Resurrection

Forum: User Feedback
Topic: Resurrection
started by: Domhnull

Posted by Domhnull on Aug. 08 2005,15:20

I've got an old Micron laptop with 40mb RAM, 2 gb hard drive. It's been sitting in the closet for a long time. But now with DSL installed I've got a decent working laptop out of it. I just did the regular HD install but I might switch to the frugal install, at least to try it out.

I'm still trying to figure out a few things. For example, I downloaded the Python myDSL package and installed that through the file manager. It'll launch a terminal window and give me the python prompt in interactive mode but I don't know how to make python available in any terminal window so that I can type 'python test.py' and run the program.

I've ordered an older PCMCIA wireless card (Netgear MA401) to hopefully get online. Right now I'm on my Ubuntu desktop.

Anyway, it's great to be able to use the laptop again. I don't plan to do a lot with it but it'll be nice to have a portable linux machine.

Posted by adssse on Aug. 08 2005,20:06

Glad to hear of your success. I would recommend using the frugal install once you get comfortable and the MA401 works very well with DSL so you shouldnt have any problems there.

Posted by mikshaw on Aug. 08 2005,23:49

Add python to your PATH variable:
export PATH="$PATH:/opt/python/bin"

This can be done temporarily from a termnal that launches python, or make it permanent by adding that command to .bashrc or .bash_profile (for use in console you will also need to source .bashrc from .bash_profile if it is done in .bash_profile)

Posted by Andrew on Aug. 09 2005,17:41

Hi!

(in most cases) For a regular DESKTOP pc hard drive install, frugal install is not good. I have done both, and the regular is much better.

Posted by Domhnull on Aug. 09 2005,22:38

Thanks for the tip mikshaw! That'll help.

Posted by Domhnull on Aug. 12 2005,03:32

Frugal! I reformatted the hard drive on the laptop and switched to the frugal install after reading all of the posts about how that was a better option. Seems to have worked well. Just waiting for the Netgear to get here so I can get online.

Posted by adssse on Aug. 12 2005,04:22

I spent a while using the HD install, but once I switched to Frugal I really realized how nice it was. I have really learned to appreciate what the folks here at DSL have accomplished with this.

Posted by Domhnull on Aug. 12 2005,13:06

I'm still learning but DSL does seem pretty nice. Now I'm eyeing those silent mini computers.