Hello Experienced Linux users,
Fairly new to Linux, and trying to revive some older hardware for donations. Up until now, I've been reviving older and RAM-restricted computers by installing Ubuntu-derived Lubuntu, Linux Lite and LXLE. In those distros, wireless drivers, sound, video and webcam drivers are automatically identified and loaded in the first install process.
What sets Debian-derived Q4OS apart is how fast and light it is (I am using a machine with less than one gig of RAM to write this post) and how excellently and easily it can be made to look like Windows (e.g. XPQ4, or FreeXP).
The trade-off, especially for one not terribly familiar with Terminal command strings and "compiling" Debian drivers, is the difficulty in locating and installing device drivers.
I have done some searching for my own part, but some clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Beginner tips for installation and basic configuration.
Four Ways to Install DEB Files - WikiHow
The specifics of the hardware and software connected with this question as are follows:
Software / OS = Q4OS->XPQ4 - 32 bit.
Hardware = Sony Vaio PCG-FRV26 = 2.8 GHz P4 CPU, 893Mi RAM.
[I have tried upgrading the memory to at least 1024Mi to 2GB, but no joy. Machine will not recognize RAM above 893Mi.]
Hardware needing drivers = PCMCIA Wireless G card, Linksys WPC54G-2..
I *do* understand that Debian device drivers are often found in repositories and downloaded in the form of .deb files.
It's the "compiling" of drivers that has me mystified.
ASSISTANCE REQUESTED:
Plain English explanation on how to "compile" a Debian driver.
In the alternative, how to use Synaptic or Package Installers to achieve the same objective.
Thanks!
ADDENDUM: I've got the initial install of XPQ4 running okay, with a USB WLAN dongle (kinda clunky for a laptop), and have been using the baked-in application installer that spawns automatically until I ultimately dismiss it permanently.
PROBLEM: I don't see the provision for adding a lightweight File Manager like Dolphin. Since the machine is already themed for Windows XP, I'm looking for a lightweight file manager that functions reasonably equivalent as -- well -- (the Windows XP) File Manager.
Fairly new to Linux, and trying to revive some older hardware for donations. Up until now, I've been reviving older and RAM-restricted computers by installing Ubuntu-derived Lubuntu, Linux Lite and LXLE. In those distros, wireless drivers, sound, video and webcam drivers are automatically identified and loaded in the first install process.
What sets Debian-derived Q4OS apart is how fast and light it is (I am using a machine with less than one gig of RAM to write this post) and how excellently and easily it can be made to look like Windows (e.g. XPQ4, or FreeXP).
The trade-off, especially for one not terribly familiar with Terminal command strings and "compiling" Debian drivers, is the difficulty in locating and installing device drivers.
I have done some searching for my own part, but some clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Beginner tips for installation and basic configuration.
Beginner tips for installation and basic configuration.
Introduction A default installation of Debian is fully functional and easy to use, but configuring the system afterwards requires a little knowledge, which is why Debian is usually referred to as an “intermediate distribution.” Fortunately, the Debian web site has copious documentation for users...
linux.org
Four Ways to Install DEB Files - WikiHow
4 Ways to Install DEB Files on Ubuntu/Linux, Debian: Easy Guide
Quick and easy ways to install DEB packages in Linux Do you have a .DEB file that you need to install on Ubuntu, Debian, or Linux Mint? If you downloaded a DEB file for a program like Chrome from the web, you have several easy install...
www.wikihow.com
The specifics of the hardware and software connected with this question as are follows:
Software / OS = Q4OS->XPQ4 - 32 bit.
Hardware = Sony Vaio PCG-FRV26 = 2.8 GHz P4 CPU, 893Mi RAM.
Amazon.com: Sony VAIO PCG-FRV26 Laptop (2.8 GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB DDR RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive): Computers & Accessories
Amazon.com: Sony VAIO PCG-FRV26 Laptop (2.8 GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB DDR RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive): Computers & Accessories
www.amazon.com
[I have tried upgrading the memory to at least 1024Mi to 2GB, but no joy. Machine will not recognize RAM above 893Mi.]
Hardware needing drivers = PCMCIA Wireless G card, Linksys WPC54G-2..
I *do* understand that Debian device drivers are often found in repositories and downloaded in the form of .deb files.
It's the "compiling" of drivers that has me mystified.
ASSISTANCE REQUESTED:
Plain English explanation on how to "compile" a Debian driver.
In the alternative, how to use Synaptic or Package Installers to achieve the same objective.
Thanks!
ADDENDUM: I've got the initial install of XPQ4 running okay, with a USB WLAN dongle (kinda clunky for a laptop), and have been using the baked-in application installer that spawns automatically until I ultimately dismiss it permanently.
PROBLEM: I don't see the provision for adding a lightweight File Manager like Dolphin. Since the machine is already themed for Windows XP, I'm looking for a lightweight file manager that functions reasonably equivalent as -- well -- (the Windows XP) File Manager.