Linux ENC Charting Software

[pjmidnight]

Anyone have any recommendations for Linux based ENC charting software? I have a netbook I'd like to use for this and it won't upgrade to the beast that is Windows 7. Opensource is always preferred.

Cheers,
PJ

[PaulinVictoria]

OpenCPN

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by PaulinVictoria

OpenCPN

+1

I think that this is the only open source software.

OpenCPN | Official OpenCPN Homepage

I use it on a netbook and my desktop.

[tdw]

Yes to what the other guys said. We've got a notebook that was Windows Vista (shudder !!)) and would not upgrade to Windows 7. Be damned if I was going to then shell out for a brand new operating system so formatted the HD and went Linux. There is good and bad about that but the machine's main use is both on and off board for chart work and passage planning and OpenCPN is more than adequate for the task.

I am not however much of a computer expert so find Linux somewhat confusing when it needs modifying to run e.g. specifically Windows or Dos based programs. (I'm a bit of a sucker for some of the old Dos based computer games.) Linux will also not talk to my Android phone.

Couple of SailNet members (you know who you are) gave me a hell of a lot of help both in setting up Linux and chart programs. I couldn't have done it without them.

[JordanH]

You probably want to pick a Linux distribution that is mainstream; A version of Ubuntu would be my recommendation for first time users. I would suggest you choose a "Long term service" (LTS) version or one tailored for a netbook. I believe the last LTS version was 10.04 but we should see 12.04 coming up in April.

Originally Posted by tdw

Linux will also not talk to my Android phone.

ohhhh wombat. Android is Linux-based and should be able to be connected to your system. We may end up hijacking this thread, but since the question was asked and answered, I guess that's ok. What, exactly, are you trying to do?

[tdw]

Jordan,

Potential hijack yes, but the OP has had question answered .... all I am trying to do is get the Linux machine to acknowledge my Android exists. Plug the thing in through USB port and nothing. Doesn't even 'see' the connection. (Its a Sony Ericsson Xperia btw)

[BentSailor]

Self-confessed computer nerd jumping in

Depending on the model of Sony Xperia being used, there are some known problems accessing the phone as anything more than an SD card (i.e. storage). Seems Sony decided that Mac & Windows users are all they can be bothered actually supporting (though, as I said, there is some success in getting access to the SD card).

Whilst both Android & Ubuntu are simply* versions of Linux, their connection is via the USB drivers & protocols. Windows & Mac install alot of drivers automatically and, what they don't, can be easily downloaded from the Internet as soon as you plug the device in. Linux tends to be a bit more of a pain about these things and I'm a nerd that likes it.

* Of course, the differences between Linux distributions are far from simple!

[JordanH]

Originally Posted by tdw

all I am trying to do is get the Linux machine to acknowledge my Android exists. Plug the thing in through USB port and nothing. Doesn't even 'see' the connection. (Its a Sony Ericsson Xperia btw)

Well, I've got nothing but time over the next while so if you'd like some help, I'm always up for a good puzzle. I won't force it on you if you don't want to work at it, but my offer's open.

I'm assuming we're trying to connect to the device via USB (as opposed to bluetooth or wifi). I would start by plugging in the Xperia then using the "lsusb" command and to see if Ubuntu reports the device as attached. You will likely have a long list of devices attached, so we're looking for the Sony one in particular. It will have an 8-digit ID number (xxxx:xxxx) ... post an excerpt back and we'll go from there.

Cheers,
J.

[tdw]

Originally Posted by JordanH

Well, I've got nothing but time over the next while so if you'd like some help, I'm always up for a good puzzle. I won't force it on you if you don't want to work at it, but my offer's open.

I'm assuming we're trying to connect to the device via USB (as opposed to bluetooth or wifi). I would start by plugging in the Xperia then using the "lsusb" command and to see if Ubuntu reports the device as attached. You will likely have a long list of devices attached, so we're looking for the Sony one in particular. It will have an 8-digit ID number (xxxx:xxxx) ... post an excerpt back and we'll go from there.

Cheers,
J.

Thanks for the offer, thanks to you too Bent. I won't have more info until later today cos I'm in office on a Windows machine right now, the Linux is at home. I'll get that excerpt for you asap.

btw ... I really don't have any interest in going with the full Sony PC Companion software , I just want to be able to open the phone directory to transfer pics etc.

[tdw]

Seems to be sorted ... end hijack. Thanks again Jordan and Bent.