How to use gd/php without freetype?

Hello and thanks for your time. After endless searching, I am still lost let's just assume I can't install freetype, and it looks like that for matters I won't get into. (linux, raq 3) I obviously need gd to create images and create text onto them But I want to be able to use normal standard fonts besides the default font that is used with text strings am I to believe without freetype, I can't do this? Am I just stuck with the default text font without freetype? Or is there another solution? Or do I just look for a fonts directory and call it during a php script using gd? MIght seem like a simple q but to this newbie, it's vital and I cannot find documentation on non freetype solutions Thanks so much Joel