New to Linux - Suggestions and recommendations please

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Technofreak

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#165501 11-Feb-2015 19:54

Sorry for another newbie thread.

I've had a look through the other threads but there doesn't seem to be any which covers much my situation.

I keen to dabble in some programming using Python, mainly to start with for my Pebble watch and Nokia N9.

Linux seems to be the best option as there's currently no SDK support from Pebble for Windows.

I'm using a Dell Inspiron 14Z with an i5 processor, 8 Gb of Ram and a 500 Gb SSD. One of these. http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Inspiron-14z-5423-Ultrabook.81617.0.html The SSD has been upgraded other wise as is.

The OS is Windows 7 Home Premium.

From what I've read running Linux with the likes of VMware or Virtual Box looks like the best option for me. Is this the best way for me to go. One other option I've seen is to use a Live USB stick.

I still want to use Windows 7 and keep the setup I have for the rest of my uses.

Then the choice of Linux distro, it seems it a bit like religion or politics as to which is best. Is Ubuntu a good place to start? I see there are Debian versions, should I be looking at these since I'm at this stage developing for the N9 since it .deb files?

Thoughts and ideas welcome. Bearing in mind this is a bit of an experiment for me and I don't want to spend much cash getting going to start with.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

afe66

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#1236068 11-Feb-2015 21:17

You easily have enough RAM to do this and processor speed to run Linux in a virtual box, which doesn't change you original setup.

Pretty straight forward, google virtual box Ubuntu or mint.

Which is better opens the usual flame wars.

Mint has a left lower screen start type interface like windows, while Ubuntu as Unity which I suppose but like window8 in that you click on start type icon and type what you want.
Mint come in two flavours Mate and Cinnemon which varying in how pretty they are.

Look for the Linux python resources/tutorial you want to play with and use what ever the tutorials are using.

Ive been running dual boot Ubuntu 12.04 / windows 7. When computer boots I get screen asking which I want to load and away you go. (amd 4170, 4g ram 500g HD)

A.

frankv

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#1236072 11-Feb-2015 21:23

If you download and burn an Ubuntu DVD, you can boot off the DVD, without affecting your Windows install at all. You get a fully functional Linux system, although of course you can't save anything to your Win HDD. If you don't like it, just throw away the DVD.

If you do like it, you should be able to install Ubuntu onto a USB drive, boot off that, and be able save/install software on that.

Frank

afe66

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#1236080 11-Feb-2015 21:34

Virtual box install will be more responsive as not limited by the speed of the usb stick (big difference compared with SSD).

You also wont have any worries about running out of space - mind you usb stick getting bigger or fraff around burning a dvd.

Go the virtual box route, give each 5 Gb virtual space to each install and you can try several different OS.

No money involved at all.

A.

Technofreak

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#1237098 13-Feb-2015 10:13

Sorry for the slow reply. I've been away.

Thanks for the replies. I'll go the Virtual Box way and try some variants of Linux probably starting with Mint.

I'm kinda guessing it's bit like swimming, dive in and get going don't pussy foot around dipping your toes in the water. It's not that bad (hard) once you're in there doing it.

No doubt I'll be back with more questions.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

toyonut

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#1237114 13-Feb-2015 10:23

Yep, any debian based distro will be fine as they should all work with .deb files, that is Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Elementary and lots more. I would just stick with virtualbox or vmware player. It allows you to install additions which allow you to run your VM full screen and make life nice. Give it 4GB RAM and 2 procs and you will be away laughing.

Try Vultr using this link and get us both some credit:

http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B

Technofreak

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#1242621 19-Feb-2015 21:29

I'm using VM Player and Ubuntu trying to install the Python library dependencies locally but keep getting this message.

error: could not create '/usr/local/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/freetype': Permission denied

What do I need to do to solve this issue?

Thanks

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

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Technofreak

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#1242687 19-Feb-2015 23:16

I got it sorted by playing around. :)

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

toyonut

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#1251280 4-Mar-2015 18:58

sudo?

Try Vultr using this link and get us both some credit:

http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B