Comments on: Windows Tips

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:59:51 +0000

Nope, the hardware detection routines on most modern distrobutions are quite excellent. The types of hardware linux still has some trouble with tend to be Winmodems (aka soft modems)1, wireless networking2, 3D video cards3 and latest cutting edge hardware.

If you'd like, I can provide you with a copy of Ubuntu that can both run and/or install off the same CD.

1 These are internal modems where the manufacturer has off-loaded all the functions of the hardware into their software and/or drivers. They do this to reduce the cost of their modem.
2 This has gotten a lot better in the last year or so. But depending on what chipset is used in your wireless network card , this can be hit-or-miss.
3 Both NVidia and ATI produce binary drivers for Linux which work for most users, but again it depends on your exact hardware/distrobution.

By: ken

ken — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 13:16:53 +0000

I haven't tried Linux for four years, anyway. Do you still have to know your computer inside-out (or have all the manuals for all your equipment) to install it? If so, I'd better just wait until I get my next computer.

I've always liked the idea of Linux, I just haven't heard of a benefit that applies to *me* enough to motivate me.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 13:37:25 +0000

Oh and I just ran across this link List of the keyboard shortcuts that are available in Windows XP which might have a few more that you're not familiar with.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:16:16 +0000

When was the last time you tired installing Linux? If it was more than a year ago, then things have changed considerably and you might want to give it another shot. If ou like, I've got some CD/DVDs of various Linux dsstros you can try out. Some are Live discs and allow you to run the distro without installing, some are normal installers and some are a combination of the two.

By: ken

ken — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:57:21 +0000

Thanks for the tips. I have tried and failed at installing Linux in the past, so I'm sort of turned-off to that idea. On the other hand, I didn't know about the 'Shortcut Key' property field, which has suddenly become my favorite new tool!

I once had to go without a mouse for two weeks, during which I learned a couple of handy keyboard controls. Some of my favorite tips:

- Holding down 'Alt', while repeatedly pressing the 'Tab' key, rapidly cycles you through the available windows, and tells you (with a caption) which window you're about to open.

- While in the common two-frame Windows Explorer, the 'Tab' key cycles the cursor focus through left-side (folders), right-side (files), and top (Address Bar).

- While in the right-side of Windows Explorer, typing the first letter or two of a file or folder jumps you quickly to the correct file. This true of the left-side as well, and in addition, the four arrow-keys are astoundingly quick for jumping to, collapsing, and expanding, the desired folders.

- In most browsers (including Windows Explorer), Alt-D will place the focus in the Address Bar, and highlight the entire address.