How do I learn to program without a PC? [Was: Need help, newbie here]

[zpaul_010]

guys,

well, im a newbie here. you see, i have these problem.. well, i want to learn linux specifically programming. but the thing is, i dont have my own PC and im only depending on some computer shops around here. and most of them are running a windows os and they dont allow linux installation.

I would like to ask if theres a certain some sort of a simulator or program that can run under windows but act as linux that i could practice programming..

I know this is odd to practice programming without a PC, since at the moment i cant provide one for myself. But i really want to do this and it fills some sort of challenge for me.. Im really determined to the extent that i will spent few hours on some shops for these.

I hope you can give me a link...:(
Thanks..

[je_fro]

Try using a livecd like knoppix.

[ph34r]

Where are you located? I've got a couple old computers - I'll install Debian or Ubuntu on one of 'em and ship it to you, all you have to do is pay the actual shipping from zip 32643 to wherever you are...

[mrrangerman43]

You don't need a power hog to practice programming, you can take je_fro's advice or if you can pick up an old pc/laptop. I'm learning on a gateway solo PI 266mhz yes thats a PI, I put slackware on it and use fluxbox for a WM. its not fast, but it works. Fact I think a snail would beat this thing in a race, but anyway, an old pc is cheap, I'll just about bet you can pick one up for under $20.00 if not free. Fact I wish you would have posted two days ago, I just got rid of half a dozen PII systems. I may may still have something laying around, you can have, (You pay shipping) but for the cost of shipping, you can go down to the local Salvation Army and pick up a system that will do what you ask.

Edit:My zip is 48746 and it would be only shipping cost. Same here, I would put Debian on it. I know I have a 15" monitor and some more systems I'm just not sure what size.

[zpaul_010]

well im from the philippines... and thank you for those offer.. you see, im always into programming though i dont have my own PC i have some sort of passion to those challenging stuff..

well im researching about knopixx right now just to atleast help me in studying linux.. and oww, this gonna be a long download, 700MB.. heheh
so far im not pretty sure if i can find some distributor here.. since we are here 70% windows user here in the country..

hope to hear more from you guys...

[saikee]

I am not sure where are the goal posts if one has no own PC but using one say from an Internet Cafe. The owner of the shop may not permit booting change or even a reboot to run a Live CD.

However there are a few Linux one can install "inside" a MS Windows. Check "Specialist" of Distrowatch.com and you will find distros like "Topologilinux" and others.

I haven't played with them much because the implementation is just for a Windows user to get a "taste" what Linux is like, mostly in the form of a shell. However that may be the exact thing suitable to someone only interested in programming.

[je_fro]

Well, if you live near a US Military base, ask them if they have a DRMO (Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service). You can probably buy a used computer there for only a few dollars. I used to frequent a DRMO here in the US...they would have _given_ me a computer for free if I had asked...

[flukshun]

another solution would be to purchase a shell account (roughly $5/month or so i believe?). as far as command-line goes, the interaction is just as tangible, as long as your scripts dont deal with administrative system tasks which you may not have access too.

cheap computer is the way to go though. you could pick up the cheapest, slowest peice of crap pentium 133 system and still have plenty of room to play around. maybe a p2 350 or so if you want a lightweight graphical interface to facilitate your learning.

good luck with your efforts :cool:

[ehawk]

Blinkenshell is a nice, free unix shell available to anyone who can connect via ssh. It has a 50MB storage limit, allows you to host a web page there, has the emacs, vi, pico, and nano text editors, and C, C++, and python compilers are available. There is also a very nice IRC that ppl use to chat and help each other. There are tutorials at their website. You have to go through a laborious, 6-step process to get an account there, including a quiz and a requirement of two vouching sponsors. I am currently on the step of using the IRC to get to know ppl there and hopefully get sponsors. When I am actually approved, I will vouch for any of you guys...hehe

Here is their site, with directions as to the application process.

http://blinkenshell.org/wiki