Help Linux

Ok i have a computer - an old 95 - but i deleted everything off of it. I want to put linux on it how would I do that? Like the linux that just has the command prompt sorta thing.

 

All Linux distros have the "command prompt" sort of thing. What exactly are you trying to do, besides give yourself a headache? If the machine is that old, doubtful that you will be able to run the newer Linux Distros.

Try running the Knoppix LiveCD to see if the machine will even boot with a Linux Distro, then from there, reply back.

 

I'm trying to install this LFS (Linux From Scratch) thing. I have to install a bunch of stuff but what i need is the linux command prompt thing on there. When i turn this pc on it just wants me to insert a floppy because I have absolutely nothing on the harddrive. How do I install this?

http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/lfs/downloads/stable/LFS-BOOK-6.2.pdf - that is the link to what I'm trying to do.

 

If you don't have a good Linux background, and it sounds like you don't have even a small one, LFS is not for you.

 

For what it's worth...I have an old Sony Vaio laptop with Win 95 and 190 mgs of Ram; good for little except the dump. I wiped it clean and installed MepisLite. It gave that old laptop a few more years of life. I now use it as a backup to the internet. Runs beautifully and even found my cruzer.
I tried Damn Small Linux on it first, but could not resolve resolution conflicts.
Since that machine is not good for much else, go ahead and try. It will cost you nothing. I was quite surprised and pleased by MepisLite.

 

Instead of saying that its not for me i'm trying to learn it can you tell me how to make a boot disk, or like what files need to be on the disk in order to boot it. All I need is the basic basic basic basic linux with just the command prompt sorta thing.

 

I have to agree that you're biting off WAY more than you can chew. (How're you going to MAKE a Linux OS when you don't know how to INSTALL one?!?!?!) However, that's your business, not ours. I'll help you drive into the brick wall. :banghead

First tip: Actually read the manual you linked us to. Understand what LFS is. You can't install it because you haven't MADE it.

One of the first sections here says you need an existing linux installation to begin making your LFS. So we need to find and install a linux distribution. Because your computer is older, you need a lighter distribution.

Slackware comes to my mind, but there are others mentioned earlier that might work too. Damn Small Linux.... MepisLite. Do a google search for those. Their websites will give you detailed instructions on how to install their operating systems. And TBH, they will be more accurate than anything MG can offer, I think. It's just their specialty. Once you get a working Linux installation, post back with your next problem.

 

I saw no need to add my input seeing how you ignored the post above yours giving a suggestion. Did you even try it?

How do you propose to even use a CLI OS without even knowing how to use Linux? (Thats what I gather from your post.) I'm think you need to take baby steps first, and try something like Knoppix first.

That said, if you want a simple Linux distro tthat doesnt come with a gui, check out Arch Linux.

www.archlinux.org