If you have an ADSL router, boot Knoppix, start Konqueror, type in your URL and the web page should appear. If it doesn't work, it may be because you haven't configured your ADSL router to be a DHCP server. (on the LAN configuration page for a DSE ADSL router). As part of my testing, I booted Knoppix, downloaded and ran "scanModem". Part of the output (ModemData.txt) contained this interesting info (I was using Knoppix 3.4) *** quote *** The bootable CDs of Knoppix releases 3.4 and 3.6 have boot kernels 2.4.26 and 2.4.27 These CDs are currently Hostile to winmodem installations for at least 3 reasons. 1) The kernels were compiled with gcc-2.95. While there is provided a /usr/bin/gcc-2.95 the default ggc found by compilers is set as: /usr/bin/gcc --> /usr/bin/gcc-3.3 Thus with casual usage of many winmodem driver packages, the drivers will be compiled with gcc-3.3 . Such mismatches between a kernel and driver can cause a system CRASH. Thus special effort is required to insure that driver compiles utilize the gcc-2.95 2) Winmodem packages typically try to write drivers to /usr/lib/ and installation files to /usr/sbin/ folders. But these folders are positioned on the ReadOnly CD, and the writes will fail; 3) Since compiled drivers cannot be placed in /lib/modules/, they are not perceived by a dependencies reading: depmod -a which would enable simple driver loading on demand or with a single: modprobe Last_Modem_Driver A Bug Report/offer to help Knoppix with these problems has been filed. *** end quote *** 'Tis definitely much easier to use an external modem! And easier still if you have an ADSL router. Michael Judy & Lindsay Roberts wrote:
I do have DSL router connected to my home network using WinXP. I sort of understood setting up linux to run through it was difficult - obviously not.
The systems you speak of sound reasonable, but then I dont have spare screen etc. so would have to purchase all these as well. The 'princess' says we cant afford something new, but time may tell. Please post me your business email addy to judenlinz(a)orcon.net.nz.
Linz
Michael McDonald wrote:
Many people will have unrealistic expectations of what their systems are worth. Have you seen of the prices of new equipment? One firm is offering a new "box" (CPU, CD-RW, disk etc, but no keyboard, screen etc) for under $450! Many firms have complete systems for under $1000.
Older computers would generally require an upgrade to be able to take the newer Linux systems - that's if you want to have modern software - and it's usually cheaper to buy brand new than upgrade anything older than 3 years.
But, if you want to use your existing Windows system and run one of the "Live" Linux distributions, it may be more effective to look around for an external modem (they're not particularly cheap to buy new!).
When I was trying Knoppix on my Win/ME box (128MB RAM) a few years ago, I found an external modem worked great. It only took a few moments to set up an Internet connection. However, with email, you'll probably be confined to a web interface.
I presume you're not using an ADSL Ethernet router - that's a breeze with Knoppix etc as you're straight on to the Internet without having to set up the connection.
Michael
Judy & Lindsay Roberts wrote:
We have been giving some thought to buying a SECOND HAND older computer - something like a 500mhz machine - to put a full Linux system on, if we cant get the LIVE versions I am tinkering with to operate to the point of being able to send/receive email and view the occasional website.
I have had some suggestions to where I might get something, from list members, but so far what I have viewed have been beyond our currents 'means.'
Further suggestions would be appreciated. Linz