The most recent version of these essays can be found at http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/.

Rick's Rants

("That's what you get for swimming in the shallow end of the gene pool.")

-Virus-    -Linux Tire-Kicking-    -Proprietary Warez-    -Hardware-    -Netiquette-    -Crybaby-    -Modems-    -MacLinux-    -Miscellany-   

Economy of expression is a good thing. So, rather than have to repeat myself continually, I'm posting my top rants here, for ready reference. Many of you (readers) will be visiting today because I pointedly referred you to the "#"-tagged URL of some particular item, below.

Hardware Department

• "Will you give me a hand with hardware inside my mini-tower PC?"

  No. Simply no. I've cut my hands on sharp edges inside lilliputian PC cases once too often. You've also increased the chance that you'll have short parts life (and random seize-ups) because of heat build-up and poor air circulation, but that's beside the point: Move your motherboard to a decent-sized case that's practical to work inside, and then we'll talk.

• "Do I have to bring my monitor to the Linux InstallFest? It's heavy. Can't you supply one?"

  Let me get this straight: You're saying that your monitor is heavy and awkward, but you somehow think mine is weightless, or transported to the InstallFest using telekinesis?

  Also, the X Window System on Linux should be configured for your specific monitor/video card combination. The best way to ensure this is done correctly is for you to bring both pieces. If it isn't done correctly, you might burn out your monitor upon returning home, if the X server sends signals beyond the monitor's design limits (for more than a minute or so).

  Bring your full computer to the InstallFest: system box, monitor, keyboard, mouse, all cables including AC power cords and power strip, and all hardware documentation. Please also bring several floppy disks that we may overwrite. Bring your Linux distribution CD-ROM, if you have one. You do not need printers, external modems, or non-Linux software.

• "Can you recommend good Intel-compatible hardware for Linux?"

  Maybe soon. Although Linux can work with damned near any Intel-type hardware, there are particular, extremely wise choices that aren't necessarily all that expensive. The problem with recommended-hardware lists is that they rapidly go out of date, and must be maintained.

  For now, start with the following resources:

  2017 note: All of the stuff below is too old for practical reference, but may be of historical interest.

  • Eric S. Raymond's Ultimate Linux Box article, written in collaboration with me and Daryll Strauss. (The full article text is now also available on the Linux Journal Web site. The print copy was cut to 1/4 length.)
  • The BayLISA Sept. 17, 1998 meeting notes, which included some good hardware tips.
  • Michael J. Hammel's "Graphics Muse" column from Linux Journal issue 34.
  • Eric S. Raymond's Unix Hardware Buyer HOWTO

  (Hey, it's a start.)

Last modified: 2024-10-10

rick@linuxmafia.com

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