[OZAPRS] linux

[Ray Wells]

I have to agree with the majority who have recommended a Debian based 
system.

I run vanilla Debian here on three systems (one dual boot with WinXP) 
but I ran Kubuntu for a while on a test machine. The difference between 
Kubuntu and Ubuntu is that the former uses the KDE desktop and the 
latter uses Gnome. The underlying system is the same for both, the 
desktop to use is personal choice.

Although I've now dumped Kubuntu (a few quirks I wasn't happy about) in 
favour of vanilla Debian on the test machine (I've been using Debian for 
16 years and can live with its quirks :-) ), (K)Ubuntu is a really easy 
way to get into Linux and anyone switched on enough to think about using 
Linux will come to grips with it quite quickly. The quirks will likely 
not bother too many users.

There are a couple of areas in which I believe Debian based systems have 
the edge for amateur radio applications;
1. A very significant number of people involved with Debian development 
are hams who have a better understanding of ham needs than non-hams.
2. The package manager in Debian is second to none when it comes to 
checking package dependancies. This you'll appreciate when you decide to 
venture off the well-beaten track of standard packages.

I'll be the first to admit that Debian used to be a dog to work with for 
newcomers - I've been there and done that - but it is now as user 
friendly as Linux can be and (K)Ubuntu have helped greatly with their 
live CD.

Ben, don't expect a Winpack style packet program for Linux. Although 
there are a number of terminal programs available, they don't have the 
functionality of Winpack. LinKT looked promising in this regard but it 
is no longer supported. It has dependancy issues with modern kernels. 
The sources will compile on newer kernels with considerable difficulty - 
not recommended for newcomers!

In APRS there's xastir, which makes UIView look like a poor relation. 
Xastir has ongoing support and development.

Whichever way you go when it comes to a distro, I support the suggestion 
that you use the same as a helpful friend. As far as applications are 
concerned, subscribe to mailing lists for that application. There's lot 
of really helpful hams out there and the topic-specific mailing lists 
are great. There are individuals who will provide one-on-one help. You 
won't be left without help if you ask.

Ray vk2tv



Ben Lindner wrote:

> OK here is a BIG question.
>
> If someone such as myself wanted to put Linux on a computer, which one 
> would be best suited for ham radio applications and other desktop 
> functions. It would also be an advantage to have Windows on the same 
> hard drive.
>
> Any help appreciated.
>
> Ben Lindner
> VK5JFK
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ozaprs mailing list
> Ozaprs at aprs.net.au
> http://aprs.net.au/mailman/listinfo/ozaprs
>

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