Getting Started In Puppy Linux

Prerequisites

You need the Puppy Linux CD burned and ready to go. Also, the computer's boot order has to be set to select the CDROM before the hard drive.

Booting up the Puppy Linux live CD

  1. If the boot order is properly set, and the Puppy Linux CD is already in the CD-ROM drive as you begin the booting or rebooting process, the OS will begin to boot up.
  2. When the Puppy Linux boot screen comes on, you should probably accept the default boot option, which will be implemented in 5 seconds unless you type something.
  3. When prompted, select the keyboard format.
  4. When prompted, select the video wizard. I recommend starting off with Xvesa. (You can switch to Xorg later if you wish.)
  5. When prompted, select the video resolution. I recommend the default resolution. (You can also change this later if you wish.)
  6. When the OS is finished booting up, you can go to the main menu by left-clicking on the Menu icon or by right-clicking on the screen (anywhere away from an icon and away from the bar at the bottom.

Rescuing Files From the Hard Drive of a Windows Computer to a USB drive

  1. Boot up the Puppy Linux CD and plug a USB storage drive to the USB port on the computer.
  2. Click on the icon representing the USB storage drive (probably named something like sdb1 or sdc1). This mounts the USB drive and gives you access to all of its contents.
  3. Click on the sda1 icon at the bottom of the screen. This mounts the hard drive and gives you access to all of its contents.
  4. Right-click on any file or directory you wish to save.
  5. Under the "Dir-*" or "File-*" menu, select Copy. Then enter the name of the directory (on the USB storage drive) to which you wish to save the file/directory.

Killing a Process

  1. At the bottom of the screen, move the cursor to the window containing the process.
  2. Right-click and select "Kill".

Getting on the Internet (Digital Subscriber Line)

  1. Make sure that your DSL modem is powered on and properly connected to both your computer and the phone line.
  2. Click on the "Connect" icon on the desktop.
  3. Select the network/wireless LAN option.
  4. Select eth0.
  5. Click on "Auto DHCP"
  6. When the configuration succeeds, save it.
  7. Select Done.

Printer Setup

  1. Left-click the setup icon.
  2. Select "Setup CUPS Printing" and follow the instructions. I found the process straightforward.