Spatry's Top 5 Linux Distributions for Beginners

Welcome to my 100th episode. I will briefly cover my 5 favorite distributions for newcomers to Linux and I will discuss future episodes!

Sites of Interest:
http://www.distrowatch.com
http://pinguyos.com/
http://zorin-os.com/
http://linuxmint.com/
http://lubuntu.net/
http://ultimateedition.info/
http://www.ubuntu.com/

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[tbarry1a]

Well, I upgraded my kernel from 2.6.38-13-generic to 3.2.0-030200-generic and there still is a problem with wireless access on my IBM T42. I have edited the wireless connection for WPA & WPA Personal and entered the password. Once I save it, the keyring pops up and I store it there, but then I get a dialogue that says Authentication Required By Wireless Network. I can't seem to get past that. Any thoughts? Do you think that the built in wireless is just not compatible?

[LinuxSpatry]

@tbarry1a I used to own an IBM model similar to yours (T52 I think) and I know for a fact that the Linux kernel supports the wireless device... IBM products do support Linux... If I were you I would check with the IBM website and also a Google search with "Ubuntu IBM Thinkpad Wireless" may yield some results. Having the updated kernel is also a plus...

[tbarry1a]

I guess what my question is, on the kernel ppa website do I just choose the kernal that has the highest vesion number regardless of what I have now? In other words, if when I type the uname -r , if it shows that I am at 3.0.1 oneiric can I jump to 3.2.1 precise dated Jan 12 2012? Or do I need to stay in the save level and go to 3.0.17 oneiric dated Jan 12 2012? That's were my confusion is. I'm not sitting in front of that computer right now to give you exacts, but I think you get my drift. Thnx

[LinuxSpatry]

@tbarry1a YES... you may use a PRECISE kernel. Just avoid kernels with a "RC" and make sure you select the right architecture x86 or x64

[tbarry1a]

Thanks for your advice. I went ahead and watched the video "Keeping it Fresh". I am a little confused, however, with which kernal to choose on the kernal website you have listed. There is quite alot listed there and I am not sure what to pick. I curently have Zorin OS 5 Lite. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[LinuxSpatry]

@tbarry1a go for the most recent STABLE version... Do not pick a RC (release candidate) MAke sure you are not using ATI or Nvidia proprietary drivers or you will break X and you will not be able to boot into a GUI...

[UnforgivableMen]

@tbarry1a I had that problem as well.Here's a solution. DON'T use the keyring at all. The first time you enter the password for your wireless network the keyring is gonna pop out and ask u for the new keyring password- leave it blank. Then it's just gonna ask u whether u wanna use the unsafe password storage ,click yes. Reboot and that's it

[LinuxSpatry]

@tbarry1a I encountered the same problem when I was using my wifi dish. Please see my "Keeping it fresh" videos which cover upgrading the kernel. The newer kernels will support your wireless hardware... NOTE: you SHOULD NOT upgrade your kernel if you have installed the PROPRIETARY ATI or NVIDIA drivers.

[tbarry1a]

I just installed Zorin OS Lite on IBM T42, but my wireless does not seem to work. Any suggestions?

[tbarry1a]

Thanks for your great advice. I am just getting started in Linux and I went ahaed and installed Zorin OS Lite for an old IBM T42 laptop. I really like this look. I also love the Look Changer. I am having a problem, however, with wireless access. I cant get it to work. It seems to see my wireless network but I can't connect to it. I triededit the connettion and enter the security ino and everything, but no go. Do you think I should get a "Linux Friendly" USB Wireless stick?