GeekTimeLinux

As mentioned in the welcome, this site is about simplicity and offers information on the various desktop versions of Linux.

Michael Robertson and his staff have included about everything needed to fulfill the needs of the home user. Not only does the distribution come with a wealth of software, but by joining the Click-N-Run warehouse, users can add new software without worry about problems with dependencies or installs. An example would be installing a CD player. Simply click on the C-N-R (Click-N-Run) icon and when you enter the warehouse, choose the Audio section, select the CD Player of your choice and C-N-R takes over. The program is downloaded onto your hard drive, fully configured and ready for use. This is, by the way, just one of the vast array of programs in the library.

HOW DIFFICULT IS LINSPIRE TO INSTALL? Five clicks and about 15-20 minutes (depending on processor speed).

THE INSTALL: To install, be sure that your system will boot from your CDROM. When this is done, simply shut down your current system, insert the LINSPIRE install CD and in a matter of seconds you will see the LINSPIRE Splash Screen with INSTALL highlighted. Simply hit return to continue.

Your next decision will come when ask if you want LINSPIRE to take over your entire hard drive or if you prefer the advanced install. Reading carefully, you will find that either way, the install will consume the entire hard drive. For simplicity use the first option and leave the Advanced settings for the “old timers.”

Next, you will be ask for a computer name and password. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU WRITE THIS DOWN SOMEWHERE THAT WILL BE HANDY! It is really frustrating to install a new system and then be unable to log in. Don’t let it happen to you!

From here, the installation is simplicity at its finest. You are ask to verify your information and then an “ARE YOU SURE” screen pops up to insure that you really want to install the software. Click YES and the install begins. During the install is a good time to decide what you want to include in your software library, as you are just moments away from a system that offers Linux stability.

When the install completes, the Splash Screen will tell you to remove the install media. Remove the CD, hit ENTER and the system will reboot. When this operation is complete, you will see the LINSPIRE Splash Screen again showing LINSPIREOS, RETRY OR DIAGNOSE. Just enter and LINSPIRE will do the rest.

Once the system has completed loading all elements, you will be greeted with a sign-in screen. Remember the PASSWORD…you will use it here. Logged in, you will be greeted by an audio tutorial or you can exit and go to the main screen. In all, about 15-20 minutes from start to finish.

Most new users will try clicking on the GLOBE and find that they are directed to set up an internet connection. If you are a broadband or cable modem user, the system will detect your card and assumes that you are connecting via DHCP.

Work your way around the screen. When you bring the cursor over an icon, the name of the program or function appears on the screen.

Next a check of the C-N-R warehouse would be in order. Remember I said to decide on the programs you want? Now is your first opportunity to select additional programs to help you custom your computer experience to your life style. One of the first I downloaded was LSONGS. LSONGS gives you an opportunity to go directly to on-line music as well as your own playlist.

When you return to the main screen, maybe you want to change the background. If so, click on the “L” in the lower left corner of your main screen and go to PROGRAMS. Select CONTROL PANEL and pick background. LINSPIRE has included several different background pictures for the different tastes of different users.

Utilizing the KDE control panel is quite simple and can be very comfortable after a couple of sessions.

Many will wonder what software is included with the basic package. While the list is too long to show here, you will have a full internet suite, a complete office suite (OPEN OFFICE) and a list of features that would cost you several hundred dollars if purchasing them individually for another operating system.

I have used LINSPIRE 4.5 on a 900 Mhz Intel system and on two different AMD systems and have had no problems with hardware detection, configuration or crashes.

It is partly due to the simplicity of the system outlined here and the reliability of the software that has retailers such as Wal-Mart offering LINSPIRE systems ready to turn on and operate.

That’s a quick look at LINSPIRE VER 4.5. Need more information, simply go to LINSPIRE.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.