So, I have this CD...

**ThePistonDoctor** · 04-21-2009, 08:59 PM

The touchkit CD I have for my Xenarc screen has drivers for Debian, Fedora, Mandrake, RedHat, and SuSE (as far as Linux goes). I'm trying to decide on which one will be the most compatible with what I want to do. I have an Intel D945GCLF2 mobo with the Atom330, 2 gigs of ram, and a 320GB SATA II HDD.

Most important things to me are GPS navigation, sound processing software, and a simple front end. Don't care too much about DVDs or any of that stuff, but wireless internet access via an air card is a must. Edit: when I say sound processing software I simply mean I spent a lot of money on high quality audio components and want to be able to get the most out of them, so I need something that will do that from the computer.

I am a network administrator so I'm pretty tech-savvy but don't have too much experience with Linux. I've installed Ubuntu and done some basic stuff with Backtrack and RHEL4/5. Just trying to decide on which OS is going to be the most practical and simple for me to learn to use.

I'm not worried about a challenge, so if it's complicated that's ok, but I would still like as few complications as possible

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

**unsungboxer** · 04-21-2009, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by ThePistonDoctor

The touchkit CD I have for my Xenarc screen has drivers for Debian, Fedora, Mandrake, RedHat, and SuSE (as far as Linux goes). I'm trying to decide on which one will be the most compatible with what I want to do. I have an Intel D945GCLF2 mobo with the Atom330, 2 gigs of ram, and a 320GB SATA II HDD.

Most important things to me are GPS navigation, sound processing software, and a simple front end. Don't care too much about DVDs or any of that stuff, but wireless internet access via an air card is a must. Edit: when I say sound processing software I simply mean I spent a lot of money on high quality audio components and want to be able to get the most out of them, so I need something that will do that from the computer.

I am a network administrator so I'm pretty tech-savvy but don't have too much experience with Linux. I've installed Ubuntu and done some basic stuff with Backtrack and RHEL4/5. Just trying to decide on which OS is going to be the most practical and simple for me to learn to use.

I'm not worried about a challenge, so if it's complicated that's ok, but I would still like as few complications as possible

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Ubuntu is one of the most common Linux Distro's. I use it because of thie high compatibility it has with other software I intend to use in my car. Many people choose to use a Windows Compatibility Layer (WINE) to furture integrate windows program into their ubuntu machine.

LinuxICE is a distribution designed specifically for carpc's. Hopefully a new version is coming out soon (ask Kev000). Benefits are the very simple front end that you are after. The reason I haven't jumped on board is because I can't get the right screen resolution or OBD2 software to work.

Moblin is a super-light, fast booting distro we have been keeping our eyes on. Works only on intel boards (like yours), but is early in development. Something really cool about watching it boot in 10 seconds though.

Those are the distro's I have been using/watching right now. I can't comment too much about GPS becuase I don't use it.

**2k1Toaster** · 04-21-2009, 11:07 PM

When your list of importants has "GPS" as #1, then linux is not the right choice for you. There are no good GPS programs for linux. You would have to emulate it within Linux which probably wont be too friendly on your Atom CPU...

**ThePistonDoctor** · 04-22-2009, 05:43 AM

Well, I can always run dual boot. Mainly I just want a linux distro to get started because I have all the audio stuff installed and have no source until I get the PC up and running, and I don't want to spend any more money (i.e. on M$ lol)

I would love to use Ubuntu, but I have no drivers for it. I think I have a friend who can get me a windows copy for free, but I just don't want to deal w/ the BS of a pirated version of windows right now

hmm...

**reece146** · 04-22-2009, 09:05 AM

Ubuntu is basically an ungeekified version of Debian. Try the Debian drivers with Ubuntu and see if it works. It's not like you need to pay for the OS or anything.

Centos is free RedHat without the insane upgrade cycle of Fedora.

Of the two (Centos vs Ubuntu) I prefer Centos. YMMV

If you don't care about turn-by-turn navigation gpsdrive is perfectly fine.

HTH

**Maheriano** · 04-22-2009, 09:59 AM

Navit is another GPS program for Linux.

**unsungboxer** · 04-22-2009, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by ThePistonDoctor

Well, I can always run dual boot. Mainly I just want a linux distro to get started because I have all the audio stuff installed and have no source until I get the PC up and running, and I don't want to spend any more money (i.e. on M$ lol)

I would love to use Ubuntu, but I have no drivers for it. I think I have a friend who can get me a windows copy for free, but I just don't want to deal w/ the BS of a pirated version of windows right now

hmm...

What driver's do you need? Your setup works with ubuntu out of the box. The only drivers you will need is to calibrate your touchscreen. I think they are the egalax driver which can be found easily online.

**ThePistonDoctor** · 04-22-2009, 05:12 PM

Sorry, I should have clarified, I just need the drivers for the touchscreen. Obviously that's an integral part so I'm limiting my OS choices to what I have drivers for. The Ubuntu might work w/ the Debian drivers...just getting a general idea of which OS people prefer that's all

Thanks for the tips so far!

**tdb30_** · 04-22-2009, 05:19 PM

I think with the latest ubuntu all drivers are installed. You might have to do an sudo apt-get install xserver-xorg-input-evtouch. Other than that you just have to run calibrate_touchscreen and you should be all set.