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Linux on a Used Cash Register: Reloaded
plimsoll writes "Hot on the heels of the original cash register running Linux, dumpster-diver Aaron Benoy has implemented his own GNU/Linux POS project with a twist: Ruins in ASCII, a late IBM 4694 removed from its case and reloaded with Linux to become a self-described 'video sculpture' showcasing 'an infinite loop of 180 distinct 7-second long video clips of various abandoned, ruined or otherwise vacant buildings and infrastructure' on its 9-inch paper white phosphor terminal display. Southern geeks can see it unveiled tonight at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival."
Only thing I got to boast about is getting the first post out
You're going to have come up with something better than that to get us to leave the house.
I have been reading all the Linux hype here and I decided to give it a go. I am a long time Windows user and have only played with Linux on rare occassion. Here is my apples-to-apples, new user, experience and comparison with Windows. Mod this down if you can't handle some fair, constructive criticism of your OS. But if you find it interesting, well there ya go- interesting.
Install time : Win XP - 1 CD; Approx 37 minutes. Linux - 4 CDs; Approx 2hr 10min (some time wasted while it was waiting for me to swap CDs).
Boot time : Win XP - Approx 18 seconds from POST to login. Linux - Approx 1min 25sec from POST to login. Lots of debug text scrolling by, not sure if this is normal or was slowing me down.
Hardware Compatability : Win XP - All hardware detected and installed. Linux - No driver for sound card (onboard audio) or network card (also onboard). Not sure about digital camera and scanner; where's the device manager? Couldn't download drivers without a net card. Used the XP box to download what seemed to be appropriate and attempted to compile. Got network card working after a few hours troubleshooting. Couldn't get audio working, error "*** depmod: Unresolved symbol in (something something) pci-scan.o". Decided I did not need sound anyway.
Fonts: Win XP - Nice fonts using ClearType on my 19" LCD. Linux - Awful looking fonts. The italic font on Slashdot looks like complete dogshit. Tried Konqueror and Firefox, no luck.
Verdict: Linux seems to have done little to catch up in the past few years. I will try again in another few years.
have missed the point.
Really? I think you're either naive, or you're forgetting about the third law:
Given that elections would most certainly threaten GWB's existence as "president" of the United State, you may guess that he is trying every possible excuse to prevent (or postpone) these elections! Elections are good for Democracy but bad for the Republic!