User Feedback :: Newbie questions

There are a number of options you can use to run DSL with your hardware.

I'll share my results using a IBM 770 - 233MMX w/96MB ram .

1. Boot from CD with the "toram" option.
     This will be a good performer . but it will eat up a good portion of your ram.
     Basically, your creating a ramdisk that emulates the CD contents.
      + operational overhead, expect around 80MB's in use entering the desktop.
     Still plenty of ram for running lots of stuff, but stay away from the REALLY big ones.
     ( openoffice, Quake 2 w/ pk files, etc. )
     
     You can use a "poorman's install" , which mirrors the CD onto the HardDrive.
     It loads faster than from CD, with similar performance in use.
     Still requires the CD to "boot" the system, then switches to HD from there.
     Can be used with the "toram" option for maximum performance.
     
     You can use a "Frugal Install" , which boots like a HardDrive install,
      but still runs from a compressed image... like the two types above..
      "toram" can be selected during install routine, then becomes permanent

2.  Install to HardDrive
      This gives you maximun latitude to install and run programs
      Minimum ram hit, and somewhat reduced performance.
      Changes and installed programs are PERMANENT ,
      since your installing to a writable filesystem.
      Errors are stubbornly permanent as well.
      Not recommended for new users with no linux exposure.

Pros and cons..
( this is a very opinionated and biased subject )

LiveCD/Poorman's installs
Pro - 1 - toram option - run from ramdisk - schweet
Pro - 2 - Easily upgradable - insert newest CD
Pro - 3 - Easily modifiable - make your own custom CD
Pro - 4 - Errors are simple to resolve - just reboot
Pro - 5 - Choice to boot from many locations - cdrom/hda1/ hdb1/usb/zip/pendrive
Pro - 6 - Numerous booting options at boottime - choice of mydsl location
Pro - 7 - Doesn't affect MBR or boot sector of existing OS (Windows)
Con - 1 - Requires a boot disk ( cd, floppy, or USBKey )
Con - 2 - Limited writability to filesystem
Con - 3 - Consumes ram
Con - 4 - Requires active participation in backing up customizations and personal files
Con - 5 - Departs from true "Debian" package management
Con - 6 - Installation of autostarting routines/modules are more difficult.

HD Install:
Pro - 1 - Better "debian" package management - maintain packages thru reboots.
Pro - 2 - Consumes less ram
Pro - 3 - No backup procedures necessary to restore personal files/settings
Pro - 4 - Multiuser installable
Con - 1 - Errors remain after reboots
Con - 2 - Somewhat reduced performance than toram
Con - 3 - Reduced option set on bootup
Con - 4 - Increased HD usage
Con - 5 - Difficult upgrade path
Con - 6 - No " uninstalling " large extensions without challenges

The Frugal install is somewhere in the middle..
Boots similar to a HDInstall, but works similar to a LiveCD/Poorman's

I'm sure there are many other pros/cons to each type.
I have run both on all my systems.
I personally prefer the flexability and upgradability of LiveCD/Poormans,
over the HDinstall's features.

I like to make my own "custom" cd's to run from as well.

And booting/running from a USBkey is also very handy for having
your own personalized distro be completely transportable
from home to work and very customizable. (  Runs like a CD, writes like a HD )
Unfortunately, it is slower at both running and writing then either CD or HDinstall .

As for an "open session CD" , the one you purchase is a "closed session"
It is on a 50MB racetrack (oval) miniCD fromat, with little room for much else.
Downloading the .iso, and burning it "open session" onto a 700MB CDR
leaves room for loads and loads of files, apps, LinuxGames, and entertainment files. CDRW's give even more flexability to making DSL " your way "

73
ke4nt