Update #2 Beginning of the End

Warning/Disclaimer/etc.: computer talk is about to happen!!!!

I run a multi-boot computer system = more than one operating system on my computer. I have Windows 2000 Professional and Zenwalk 5.2 (<-that's Linux/GNU) on one computer with room for more. I also have a partition set up for Zenwalk to test new packages. That leaves me room for one other OS. I have always tried to find a way to like Ubuntu/Xubuntu, but with every release there has always been something that turns me right off. With the release of Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron, I decided to work through and give it a real go.

Ubuntu uses the Gnome desktop, I'm use to XFCE - I prefer that, but am willing to learn new things. I figure that I should probably learn how Debian based distros work compared to Slack-based ones.

Having tried Ubuntu/Xubuntu in the past, I was somewhat familiar with the set-up, and knew the forums were where all the info was. So, I partitioned the hard drive accordingly, keeping Zenwalk as default and using LILO:

• sda1 Windows 2000 Pro
• sda5 swap
  
• sda6 Zenwalk 5.2
• sda3 Ubuntu 8.04
• sda4 Zenwalk - TESTING
• sdb1 /home

At the time, sda was a 10gig hard drive, and sdb was 40 gig. Yeah, I know, hindsight 20/20, blah, blah, blah...Everything went fine, until wireless. I use a Linksys WMP54GS wireless for my desktop.

• desktop - Dell Dimension 4300
• Linksys WMP54GS - Broadcom 4318 rev 02

Broadcom wireless seems to be a nightmare with Linux. I had no problem with Zenwalk and just installing the drivers with Ndiswrapper. Ubuntu was a whole other disaster. I found this post in the Ubuntu forums, (36 odd pages long), but it worked for me. My only problem was, my wireless would disconnect after 1 day or 2.

Regardless, I got it all set up with Ubuntu, and clicked on the automatic upgrade. Results: not enough room on disc, etc. = I needed a bigger hard drive. I pulled a 20 gig out of something I had laying around, but now I had to reformat, and re-install everything.

After shuffling around hard drives, and a half hour with GPartEd, I was set to re-install Windows; then Zenwalk; the Ubuntu; etc. Ubuntu was last on the list, but when I got there, it got my full attention - and I was familiar with setting up the wireless.

So, I have everything running - now on wired internet - and Zenwalk is doing fine. Ubuntu, I think I need to spend some more time tweaking, but the forums seem a little overwhelming at times.

Overall, I'm digging the latest Ubuntu; I really want to like it, and this release has gotten me as close as I have ever been to liking it. I prefer the LTS versions over the the other releases, but will try every one that comes out.......waiting to find one that suits me.

On a side note: if you are a Gnome type of person, check this out: Zenwalk released a Gnome Edition.

Scott

P.S. The entire time of me trying to get this sorted, all the kids wanted to see on "Daddy's computer" was this:

Ok, the picture is at the top, I haven't figured out how to work too many of these things yet; but all they want to see/hear is Jerry Garcia on my computer - I really, truly don't know where they get it from...........honest...........