A New Puppy

Just thought I’d mention that Puppy Linux 2.16 is out. The main distro still comes with the barely-less-than-crappy Seamonkey Browser (it’s a Mozilla thing), but installing other browsers is a snap. I’d suggest downloading and burning the ISO for the “full drivers” version. Then visit Puppy Linux.org for an intro to using it. Come to think of it, if you haven’t burned an ISO before, go to the Puppy Linux.org site for instructions on doing that.

The good: boots from CD or USB drive; a strong Linux distro; nice GUI; most of the apps folks’d normally need preinstalled; virtually NO footprint (a session file saving any installs, changes, etc. can be written to your hard drive when you power down, if you wish); DOES NOT make changes to your installed OS; runs in memory, fast; slick network configuration tools–easily configures every wireless adapter I’ve tried.
The less than good: may take a bit of time to locate everything; installing new apps is easy-peasy… once you get used to the install process; the default desktop is a lil klunky looking. Other than that, I can’t really find fault with it.

First thing after booting: check your network connection. JUst Click Menu>Setup>Network Wizard. CLICK on the detected network interface and then CLICK “Auto DHCP or Static IP, depending on your network setup.

Easy-peasy.

Next, Menu>Setup>Linux-Firewall Wizard. Follow the prompts.

Then, go online or CLICK on the Install icon on the desktop to explore the PET or DOtPup packages that are available for download/install.

Best thing about Puppy? No matter what your main OS is, when you eject the CD and reboot, you come right on back up with your usual OS. So, if you decide Puppy’s not for you, you’ve not done anything drastic.

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