there is an application called wine which will allow you to install and run allot of windows apps within Linux.

As for what distro, search the board. Question gets asked everyday.

or take a look at http://distrowatch.org

Don't screw around with the fonts. We're not impressed. You should set up a dual boot system sharing the same computer between Windows and Linux until you decide whether or not you can live with Linux. Any distribution will be satisfactory to start with. You might want to consider a "purchased" version of Linux, like Xandros or Linspire to make it easy to get started.

I don't think he changed the font to "iimpress" anyone, rickh; no need to jump on a fellow's case just for a little green oversized text, ey?

3kings, there have been several posts on "what distro is best for a newbie". It basically comes down to preference. I personally learned on Fedora, but would honestly recommend Ubuntu to new users. But that's only my opinion. I must respectfully disagree that any distro is good for a newbie, as some distributions, such as Slackware, "hold your hand" less than others. Distributions such as these might be difficult for new users to pick up on, if their only previous experience has been with Windows.

I would suggest picking a distribution that sounds interesting to you, and giving it a spin. The important thing to learn is Linux, not the distro, IMO. And any distribution, while it will have its quirks, will allow you to do that. If you ever have a question, come the forums and do a quick search. There's a wealth of information here for you. And if you don't see it in the search results, don't hesitate to post and ask it!

Welcome to Linux and the Linux Questions Community.

I'd agree. Now if he posted in all CAPS, by all means let him know to not yell at us in his post..

Sorry for the font etc.... Thanks for the info RAdams, hepburnenthorpe, trickykid, I will indeed look around the forum/search for the information. rickh I was actually thinking of going onto amazon.co.uk to buy linux, just wanted a quick answer, I guess I should of looked before I typed.3kings

I've never had much luck with wine, or cedega for that matter. Before you buy or install anything just download a few live cds. If you're not familiar with the term, live cds let you run an os without actually installing anything on your hard drive. You boot from the cd and it runs in memory.

Try Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Fedora, OpenSuSE (i think it's a dvd), SimplyMepis, and maybe Knoppix. That should keep you busy for a while. It will also give you an opportunity to compare different distros and form an opinion on KDE and Gnome. Once you know what you like, if any, you'll know what to buy/install.

NO NO NO!!!!!

Paying money for Linux will categorically NOT make it easier to get started. There are many very good, free, and easy to install distros:
Fedora
Ubuntu
Mepis
PCLinuxOS

And more

Will Linux run all your Windows apps? No--not even with wine
Will Linux allow you to run OTHER apps to get all the same work done? For the vast majority of users, this is close to 100% yes.

If you post specific things you want to do--or the name of a Windows app, then we can help iwht more specifics.

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...d.php?t=473458 This thread should help you with your which distro question.

if you check out http://www.winehq.com/ it contains a database of windows software it can run and what distro's they are able to make it run on. You may also consider running a dual boot.

Welcome to LinuxQuestions, no question is silly.

Easy for you, perhaps, but a fresh from Windows user, who has probably never even done a Windows install doesn't have a chance.

Read some of these, and see if you don't think a true newbie wouldn't be better off.

I have to disagree. When I came to linux I jumped right in and used Slackware. From these forums and reading other things on the web I got how linux works decently. Now granted I was a window's power user but linux is not that hard to learn. People make it out to be hard. He could use something like FC5 or Ubuntu and be fine. Or Even run knoppix just to get a feel then when ready he could move to a permanent distro. But there is no need to go buy one.

Not long ago, I would have agreed with you, but recently, I have changed my mind. Linux is making a move in the public consciousness, and an awful lot of people are wondering if it is really an option. Most of these people are not even close to "power users."

I wouldn't touch Xandros or Linspire or any distro that includes proprietary components for myself, but I've come to feel that they provide a relatively painless conversion for people who are not technically inclined.

Hopefully, in actual usage and education by exposure, they will realize in time that a real Linux distribution does not include those elements in the box, and will be prepared with a knowledge of what they will need to add by the time they are ready to make a true conversion.

Did you read those reviews I linked?

Here's another take on the subject.

I do see your point though. It is very frustarting that microsoft has got people so point and click dependent. Kinda of funny how My Director and I were talking about how you used to assin people using dos a menu script where all they could do was push one for lotus, 2 for something else. There was not mouse interaction.

One problem I do see that can block the push for linux into the public even more is that most users just want to install things like printers with ease. That is one thing I hope linux can some how figure out for those that want an alternative but are not technically inclined.

Yes I did read the link you posted.

I'm sorry--I must be missing something:

Buy:
Hand over money
Get CD
put in drive
re-boot
follow directions

Free:
All same except hand over money

I do agree that--for someone who has never booted a CD--some more hand-holding might be required. This person, however, is highly likely to:
a. Not care one whit about installing Linux
OR
b. Get someone else to do the install

Or he can always ask how to do it here. That is part of what a forum is all about. To give help to others.