I'm new to the world of Linux. I'm used to using Windows OSes but I would like to enter the Linux dimension because I've heard that Linux has many advantages over Windows. For example, Linux is more secure and allows more privacy than Windows. Also, Linux is more flexible in terms of drivers. In addition, Linux has a Live versions that does not need any non-volatile RAM.
I'm looking for a laptop that:
1. Is fully-compatible with the Linux Live CD and does not need any HDD or any non-volatile RAM.
2. Has a wireless internet card in it whose MAC address can be changed.
3. Is new and not used.
4. Compromises* among the following:
4a. Least expensive
4b. Has the most amount of volatile memory
*I say compromise because usually if the system is less expensive, it will have less memory. So I am looking for the least expensive with the most amount of memory [volatile memory] for the price I'm paying.
The reason I need so much volatile memory is because I don't plan to use any HDD or non-volatile RAM [other than a floppy disc] on this laptop. Linux Live CD doesn't need any non-volatile RAM and can boot from the CD.
In addition, will the Linux Live OS be compatible with a USB floppy drive? Also, can I use an additional CD or DVD ROM drive with the Linux Live in case I want to run applications from CD/DVD discs other than the Linux Live?
Also, how do I change the MAC address of my NIC using Linux Live?
Once again, I wish for the only non-volatile RAM device on my laptop to be the floppy.
I'm guessing I'll need for my laptop to have two built-in CD/DVD-ROM drives. Am I right?
Thanks a bunch,
Green
Answer Hi Green,
Welcome to the world of Linux!
You have alot of great questions. However, the important matter is left absent: how much is your budget? Since this is not available, I'm going to go middle-of-the-road and keep it under $1,000.
I'd recommend a Lenovo Thinkpad T500 with onboard Intel video. Bump the RAM up to 4GB and you've got a great laptop ready for Linux under $1,000. If you call Lenovo and tell them to not include Windows at all, they may (read should) knock the price down. Tell them you're installing Linux and you might even find the tech on the phone a bit friendlier. The Thinkpad t500 is compatible with linux (ref: http://www.linlap.com/wiki/lenovo+thinkpad+t500).
Linux Live is actually more work than I like to take with an OS. Call me lazy and get me a drink. I'd recommend using the Ubuntu Live CD (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download). It just works and there's a reason for the buzz. It includes both the installer and the "Live" version that you can run off the CD. And yeah, you can plug in a USB stick and save work to it from the Live side of things. Personally, I get tired of listening to my CD whir every time I'm running Linux and it's not as fast as the installed version. Oh yeah, and there's always a few odd applications that are gotta-haves that are simply not on the Live version. It's a very security conscious move to run it off of CD, however you might find you learn more about the OS and enjoy it if you install it.
Yes, Linux has more readily available tools for privacy and such. But, keep in mind that the weakest link in an operating system is usually the user. You can make the safest airplane in the world, but you need to have a decent pilot to fly it.
And it's time to get your files off of the floppy discs. Floppy discs have been considered obsolete since 2001. Use a USB thumb drive. They have them now at upwards of 64GB capacity.
I'd recommend a USB CD drive if you need a second CD drive. I can't think of an off-the-shelf laptop that has two optical drives.
Back to the budget thing - if you want, you could try one of those snazzy netbooks like my niece has from ASUS (the EEEPC comes to mind) and I have a high degree of confidence that an experienced Linux user could get Ubuntu or the like running with a bit of elbow grease. I think those cost $300 now for wireless and the usual suspects...
