Oops! Spent too much time playing with Revisor, and failed to get this up in good time. If you are new to these diaries, or been otherwise occupied, then here's a quick rehash: Revisor is one of the open source tools released at the same time as Fedora 7 that allows you to build your own liveCD or liveDVD media; there's even an option for liveUSB flash drive in this powerful app.
As I said, I've been playing around with it, and as it is so new, there is really no documentation for it at all. As such, it's just a matter of trying different things and seeing how they work out.
I'm currently trying to get a liveUSB flash installer drive built for a colleague who has an older computer with a broken CD drive; there is a surefire method of doing this using the command line, but I thought I would stick with the diarist as newbie role for a bit longer.
Because that's what it is; after nearly two months straight of diarying my experiences with Linux, thanks in part to the thoughtful commentators here, I feel like I have enough of a grasp of Linux to install just about anything, with the possible exception of Slackware. And that's something you clearly wouldn't say about a newbie.
A few helpful tips for when you are starting out in Linux: play around with some liveCD/liveDVD media and see how friendly it is with your hardware; try out some open source apps that are available for your platform, as there are plenty for both Windows and Mac OS X; if you do decide to go for it, be sure to avoid tons of initial headaches by using an Ethernet connection for your first install--getting wireless to work when you don't have a clear idea how to navigate your way around in a new OS is not for those easily frustrated; try it out on an older machine that you don't depend on for everyday use, as operator failure is a common occurrence in a new computing environment--blaming it on the distro will only get you so far.
An interesting series of articles by a guy who spent 30 days with Linux, 30 days with Windows, and 30 days with Mac OS X. If you are too weary to click through, or just not inclined, then to sum up, it's something like this: Vista--ugh; Linux--meh; OS X--no freeware (???).
I'm agnostic in all this, though it is interesting to see that Linux merits a 30 days along with the two commercial systems. Just want some r-e-s-p-e-c-t is all. Just a little bit...
Want to get this up and start installing Fedora 7 on my main machine--interesting to see how it does on a more powerful computer. Will check back in and update this diary when I have finished.
Update: On the Revisor front, there is some new documentation, here; it mostly has to do with the kickstart file, a sort of uber-configuration bit that lets you decide everything that you want Revisor to do. Went through the build twice, and all I was missing was checking a single box. My liveUSB media should be ready shortly--can't wait to try it out.
A couple more comments on building that liveUSB boot/install drive: when doing it with Revisor (in Fedora 7) you should set SELinux (security enhanced Linux, written by/with the NSA!!!) to permissive--it keeps throwing up ominous warnings with a little police badge when you are in the middle of building. You can set it back to enforcing when you are finished.
Also, checking the box 'customize media with kickstart file' will let you choose exactly what to install with your liveUSB/CD/DVD install/boot drive, naturally I chose Beryl, the window manager that allows that cool transparent 3D cube that you've all seen in the youtube videos. Just installed it on my Ubuntu machine, so I'm going to hold off on installing Fedora 7 on this newer laptop until after CNR opens their doors, if I ever do.
I have to admit that was the only reason to install Fedora right away--the 3D integration is so nice. Got it going now (as I type this), and it's very stable in Ubuntu. Cool to see the backside of webpages from the other side of the cube in reverse. Additionally, Beryl has the Mac OS X expose effect, the one where you put your mouse in the corner, and all the windows are shrunk and you can pick which one you like. Nice.
Again with the Oops!; if you want clear instructions on how to build a liveUSB pendrive/thumb drive, then head over to pendrivelinux.com. They've got the goods on how to do it from every possible angle--from Linux, from Windows, etc., etc.