Ubuntu or Slack?

renderman · 09-16-2006

Desperately need to rebuild my laptop (software, not hardware sadly)

Usually I go with Slack, bu Ubuntu seems to be getting alot of attnetion. Any major reason I should or should not run Ubuntu over slack? Primarily it's a command line wireless tool pen testing unit, so bells and whistles are not a high priority.

Any show stoppers you have run into?

Dutch · 09-16-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by renderman

Desperately need to rebuild my laptop (software, not hardware sadly)

Usually I go with Slack, bu Ubuntu seems to be getting alot of attnetion. Any major reason I should or should not run Ubuntu over slack? Primarily it's a command line wireless tool pen testing unit, so bells and whistles are not a high priority.

Any show stoppers you have run into?

No showstoppers, but if you just want a non-GUI installation, go with Slack.

Ubuntu is a good distro, but it is catering to the GUI oriented users.
I recommend the Ubuntu variations (Ubuntu = Gnome based desktop, Kubuntu = KDE based desktop, Xubuntu = Xfce based desktop environment and Edubuntu = Ubuntu with a schoolastic view) to people who aren't that familar with neither Linux nor command-line environments.

But you hardly fall into that category, so go with Slack if you are most familar with that.
If you would like an easier packagemanagement system for when you don't want to untar/configure/compile/bitch about dependency hell, then go with a straight Debian Etch installation.

Dutch

renderman · 09-16-2006

The system is slow enough already without KDE or Gnome on there. I usually use fluxbox and firefox for uploading my wigle results, that's about it. I was just wondering if someone had a site with every wireless tool precompiled for ubuntu or something.

Barry · 09-16-2006

http://www.nubuntu.org/downloads.php

Dutch · 09-17-2006

Thanks Barry. Looks like you found a new favourite distro for me.

Dutch

beakmyn · 09-17-2006

I'll have to take a look at that. I've been using xubuntu on my systems along with initNG to dramatically speed up the boot/shutdown process

c0nv3r9 · 09-17-2006

This is actually something that I'm entertaining as well. Over the past few years I've tried my best to break away from Slackware, but always find myself migrating back. It works, its clean, and I can do *anything* with relatively few issues using it.. especially from a development perspective.

That said, I've been given remarkable raves about ubuntu.. basically pointing out that it provides the dpkg backdrop for software management, but the packages ACTUALLY WORK (insert my typical 'fucking debian' rant here). I initially attempted a boot off the desktop disc and it didn't particularyly like some of my hardware, an initial turnoff for me. I tried booting off the server disc an install was smooth. For approximately the same base install as a debian base, I was a little dismayed by the 400MB or so disc side .. generally <300MB for debian. I may just not be accounting for something, so further testing in this arena is definately needed. I then went to search for packages .. I generally install an x-window-system-core with fluxbox .. I don't like gui login and whatnot. I was surprised to see that I couldn't find packages for a LOT of common software that I use. This really turned me off and I halted the investigation at that point. I then discovered through conversation with others that this is probably due to the default sources for ubuntu and likely resolvable by adding more sources to my apt config.

.... so.. back to the drawing board. Definately interested in insight from anyone that was previously a hardcore slackware ludite.

wiresalot · 09-17-2006

Quote:

I was surprised to see that I couldn't find packages for a LOT of common software that I use. This really turned me off and I halted the investigation at that point. I then discovered through conversation with others that this is probably due to the default sources for ubuntu and likely resolvable by adding more sources to my apt config.

I found that to be a pain also, So I tweaked my repositories and alot more sources were available. I have Ubuntu version 6.* running on a P2 (desktop enviroment) witch works and runs well, even with a lax in memory. It is curently running Appache webserver to host a live LAN cam.

After looking at Barry's Nubuntu link, I may try that.

wiresalot

peekitty · 09-20-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by c0nv3r9

.... so.. back to the drawing board. Definately interested in insight from anyone that was previously a hardcore slackware ludite.

I'm a recovering Slackware snob (been clean since 9.1) and the distro that started to cure me was Arch; it was clean and speedy like Slackware, but it was a bit easier to set up for some of the hardware I was running at the time. The last two releases have put me off for various reasons (although it's still on my laptop,) and I'm flirting with grml in installed-to-hd mode. It's derived from Debian and has some interesting packages that are new to me (zsh, fvwm-crystal, and several lightweight window managers,) plus most of the wireless and security tools I'd normally have to install on Arch.

For the record, I've heard about the virtues of Ubuntu also but I'm kind of an anti-bandwagon person, so I haven't tried it.

beakmyn · 09-20-2006

If you want packages you need to enable all the sources including the testing/unstable/universe then you'll find most of what you need.

For ubuntu try automatix also it's got a few popular options.
Definately check out initNG (I'll keep whoring it because it works)

After that compiling source is pretty much a snap (if I can do it....)
#apt-get install build-essentials
will get you most of what you need to be able to build sources

DaKahuna · 11-03-2006

Guys, I have to admit that I am duly impressed with Ubuntu. To give you an example of one of the reason why, I was able to do an upgrade from 6.6 to 6.10 today from the GUI. When 6.10 installed, it replaced my outdated files and even provided with the option to automatically delete unnecessary files. Oh- did I mention that it upgraded me to FireFox 2.0 as well!

As beakmyn said, install Automartix. It definitely fixed all the issues that I had with audio files in Firefox.

The Synaptic Package Manager makes installing packages a matter of search, click and click! Not all of the latest versions are there yet, but if you can't live without the latest version, there is still the old .configure/make/make install from source.

That being said - I am hooked. However, I still plan to acquire a second hard drive for a C400 I have and take a good look at Slackware like I promised Thorn and RenderMan.

renderman · 11-04-2006

In the interests of disclosure:

I got my new laptop (acer 3680) and threw slack 11 on it. I had no end of problems getting the onboard wireless network to work, and also to get any of my other cards working. The previous toshiba played quite nice. The bleeding edge hardware on the new laptop are causing headaches.

I pulled down a copy of ubuntu and threw it on to give it a try. And while I'm still setting up, I must say I'm impressed. So far it's been pretty slick and painless. They immediatly caught my onboard WiFi and most everything else with no interaction.

I think that for the moment, Ubuntu will stay. For my older laptop, slack will certainly stay, but ubuntu is giving me some good feelings

09-16-2006	#1 (permalink)
renderman Drunken Stumbler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Anywhere but Utah Posts: 1,793	Ubuntu or Slack? Desperately need to rebuild my laptop (software, not hardware sadly) Usually I go with Slack, bu Ubuntu seems to be getting alot of attnetion. Any major reason I should or should not run Ubuntu over slack? Primarily it's a command line wireless tool pen testing unit, so bells and whistles are not a high priority. Any show stoppers you have run into? __________________ Never drink anything larger than your head! Scaramental Wine Taster for the Church Of WiFi Buy our book: RFID Security "I reject your reality, and substitute my own!" – Adam Savage CoWF WPA Hash Tables

09-16-2006	#3 (permalink)
renderman Drunken Stumbler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Anywhere but Utah Posts: 1,793	The system is slow enough already without KDE or Gnome on there. I usually use fluxbox and firefox for uploading my wigle results, that's about it. I was just wondering if someone had a site with every wireless tool precompiled for ubuntu or something. __________________ Never drink anything larger than your head! Scaramental Wine Taster for the Church Of WiFi Buy our book: RFID Security "I reject your reality, and substitute my own!" – Adam Savage CoWF WPA Hash Tables

09-16-2006	#4 (permalink)
Barry Managing the iTards. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,199	http://www.nubuntu.org/downloads.php __________________ Penny's giving it up. She's giving it up hard. Cause she's with Captain Hammer, and these, are not the hammer...... The hammer is my penis. --- Captain Hammer, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

09-17-2006	#5 (permalink)
Dutch Humourless EuroMod. Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: City of Mermaids, Denmark Posts: 6,813	Thanks Barry. Looks like you found a new favourite distro for me. Dutch __________________ All your answers are belong to Google. SEARCH DAMMIT! Warning. Warning. Low C8H10N4O2 level detected. Operator halted....

09-17-2006	#6 (permalink)
beakmyn root\.workspace\.garbage. Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,752	I'll have to take a look at that. I've been using xubuntu on my systems along with initNG to dramatically speed up the boot/shutdown process __________________ It's not Intelligent Design, it's peer pressure. ┌──────────────────────────────┐ ╞ NS Icons Explained\|et hoc genus omne ╡ └──────────────────────────────┘

09-17-2006	#7 (permalink)
c0nv3r9 Church of WiFi Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: not behind you, or am I? Posts: 290	This is actually something that I'm entertaining as well. Over the past few years I've tried my best to break away from Slackware, but always find myself migrating back. It works, its clean, and I can do anything with relatively few issues using it.. especially from a development perspective. That said, I've been given remarkable raves about ubuntu.. basically pointing out that it provides the dpkg backdrop for software management, but the packages ACTUALLY WORK (insert my typical 'fucking debian' rant here). I initially attempted a boot off the desktop disc and it didn't particularyly like some of my hardware, an initial turnoff for me. I tried booting off the server disc an install was smooth. For approximately the same base install as a debian base, I was a little dismayed by the 400MB or so disc side .. generally <300MB for debian. I may just not be accounting for something, so further testing in this arena is definately needed. I then went to search for packages .. I generally install an x-window-system-core with fluxbox .. I don't like gui login and whatnot. I was surprised to see that I couldn't find packages for a LOT of common software that I use. This really turned me off and I halted the investigation at that point. I then discovered through conversation with others that this is probably due to the default sources for ubuntu and likely resolvable by adding more sources to my apt config. .... so.. back to the drawing board. Definately interested in insight from anyone that was previously a hardcore slackware ludite. __________________ He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. -- Nahum 2:5, The Holy Bible, KJV

09-20-2006	#10 (permalink)
beakmyn root\.workspace\.garbage. Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 4,752	If you want packages you need to enable all the sources including the testing/unstable/universe then you'll find most of what you need. For ubuntu try automatix also it's got a few popular options. Definately check out initNG (I'll keep whoring it because it works) After that compiling source is pretty much a snap (if I can do it....) #apt-get install build-essentials will get you most of what you need to be able to build sources __________________ It's not Intelligent Design, it's peer pressure. ┌──────────────────────────────┐ ╞ NS Icons Explained\|et hoc genus omne ╡ └──────────────────────────────┘

11-03-2006	#11 (permalink)
DaKahuna Dirty Ol' Man Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: If you find out, let me know! Posts: 413	Guys, I have to admit that I am duly impressed with Ubuntu. To give you an example of one of the reason why, I was able to do an upgrade from 6.6 to 6.10 today from the GUI. When 6.10 installed, it replaced my outdated files and even provided with the option to automatically delete unnecessary files. Oh- did I mention that it upgraded me to FireFox 2.0 as well! As beakmyn said, install Automartix. It definitely fixed all the issues that I had with audio files in Firefox. The Synaptic Package Manager makes installing packages a matter of search, click and click! Not all of the latest versions are there yet, but if you can't live without the latest version, there is still the old .configure/make/make install from source. That being said - I am hooked. However, I still plan to acquire a second hard drive for a C400 I have and take a good look at Slackware like I promised Thorn and RenderMan.

11-04-2006	#12 (permalink)
renderman Drunken Stumbler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Anywhere but Utah Posts: 1,793	In the interests of disclosure: I got my new laptop (acer 3680) and threw slack 11 on it. I had no end of problems getting the onboard wireless network to work, and also to get any of my other cards working. The previous toshiba played quite nice. The bleeding edge hardware on the new laptop are causing headaches. I pulled down a copy of ubuntu and threw it on to give it a try. And while I'm still setting up, I must say I'm impressed. So far it's been pretty slick and painless. They immediatly caught my onboard WiFi and most everything else with no interaction. I think that for the moment, Ubuntu will stay. For my older laptop, slack will certainly stay, but ubuntu is giving me some good feelings __________________ Never drink anything larger than your head! Scaramental Wine Taster for the Church Of WiFi Buy our book: RFID Security "I reject your reality, and substitute my own!" – Adam Savage CoWF WPA Hash Tables

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