Rob Owens wrote:
On Fri, Aug 19, 2011 at 07:41:57AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:I'm currently a Windows user who's trying to escape. I have an unusual batch of constraints: 1. It must reside *completely* on a USB stick and be able to read/write an existing NTFS hard drive. 2. It must be able to connect thru a USB modem, USROBOTICS USR5637. a. It will be used on a desktop ( *NO* high speed internet ever _available_ ) and on a laptop (WIFI equipped) which will often need dial-up. I've experimented with "live editions" to determine hardware functionality. As a permanent solution - DOA! Using YUMI-0.0.2.5 I've tried: debian-live-6.0.1-i386-lxde-desktop.iso ubuntu-10.10-desktop-i386.iso lupu-525.iso multicore_3.7.1.iso Using Unetbootin I tried: linuxmint-11-gnome-cd-nocodecs-32bit.iso All but Multicore had lsusb available and recognized the USB modem. Only Puppy had a dialer - it could connect but repeatedly dropped carrier for unknown cause. Mint and Multicore recognized the laptop had WIFI capability - a protected WIFI system is nearby. I've roamed the web for a couple of months (no longer sure Google is really a friend ;) I was originally referred to Ubuntu but I've come to think is fundamentally I need Debian style repository , much else is negotiable.
Did you know that most live USB systems can use a mode called "persistence" that allows you to install new software?
I heard _of_ "persistence" when I first attempted to use Ubuntu.I'm not sure if that is quite what I'm aiming at. I encountered it when I discovered that changes to display preferences did not hold across sessions. I *THINK* I followed instructions to use "persistence". It was unsuccessful ;(
My goal is to sit down at keyboard and not be able to tell whether Linux resided on a USB stick or on the hard drive (cf the old AI goal of having computer indistinguishable from human.)
With Debian Live, you should be able to install a dialer (kppp is one that comes to mind).
Chuckle - it's the "chicken and egg" problem.My starting point is I have to take my Windows laptop to local library for high speed access. The nearest known LUG is >200 miles away (am in rural SW Missouri). Then I need either to identify an iso with active dialer OR have a way to download the dialer and dependencies using Windows.
Depending on your wifi card, you may need to install special packages and/or enable the non-free repos.
Assumed. My tests have established that there is at least one driver minimally compatible with my hardware. If I can get either working, the other can be bootstrapped.
ntfs-3g is the package that enables read/write to NTFS. -Rob