i am new to both computer and linux too..
i heard its free so i choose it because i m frm a poor country.
n cant support for expensive software..
please suggest me how can i configure my pc
that is with free software but can perform all needs.

Please tell us your needs and we will help you...
A Linux Distribution like Ubuntu comes with all the software that a normal user would need like: it can play audio files, movies, write documents and even read Microsoft office documents and much more tasks, more than I could count.

So, If there is any specific applications or needs you want your computer to do, please tell us about it and we will do our best to help you.

and Welcome to Linux and LinuxQuestions.org

Go to http://distrowatch.com and select any version (distro) of Linux in the top 5-10 on their "hit list". Any one of these will be good to get started.
Teh "getting started" link below might also help.

One of the most difficult things about starting with Linux is figuring out what software does what function. Here is a quick equivalence list.

Internet Explorer > Mozilla Firefox or Opera

Outlook Express > Kmail or Mozilla Thunderbird

Outlook (Full function) > Kontact or Kmail + Mozilla Sunbird (I love Sunbird!)

MS Office > Open Office dot org office suite

Windows Media Player > Mplayer

Winzip > Ark

Windows Explorer (file manager) > kfmclient openProfile filemanagement

I know that the last one is weird but if you enter that command in a terminal window, then choose Tree View when the window opens, it will look just like Windows Explorer. You can create a desktop icon with that command in it if you are using the KDE Desktop Environment.

There are more applications. That's the problem for beginners. These are the applications that I use every day.

Have fun!

Expanding on the prev post:
http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/...ndows_software


PS good tutorial:
http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz

Hi,
You read the same post as I, right? The OP stated 'i am new to both computer and linux too..'.

Hi,
Just few links;

Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Linux Newbie Admin Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux

These links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links' .
More than just Slackware® links!

I would recommend Ubuntu. I love it as a desktop and its package manager, apt, is fantastic.

Well - there are Live CD's which run from the CD (you have to configure your computer to boot from the CD, by changing the CMOS - get this done a the shop or get a friend to help you). With this and a USB stick it MAY be possible to get along without a hard disk and save yourself some money. It would just be very cool.
Take a look at these two - www.dreamlinux.com.br and www.dynebolic.org .
Unfortunately they don't include lots of these "little" tools that you may need one day, but anyway, especially Dreamlinux looks like it's quite competent (and looks visually STUNNING too!) If you get stuck there's plenty of people there and here to help you.


Let us know how it went

I agree, these are good links, especially the RUTE, it'll teach you a lot about both.

The distro you choose isn't as important as most people will have you think. As long as it has good documentation, you should be fine if you read it. But, yes typically, ubuntu is unanimously recommended to newbies.

Hi,
Yes, LiveCDs' do run from the cd but some allow you to copy to RAM therefore a faster experience with the selected distribution.
Most users can setup a BIOS to recognize a cdrom as first in the boot order. If you haven't experienced this or don't know how.

You will need to know the hot key to boot into the BIOS. This is usually prompt at the POST(Power On Self test). Some machines use the 'del' key while others will use the 'F2' key. The hot key depends on the BIOS maker.

Once in the BIOS, you should look at the 'boot order', this can be under 'boot' options or sometimes 'advanced peripheral' options. Some have it under the 'integrated devices'. A user can make the changes in the boot order without too much difficulty. You need to set the 'cdrom' as the first boot device.

Now as for the tools included with a distribution LiveCD, the limiting factor is space. KOPPIX is another good LiveCD. You could look at the Livecd Section. These links and others are available from 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

Hi
And this list is some usefull apps:

1. digiKam : Photo Management
2. Kooka : Scan
3. OpenOffice.org Draw : Vector Drawing
4. GIMP : Bitmap Drawing
5. Gwenview / KView : Image Viewer
6. KFontView : Font viewer
7. Pidgin / Kopete : Chat
8. Gwget / Kget : Download
9. Evolution / Kontact : Email
10. Liferea / Akregator : RSS
11. Pan / Knode : Usenet
12. Firefox / Konqueror : Web Browsing
13. Quanta+ / Kompozer : Web Developing
14. Banshee / Amarok : Audio Player
15. VLC / Kaffeine : Video Player
16. Brasero / K3b : CD/DVD Burning
17. Evolution Calendar / KOrganizer : Calendar
18. Kexi / Knoda : Database
19. X PDF / KPDF : PDF Viewer
20. GnuCash / KMyMoney : Financial
21. OpenOffice.org Writer / Kword : Word Processor
22. Gedit / Kedit : Text Editor (Graphical)
23. vim / emacs : Text Editor
24. KDat : Backup
25. gnome-calculator / KCalc : Calculator
26. GCC : Free Programing Development utility
27. GPC : Free Pascal
28. Kalzium : Chemistry
29. KStars : Astronomy
30. KTouch : Learn Typing
31. Anjuta / Kdevelop : Programming IDE

Bye

vigol
mehrshad moslehi
www.vigol.com

Hi,

Lists of this type or length belong in vbcode tags. The vbcode tags are at the top of the reply window.

I was a complete newbie to computers five years ago - and look at me now - still haven't a clue!