[NTLUG:Discuss] Seeking builder of Linux machines

[Terry Henderson]

On Tue, 7 Dec 2004 14:15:25 -0600, MadHat <madhat at unspecific.com> wrote:
> On Dec 7, 2004, at 2:09 PM, John Thomas wrote:
> 
> 
> > MadHat wrote:
> >> On Dec 7, 2004, at 8:41 AM, John Thomas wrote:
> >>> I want to buy a dual boot machine to connect to my office network.
> >>> I want to find someone experienced with building machines for Linux.
> > ...
> >
> >> What is your goal?  Why do you want a dual-boot machine?  Why do you
> >> want someone else to build it?
> > I'm in an office with a Microsoft network.  I have to have MS file
> > compatibility.  I'm a Linux enthusiast, so I want to see how far I can
> > go with Linux (and OO, etc.) alone, but I need the Windows-boot just
> > in case.
> >
> > I don't have the time to research and build a machine from scratch
> > (although I could).  I have too much work and too many present hobbies
> > to do that!
> 
> why not start with Knoppix or another bootable linux distro?  You could
> use an existing machine, and can test for basics.
> 

That's a good idea, boot the machine to Knoppix live CD or one of the
other live CDs and you'll get a pretty good idea about supported
devices.  Knoppix has OO as well, you can save config files to floppy
disk or hard disk, read / write hard disk files, edit MS Word docs,
browse the network, etc. etc.

If you decide to actually do a dual boot system later on, I suggest
you add another HD and dedicate the new HD strictly to Linux, leave
the old one as is, use / access files and documents on the old HD as
needed, transfer them to your Linux drive as needed, etc.etc.
.... just some ideas for you to kick around.