Rai

I'm not actually looking for a guide to how to use it... but more just some advice on how to install it... and what to install. Basically, I've got night class next year on the one evening that I watch tv. While discussing the option of Tivo vs Rogers PVR with my brother, he mentioned MythTV. Seem like the most cost effective solution... We have a spare computer in the basement that I have permission to destroy in order to convert to my purpose of a really low scale media center. The funny thing is, the specs on the computer are good enough to run MythTV (which is Linux/Mac based) but not good enough to run the Windows equivilent... Which means I get the fun of installing Linux.

This question has definitely been asked before, but what distros is recommended? Not just for a beginner like me, but also for compatibility with the ultimate (and only) use of this computer. From what I'm reading, I'm leaning towards Fedora Core... but that could also be horribly misguided based on what I think I'm reading.

Originally my brother was going to set it up for me... but then he took my laptop for purposes of hiding it, so if he touches anything of mine again I'm going to smash his computer into little bite sized pieces. Plus, it's better that I do these things on my own.

So yes, any advice appreciated. The other alternative is to purchase a new computer that already has these capabilities... But I'd rather wait until Vista comes out before I invest over a thousand dollars as opposed to a hundred dollars. Plus, my dad is gonna try to convince someone to sell me a VW bus, which would effectively tie up all spare funds for the next year.

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Skipdawg

I'll be following this thread. been thinking about playing with linux again myself. Last I played with was Mandrake 9. Over a year ago.

I've been looking at using or trying one of the following myself.
Ubuntu, Fedora, Mandriva or Debian.

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H

I've found I only actually like SuSE. It's probably the best packaged distro I've found (and yes, I've used Ubuntu).

I kind of have a PVR already, so the intention of actually doing this for anything other than archival purposes would be minimal.

john

Rai -

My advice would be to go with SUSE10.1. I can supply you with some links to articles that will help, and there are 3rd part repositories that will have you playing every known media type out there. Plus, I know they've packaged all of the MythTV components so that all you need to do is check them in the package manager and click one button to install them all, including any dependencies that they may have.

I'll dig through my bookmarks and post some links to get you going.

John

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Rai

Thanks john, that would be awesome.

So far, I pulled the computer up from the basement, dusted it off... and spent about a half hour trying to get it to load properly. Not because it doesn't work, just because none of the mice or keyboards I have upstairs will work with it without installing them... So dug out the original ones and now currently working on backing up the few files on it that someone may want... doubtful, but I'd rather backup a cd then have someone miss it later. Got the downloads going for Fedora and Suse. With how fast they're going, I figure it doesn't hurt to get both and then decide.

I did decide to wait buying the hardware until after I've set the computer up... I only need the PVR card thingy (yes, THINGY) itself and a new monitor... just because I don't have the space for the monster of a monitor that I have.

So, my exploits so far. My attention is currently divided between this and the renovations that I'm doing to the desk that it will be residing on... Buy something new? Nah, I'll just waste countless amounts of time on rebuilding free things.

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Skipdawg

Hmmm... maybe I should look at Suse again then. Last version of it I looked at I think was 8 something. Sounds good. Did a little looking around and allot of folks on many forums are giving it some good praise.

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