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 -- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz Phone nz07-896-8826 -- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz Phone nz07-896-8826
How much do you want to spent? and what are the specs you want. Rgds Harry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Judy & Lindsay Roberts" <judenlinz(a)orcon.net.nz> To: "#Waikato LUG" <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2004 8:03 PM Subject: [wlug] [Fwd: Cheap older PC]
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
-- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz
Phone nz07-896-8826
-- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz
Phone nz07-896-8826
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You know the answer to the first question - as little as possible. Specs - HDD 4gig+, CD, 56k modem ok, keyboard & screen. I had an old one P2 300mhz and gave it away and 2 years ago to a 'poor' guy who needed one to organize his redecorating business. I'll look at less, but I'd still have to buy the extra piph's. Linz Harry Wieldraayer wrote:
How much do you want to spent? and what are the specs you want. Rgds Harry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Judy & Lindsay Roberts" <judenlinz(a)orcon.net.nz> To: "#Waikato LUG" <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2004 8:03 PM Subject: [wlug] [Fwd: Cheap older PC]
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
-- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz
Phone nz07-896-8826
-- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz
Phone nz07-896-8826
_______________________________________________ wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz Unsubscribe: http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug
_______________________________________________ wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz Unsubscribe: http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug
-- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz Phone nz07-896-8826
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
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
_______________________________________________ wlug mailing list | wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz Unsubscribe: http://list.waikato.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/wlug
-- Our website has changed slightly. new URL is www.geocities.com/judenlinz Phone nz07-896-8826
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
An alternative solution is to add another disk drive to your system and install Linux on that - then you can have the best of both worlds (my system is mixed Windows/Linux). Much better than using a live distro on CD. 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
Could you supply more info on $-450 boxes please Michael? Linz ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael McDonald" <michael.and.colleen.mcdonald(a)xtra.co.nz> To: "Waikato Linux Users Group" <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2004 9:42 PM Subject: Re: [wlug] [Fwd: Cheap older PC]
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
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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.
In fact these days it may be cheaper to get a DSL router than buy an external modem. And the new DSL plans are pretty cheap. Almost as cheap as dialup. Regards -- Oliver Jones <oliver(a)deeper.co.nz> Deeper Design Limited
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.'
I have a K6-2-500 PC that is surplus to requirements, which you can take away from the next WLUG meeting for the one off price of nothing. It will not be pretty - it will be about as quick as a P2-350 from memory. Otherwise there are often people on this list with computers they are giving away for a song- unfortunately I've just got rid of all of mine. If you check our buy/sell/exchange page at http://www.wlug.org.nz/GarageSale/ you will see where these transactions are normally carried out. If you still can't see the web site, that's the first thing we need to fix! If, however, you do have a bit of money to spare, one of those $850 Dell computers would give you an experience ten times better than what you'd get out of an old P2 machine. Linux would have a much better reputation if more people could/would try it on better specced machines. Craig
as someone running a K6 2 - 500, and happy with it too, we aware that it is only a p1 not p2 equivalent. This means that i686 optimized distro's like Yoper will not run. Any i486(slackware) or i586 mandrake and lots of others should be fine, but a little slow. Featherlinux 7.0 flies on this and does all I need it for ... Mind you its has 256Meg of ram. But for free, can you go wrong? Just know what your looking at On Friday, December 31, 2004, at 11:35 AM, Craig Box wrote:
I have a K6-2-500 PC that is surplus to requirements, which you can take away from the next WLUG meeting for the one off price of nothing. It will not be pretty - it will be about as quick as a P2-350 from memory.
Hi again Craig. I still cant view the http://www.wlug.org.nz/GarageSale/ site. I get a message "The operation timed out when attempting to contact www.wlug.org.nz" While I may not be able to attend the WLUG meeting, we will be through to Hamilton from Taumarunui the last Saturday in January. We may be able to make a point of seeing you then, it that suits. Linz ----- Original Message ----- From: "Craig Box" <craig(a)dubculture.co.nz> To: "Waikato Linux Users Group" <wlug(a)list.waikato.ac.nz> Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 11:35 AM Subject: Re: [wlug] [Fwd: Cheap older PC]
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.'
I have a K6-2-500 PC that is surplus to requirements, which you can take away from the next WLUG meeting for the one off price of nothing. It will not be pretty - it will be about as quick as a P2-350 from memory.
Otherwise there are often people on this list with computers they are giving away for a song- unfortunately I've just got rid of all of mine. If you check our buy/sell/exchange page at http://www.wlug.org.nz/GarageSale/ you will see where these transactions are normally carried out. If you still can't see the web site, that's the first thing we need to fix!
If, however, you do have a bit of money to spare, one of those $850 Dell computers would give you an experience ten times better than what you'd get out of an old P2 machine. Linux would have a much better reputation if more people could/would try it on better specced machines.
Craig
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participants (6)
-
Craig Box -
Gavin Denby -
Harry Wieldraayer -
Judy & Lindsay Roberts -
Michael McDonald -
Oliver Jones