A couple of linux questions

AHarvey

AHarvey

AHarvey

Soldato
Joined
6 Mar 2008
Posts
10,085
Location
Stoke area
Hi,

I am looking at putting a linux distro on my protable HDD in order to run it at work. Before you ask, I have no idea with Linux, total noob but would really like to make the move.

However we use Office 2007 and OpenOffice doesn't open these docs yet, is it possible to run office 2007 in linux with a windows emulator?
 
Hmm I'll check OO3 out later, I tried with 2 and no luck. You had to download a program to convert them but you could only save as office 2003 docs.

Also, and suggestions for a noob friendly distro? Knoppix or ubuntu?
 
So, I've downloaded Ubuntu 8.10 i386, burned it to CD and tried it in a works Dell PC.

It boots from CD and loads the unbuntu screen, I've checked the CD and it was verified. However, whenever I try and load from it, it just ends up on a black screen and I actually have to pull the power cable to reset the PC.

Any suggestions?
 
ok, so, I've formatted my 250GB portable HDD with XP so there is nothing there.

How do I go about formatting & partitioning it so I can use it to dual boot Ubuntu and XP.

Obviously I need FAT32 for the XP side and would like to keep around 170GB for that, but what file type do i need to format it for linux?
 
hmm, seems I am screwed.

One of the lads here said he knew what he was doing so I said fair enough and he went ahead and partitioned with the Ubuntu CD in LIVE mode and created a 30GB ext3 for Ubuntu and a 5GB Swap file. Then Installed it.

Upon resetting the PC it goes past the bios screen and then goes to a black screen with a flashing cursor and does nothing.

I removed the portable drive and tried booting windows and I just get a GRUB Error 21 message. So I can't load Ubuntu or XP :(

Any way of sorting this via the Ubuntu live CD?

I am just going to wait until I get home and install it myself on a PC with no other HDD in it. However, I now need to fix this work PC that he has messed up!
 
yeah, problem is, no XP disk :p

I gathered he didn't know what he was doing once it went **** up :D

oh well, looks like I will just have to speak to the IT tomorrow! :(

All I've got here is the Ubuntu live/install CD :/
 
problem is I have no blank CD's :D

However, I have found this:

http://thepete.com/fixing-your-mbr-...-more-fun-with-installing-ubuntu-on-netbooks/

I am running from the LIVE CD with the portable HDD plugged in, as even though it doesn't boot from it the Live CD still recognises it.

I have downloaded the ms-sys app as stated, unzipped to the desktop but I have no idea how to install with Linux :( Plus, I need to install and run it from the HDD.

I should then be able to fix this then :D
 
hmm, not worked due to permissions etc :(

Found a dell rescue disk but wont let me fixmbr, keeps telling me it isn't recognised as an internal or external command ?

looks like I'll have to wait til tomoz.

thanks for the help everyone :D
 
The IT lad isn't in today so I am going to try and repair it myself, I am sure I've had to do this before.

Got a few CD's to try out and all night :D

Nope, this hasn't put me off Linux at all! I will learn to use it properly!!!!! :)
 
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