I've been using a PC for the last 6 years and I've learned that the best software isn't made by MS. Most of my windows software is already non-MS, so I decided to move onto linux.

Specs:
Creative Audigy PLatinum EX
P4 2.2 Ghz
512 RAM
NEC (CDROM) + (Samsung DVD + R/RW)
Leadtek Winfast TV 2000/XP Deluxe
Geforce Ti 4200

I use my computer mainly for Gaming, Internet, Homepage building and homework. I don't know any coding languages but I'll probably go code course in year or so. I know a bit of DOS and I more or less familiar with the idea of text based command systems.

Ok, If needed I can get partition Magic. But I am not going to change NTFS (I've got FAT32 at the moment), so if it's not possible to install Linux on FAT32 partition then please tell me. Like most noobs I still want a copy of XP on my PC . I've also heard that it's possible to run Windows XP in windowed mode in Linux, though I am not sure I will be able to do that kind of stuff.

Another big thing, is how similar is OpenOffice to MS Office. If I can make a decent database on Access, will be able to do the same thing on OO?

So do you people think I'll be able to handle installation and usage of Mandarake? (I don't have the distribution CD yet but I can get it.)

Hello MvD,

About FAT32: You should partition your HD using PMagic for a linux install. There is an option to partition for a new OS install. It will not install on FAT32 or NTFS.

About Install: Easy, once you have partitioned. Mae sure you have easy access to documentation/Windows once installed or you can find yourself without net access.

Make sure you do make boot disks when asked. They can be a godsend!

You never mentioned net access - what sort of connection, hardware?

OH yeah, OpenOffice is great. Can pretty much do anything MS Office can do. And the best part is you don't line Mr Gates pockets with anymore of your hard earned cash!

Thanx for the feedback Andy@DP

I've got a USR Courier - will that work on Linux? So after Partitioning and Booting from the distribution CD, things are pretty straight (or at least documented). Right or Wrong?

Nearly all text commands you will use can be read about using . This pulls up a useful help file. I find that dual booting with WinXP is useful if somethings not working, like the net connection! This allows you to download patchs, drivers and access www.linuxquestions.org

I'm not sure about that modem, I'll go have a looksee!

Oh yeah, KDE and Gnome are similar to windows so you should be able to do a lot graphically while you learn!

OK, one more do I have to some how turn on the GUI mode or does Linux by defualt start in text based and the GUI is used only when basic jobs are done?

I use RedHat but I think this is the same in most distros. It boot to the GUI. You access the command line through something called the console or terminal. It is similar to a DOSbox in windows.

The GUI makes everything pretty and has a more familiar feel for windows users. The real strength is at the prompt. BUT damage can be done by a newbie. Always be aware of what you are doing and how to correct.

I make it a rule of thumb to never touch anything without knowing how it works.

You can boot to command prompt but that option normally has to be selected throught the boot loader.

Modem looks OK, but I had probs with my dial-up and ADSL. But remember if you have a problem, chances are the solution is on this site!

Question is the modem USB or serial?

MvD yes Mandrake and Redhat install is very easy.. a little to easy if you ask me

Thanx again, and I'll probably get myself Mandrake on the next weekend. Btw, What's better Mandrake or RH?

Thats a personal preference. Check out the distro review section of this site, read lots and decide yourself. I chose Red Hat because I did, thats the only reason.
If you want to try linux/OO before cutting up your hard drive may I suggest Knoppix. It runs from a bootable CD, has OpenOffice and about 2Gb of stuff BUT doesn't use your hard drive at all.

yeah like he said thats a personal preference, in my opinion i use Redhat and i dislike Mandrake.. Redhat i believe is the most popular/known linux distro.. especially for newbies to linux

I got an external modem, in Russia internal modems are just too weak for the museum type telephone lines (I've got a speed of about 2kbps on good days). Yes, I've heard of bootable OS, I've decided that I will buy both the Distributions for Mandrake and Knoppix.

-Thanx for all the help guys!

No problem,
Knoppix will help you get used to using linux and the terminal without having to partition. It is also extremely useful as a rescue disk when things go wrong with your hard drive based distro. Being able to sort system-critical files when they (ahem!) screwup is soooo handy.

As for distro preference: Mandrake tends to be a bit better at picking up on your hardware during install. That said, RedHat is very solid of course, and will lead you nicely from Windows into Linux. Then again... do you *want* to be led? If not... might I suggest Slackware? Hehehe... nah, just kidding. Just get your first Linux distribution working (be it Mandrake or RedHat), and then you can always switch to something more fun like Slackware.



-zsejk