Question about Linux (Ubuntu):

Siliconchip SG

Hi, I wish to build a computer and install ubuntu on it. I want it to be a general purpose type of PC, you know, like the one a family shares. So my budget is $600 for the components, minus the LCD, keyboard, casing etc. Can someone please advice me or give suggestions on what I should buy?

I also want to ask how do I install the OS after assembling the PC. Do I just start up the computer and insert the CD into the drive? I am new to this, which is why my questions may seem odd.

Raraken SG

I also want to ask how do I install the OS after assembling the PC. Do I just start up the computer and insert the CD into the drive? I am new to this, which is why my questions may seem odd.

Hmm, general purpose? Rough estimate:

AMD Athlon II X4 635 + MSI 870A-G54 - $282

2x2GB Kingston ValueRAM 1333MHz DDR3 - $60

Hitachi/Samsung 1TB - $70-$80

Palit GTS450 512MB - $159

Total: $581

Why the use of a graphics card? Or an Nvidia one, at that?

Simple. NVidia's graphics library for Linux is much more stable.

Siliconchip SG

Hmm, general purpose? Rough estimate:

AMD Athlon II X4 635 + MSI 870A-G54 - $282

2x2GB Kingston ValueRAM 1333MHz DDR3 - $60

Hitachi/Samsung 1TB - $70-$80

Palit GTS450 512MB - $159

Total: $581

Why the use of a graphics card? Or an Nvidia one, at that?

Simple. NVidia's graphics library for Linux is much more stable.

Since I won't be gaming on this, can I not buy a graphics card and just use the on board one from the mainboard?

Raraken SG

Since I won't be gaming on this, can I not buy a graphics card and just use the on board one from the mainboard?

Then I'll change it to an NVidia based chipset.

AMD Athlon II X4 640 + Gigabyte GA-M68MT-D3 - $217

2x2GB Kingston ValueRAM 1333MHz DDR3 - $60

Hitachi/Samsung 1TB - $70-$80

Total: $357

After assembly, boot the PC and quickly go into the BIOS. This can be achieved by pressing either the Delete key, F2 key or F10 key immediately after pressing the power button. Next, navigate to the Boot Priority menu and ensure that the CD-ROM is the highest priority in the boot order. Insert the Ubuntu disk into the disk drive and press F10 to save and exit.

playmemory SG

if you want to save money. use any used computer that is laying around. get a DVD rom if required.

octega SG

I also support AMD if you are concern abt cost.

For OS, download the Ubuntu ISO either 32 or 64bit. Or just the 32bit version if you want compatability. Burn the ISO into a CD. then Change the boot sequence of your new PC either by going into the BIOS or pressing the boot sequence key during startup (F12, but may vary between diff motherboards). Select the CD-ROM/DVD drive as your first boot, place the CD into the drive, that's it! Just follow the onscreen instruction to install ubuntu.

Note: Ubuntu has come along way but it is still far from being very user friendly. The OS is what I call "Hands-on" OS meaning, you would need to dig the web/forums/etc to find information to do things. Such as installing USB/PCIe WiFi adapters, if you lucky it is "plug and play", if you suay, you have to figure out how to connect it (such as wrapping the windows driver, etc) and it would require to delve into terminal-based Unix/Linux commands that can be a head-banging-against-wall experience if you have no idea what it is.

Siliconchip SG

I also support AMD if you are concern abt cost.

Note: Ubuntu has come along way but it is still far from being very user friendly. The OS is what I call "Hands-on" OS meaning, you would need to dig the web/forums/etc to find information to do things. Such as installing USB/PCIe WiFi adapters, if you lucky it is "plug and play", if you suay, you have to figure out how to connect it (such as wrapping the windows driver, etc) and it would require to delve into terminal-based Unix/Linux commands that can be a head-banging-against-wall experience if you have no idea what it is.

I don't count on having fun, but it sure would be a good experience learning all these LOL! Thanks for the info btw.