Thread: What about Linux?

With a lot of laptops coming preloaded with linux these days I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on how or if linux gets along with SGU's network, etc.

For example SGU expects you to run MS office but open office works just as well from what I've seen. My main concern is the networking. At Stony Brook you had to run a whole bunch of diagnostic tools so that you could go onto their network and they hadn't even developed those tools for linux so you were left out.

I'm thinking of getting an ASUS eee pc so if any1 has specific experiences with that I'd appreciate the feedback, but general Linux experiences are welcome too. Thanks.

I can't comment on the network question, but I do own an Eee pc. It is a great little computer that you can take pretty much anywhere. I use it mainly for internet access when I travel. However, I really would not want to type papers on it, the keys are very compact, which makes it tough for me to type fast. Also remember, that the screen is tiny, so you may end up having to scroll around alot to read all the text contained on a webpage or document.

Oh yeah let me clarify, I already own a windows laptop that I plan on using in the room, but I was considering getting the eee for class so I can type up notes and follow along on powerpoints etc. Since it's so light and portable I figure it'll b easy to bring everywhere with me including the library after class. That's why I'm wondering if it gets along with SGU's network so that I can go online from class and from the library. And I know the size can be an issue, I was planning on getting the 10 inch one but I can't find it anywhere so I'm going to settle for the 9 inch one instead.

-There is a browser-based security scan that needs to be run before you can use SGU's network (firefly). This is only done the first time you ever connect to the network, iirc.

On Mac, I think it just logs your SGU Username/Password and MAC address (via a webpage) and then lets you connect. I would imagine it does the same for Linux, but not sure.

edit: scratch that. Almost sure it's OS-agnostic now, since my PSP registers (and connects) just fine to the Firefly network. The only requirement seems to be that the device have a browser of some sort to do the registration process.

Originally Posted by DK FTW

Oh yeah let me clarify, I already own a windows laptop that I plan on using in the room, but I was considering getting the eee for class so I can type up notes and follow along on powerpoints etc. Since it's so light and portable I figure it'll b easy to bring everywhere with me including the library after class. That's why I'm wondering if it gets along with SGU's network so that I can go online from class and from the library. And I know the size can be an issue, I was planning on getting the 10 inch one but I can't find it anywhere so I'm going to settle for the 9 inch one instead.

Yeah, I thought about bringing mine as well. But, I bought a laptop bookbag, so lugging my larger one around won't be that bad.

A person in my micro tbl group had an eee ppc. He had the school's wireless internet working. You can use openoffice to type up notes / view powerpoints. go for it

Oh yeah, forgot to add that the battery life is excellent on mine. It lasts at least twice as long as my 15.4" laptop.