Hello guys, I have just decided to lay windows down
for a while and see what the other side of the fence
has to offer. This is not a question post nor an answer
post, I merely wanted to say hello and allow you guys
to see my username so that you can get used to seeing
all sorts of questions.
I am one of those guys that feels if you don't ask, you
don't know. Anyway, glad to be here and look forward
to exchanging info with you guys......

This place is full of friendly and helpful people, and many of them are very knowledgeable too.

In my opinion you've made a bold and positive move in trying out Linux. If I may, from my own experience I can give you some idea of what to expect.

You will have to fiddle. Unless you're very lucky, not everything will work from the start. It took me a month before I got sound out of my computer, although on the whole I've fared pretty well. If you don't want to have to play with your computer to get everything working as it should, Linux probably isn't for you.

On the plus point, I have found most problems can be fixed. And you feel good about it when you do solve something. Myself, I have just perfected playing DVDs on my linux laptop using Xine, which I am extremely satisfied about, and once I buy a suitable cable I will be able to connect it to my TV and let Linux power my home entertainment.

Before you post questions, search (both these forums and google) to see if someone else has solved the same problem already and written down how to do it. People here appreciate people who are determined not to be totally helpless.

Finally, congratulations on your choice!

Welcome Raggit...you are me, about a week ago.

A few sleepless nights and several grey hairs later, Ive landed on Red Hat 9 (finally installed last night around 4a).

I started with Slackware, but since the family needed the computer functional, and couldnt wait until I figured everything out manually, I moved to RH. It autodetected the sound, printer, monitor, et cetera.

Like vasudevadas said, read and search the forums and google alot and you'll find the answer to most of your questions.

Hello Raggit,

I am sure you will be pleased with you decision. as previously mentioned by other people, there are lots of very knowledgeable people on this forum. It amazes me how much one can learn from just reading the posts supplied from the people on this forum.

I have actually never had to ask a question as of yet.

Greetings Raggit. For the most part, I've gotten a lot of insight just reading posts (as mentioned above) and most of it has been positive. One thing I have found is that if you complain and rail and moan and ... (get the idea?) you WILL get flamed. If you want help, ask for it - but don't just bitch about it.

One thing I have to take exception with it the idea that getting everything running first try is lucky - not so. If you got it all up and running on your first try - you obviously have a misconception about what "up and running" means. Just kidding. But you really should spend some time getting set up and working out what runs, what doesn't and why. A little process I like to refer to as "learning".

Happy Computing!!!