The Via C3 processor that this computer uses is not supported by all
Linux distros.  I have several of them around (boards with this
processor, not the actual Fry's computer) because I happen to like the
min-ITX format.  Red Hat/Fedora seems to work and is stable.  Mostly
Debian will not install.  Knoppix installs, but is not stable.  Mepis
installs and so far (2 days of testing) seems stable.  And, from what I
have heard, Lindows runs well on this processor.


These boards are not great for gaming computers.  At least not for the
high end games.  But for word processing, reading e-mail and getting on
the Internet, this is a good set up. 

These boards can be a bit sensitive to memory as well.  So if you
upgrade the memory, don't go with Fry's special of the week.

If you know more about Linux than I do (not hard) you may be able to get
the other distros to run on it just fine.  I'm sure its just a matter of
getting the right kernel options and stuff.

My server runs the Via C3 on a mini-ITX board running Clark Connect
based on Red Hat.  It has been running for a year and has never been
re-booted due to a lock up or problem with the OS.  Its only been down
due to power failure or being moved.   So The processor is solid and
reliable as far as I can tell. 

Devin


On Sat, 2004-02-07 at 07:32, Chris Gehlker wrote:
> What about this computer? I'm forwarding this from another list. Isthe
> deal too good to be true. I've never heard of Thiz
> 
> Begin forwarded message:
> 
>         From:J&V <jovial@fastq.com>
>         Date:February 7, 2004 12:28:27 AM MST
>         To: amug-talkamug-talk <amug-talk@schedule.amug.org>
>         Subject: AMUGTalk:Cheap computer at Frys
>         Reply-To:amug-talk@schedule.amug.org
>         
>         Does anyone know anything about the $199.99 computer at
>         FrysElectronics? It was in today's ad in the paper. No rebate
>         required.
>         It says:
>         Internet ready multimedia PC
>         Via C3 Samuel 2 GigaPro 800MHz Processor
>         30 GB hard drive
>         52x CD-ROM drive
>         56K modem
>         ThizLinux Linux Operating system
>         
>         Do you think it would be a bad choice for someone who has
>         noexperience with a computer, can't afford much, but is
>         thinking ofWebTV for e-mail? I'm assuming from the specs that
>         it would not haveWINDOWS, but has a Linux OS. I have no idea
>         how that would be.
>         Any comments??
>         Ginny