check out all the distributions you can and choose your own. But you should keep a safe distance from WinLinux and Caldera Linux.

Q. What distributions are available in our country?

A. Most of the large ones. The most popular are RedHat, Slackware, Debian and Mandrake. SuSE is also available.

Setup related questions

Q. How much space does Linux take?

A. Depends on your distribution and how many packages you want to install. A minimum install can take about 300MB and a moderate desktop configuration should take about 700-900MB. For those who want to explore all the packages and want to use Linux heavily on their desktop, 1500MB is a reasonable space.

Q. What sound cards does Linux support?

A. Most soundblaster or soundblaster pro compatible cards. Cards from Crystal semiconductor, ESS, Genius and some of the Yamaha cards. You should consult the Hardware HOWTO for an extensive list. INCOMPLETE

Q. What video cards does Linux support?

A. Almost all PCI cards. AGP cards from Trident, SiS and Intel i740 are known to be supported. INCOMPLETE

Q. What networking cards does Linux support?

A. Almost all.

Q. What's the fuss about WinModems?

A. Linux, or any OS other than WinXXX does not support WinModems. WinModems are not actually modems, the vendor cheated you. Throw it out immediately. Linux works with any external modems and internal modems that are NOT WinModems.

Q. How do I know if my modem is a WinModem

Ans. No.1 identifier, price! If you bought it for about Tk 1000-1400/= then it most probably is a WinModem. I feel sorry for you!

Another method, does the modem work if you use a "Standard Modem" driver under Windows? If so, it is not a WinModem, thank God!

Q. Will my ISP support Linux

Ans. They don't give a damn on what OS you are using. They will not give you technical support if you are a normal user (they may do so if you are a business). Hooking up to the ISP is fairly easy and you will not need their tech support anyway.

Q. How do I set-up my sound card?

Ans. If you are using RedHat or Mandrake, use sndconfig. If you are using another distro, you wouldn't be asking this question in the fist place.

Applications

Q. Can I use Linux in my desktop?

Ans. Yes, of course!

Q. Don't I have to buy the server programs like HTTP and mail servers?

Ans. No, they come bundled with the OS, very unlike some half baked OS made in Seattle.

Q. What database applications are available?

Ans. There are some excellent free SQL servers like MySQL and PostgreSQL. If you have exotic needs you can buy commercial SQL servers like Oracle and DB/2 for Linux.

..... INCOMPLETE .....

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