[Asterisk-Users] Linux basics

[Jean-Michel Hiver]

Jim Guy wrote:

> Hello,
>  
> I am just starting to research Asterisk and I would like to install it 
> on a PC to try out. I have looked around quite a bit but I haven't 
> found much information on the Linux part. I know you need to put Linux 
> on the PC first but what version or flavor of Linux do you recommend?

Hi Jim,

I highly recomment knoppix. You can boot it and use it from the CD which 
means that you can get used to the system without formatting anything on 
your computer, and you can subscribe to the friendly debian-users 
mailing list (make sure you google when you have a question though...).

Once you feel confident you can install the system on your hard disk by 
launching a terminal and using the tool 'knx2hd'. Once that's done, 
update your system with the commands:


apt-get update
apt-get upgrade

configure your network interface with 'netcardconfig'. Once that's done, 
to install asterisk type:

apt-get install asterisk asterisk-sounds asterisk-docs zaptel


This should be get you going. Don't forget to check for the asterisk 
handbook (pdf) and the  voip-info.org wiki. I also recommend you buy a 
couple of budgetone sip phones for testing purposes.


Best Regards,
Jean-Michel.