[SOLVED] brand new to linux

hlee · 10-10-2011, 08:56 PM

I have seven computers and decided to devote one to linux. I have a wireless d-link internet conection.I am trying to decide what would be best. to leave windows installed and install linux as dual boot or reformat and install only linux.How hard is it to configure the hard ware in linux.some opinions and advise would be greatly appriciated--hlee.

Jenni · 10-10-2011, 09:03 PM

If you are worried about hardware try liveCDs first, most of the time they will auto detect your hardware, but if there is a problem then you will know before you ever install to the hard disk.
distros I recommend for a live CD for a new user would be Fedora 15, PClinuxOS, or Linux Mint. set up your BIOS to boot from CD drive, then put in the live CD and reboot, and you will have a linux desktop without having to install it. you can test the hardware and such then install it once you have everything figured out.

hlee · 10-10-2011, 10:10 PM

i have tried to use fedora 15 but it asks for a username and password and I do not have one as it is a free program. I don't understand it. the gnome will not boot, it says my video is not good enough.ps I tried knopik and I have mandrake linux but I can't do anything with them.

Jenni · 10-10-2011, 10:23 PM

You could try an xfce or Lxde spin then, you can get it here: http://fedoraproject.org/en/get-fedora-options
Both are a lot lighter than gnome.

as for the username you need, I haven't encountered that before, you shouldn't need one from what I remember.. you may have to select liveuser or something similar from the login menu but there shouldn't be a password or anything to lock you out of it

hlee · 10-10-2011, 11:06 PM

Thank you very much Jenni. I am downloading the file you sugested now and will try it tomorrow. I will consider that this problem has been solved until I try the new program. Thank you again and good luck with the beta.

rng · 10-11-2011, 12:10 PM

Ubuntu classic is also a very good distro; very balanced in various aspects and really good support availability. I have had good experience with it.