I'm studying a unit entitled 'Virtual Cultures' this semester. As part of the assessment we're to keep a blog with entries discussing points pertinent to those covered in the lectures.

Last week's topic was open source software and, lacking any ideas as to how to comment on the field and, plagued as I have been for some time by a curiosity about it, I decided to dive into, rather than skate over, the world of open source. In short, after careful consideration, I installed a Linux operating system (Debian) on my laptop. I now have a dual-boot set-up. I'm inordinately proud of this fact.

I finally decided to do it for a few reasons, not the least of which being a way to avoid using Windows Vista when I get a new computer sometime in the hazy future.

I can sorta work it (Debian, not Vista). I'm grappling a bit with the text based commands and the more manual process of machine/application management (I'm spoilt and used to self-installing software) but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. My big issue is getting it to recognise my wireless adapter card. Most of the solutions I've found just confuse me.

I'm going to invest some time in setting up a shared FAT32 partition because Linux doesn't like the NTFS file system that Windows prefers. I'm damned sick of downloading resources I need for Debian through XP (which is my only Net access) and then forgetting to save them to my only FAT drive (my USB Flash Drive) before I boot over into Linux! Having a shared drive that they can both access will not only ease my early development in the Linux world but setting it up will provide a soothing balm for my slightly bruised techno-geek ego (seeing as I have very little idea how to fix the wireless card problem).

Any halp would be much appreciated!