first post so I can post links

Hey guys. I just bought a new laptop and it comes with vista. Im not a big fan of vista and have heard a lot of good things about Linux.

The problem is that I know absolutely nothing about linux.

I seen there was a bunch of diferent Linuxs on this site: http://www.linux.com/download_linux/

I also downloaded this last night, and am not sure if its the right thing, or how to open it: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download


now I choose ubuntu linux but I dont know anything, maybe this is a bad one or its too hard to use?

Im going to need lots of help, where to download it from, what type of linux to download, how to install it, etc...

Ive always wanted linux but cant figure it out now

maybe linux is too complicated for me and I should stick with vista :'(

ANY help would be appreciated and a complete walkthrough would be perfect.

Thanks a lot guys

Welcome to LQ.

Installing Linux is generically simple:

1. Download a CD image** (.iso file)
2. Burn a CD (be sure to burn from .iso (or maybe "burn from image")
3. Boot from the CD and follow the instructions

Ubuntu is as good a place to start as any.

**I recommend always installing from ONE CD. Then get the rest of the stuff using the package manager.

The "getting started" link below might help.
That can become a self-fullfilling prophecy. We help those that want to learn.

You'll need to burn the image(s) to CD(s) and boot from the first CD to install. You'll also want to look at the documentation on Ubuntu's site. If you need more help, I suggest you ask specific questions.

ok, so I think i downloaded the .iso file.

now i need a blank cd eh?

thats gona put me back a few days, theres no way I can do it without a cd?

and just to be clear, when I install linux, im COMPLETELY getting rid of vista?

Ill check that getting started link in your sig and try to learn a little more about this.

I really want to learn about it, it sounds like linux can be fun once you get the hang of it.

jut curious, can you put linux on a macbook? i dont have a macbook but have always been curious

oh yeah, what kind of cd am i going to need. cd - r or dvd -r?

A CD if you downloaded a CD ISO, a DVD if you downloaded a DVD ISO.

i Put a link in my first post, its the second link.

it says its a NTI iso file

CD-R
I do not recommend using re-writeable media--eg CD-RW.

AND, You'll want to buy a package of CDs--you need them all the time: Backup, making Linux boot disks, etc. They are cheaper in quantities of at least 50.

I have mini dvd - r from my camcorder that my laptop will read, is ther any way i ca burn the file onto a blank dvd disk?

im way out in the country working and wont be able to go into town for like two weeks

I realise this is OT, but why not?

Is it not possible to buy online and have stuff posted to you?

GGGGGRRRRRRR

I was at staples yesterday when I bought my laptop and i was looking or blank cds, all I couldn find was empty jewel cases and was in a rush so I didnt grab any. DAMN IT!!

unrelated to linux, but you guys seem pretty smart so you might be able to help me.

Im at a work camp right now, we obviousl have internet, but it doesnt let limewire, azureus, etc connect when I ant to download something. Is there anything I can do to get them to connect?

People at LQ aren't going to help you circumvent firewalls or things like this.

thats ok, i got it figured out.

but why wouldnt they help me?