I am so frustrated trying to get Linux installed especially when I keep reading stuff that says "Just download and install. The HD will be formatted and then with a few clicks you will be up and running."
I have downloaded Mandriva 20.11 it didn't work; then followed more instructions by burning the disk with specific software. The OS is supposed to format the HD and sort out it's desired partitions, then do a trouble free install. The initial screen where you select trial or install won't move off trial so you have to leave the disk in the computer to use it.
I even pulled out two old Linux versions that I bought about 2years ago to see if I could get them to install and they both gave me a command line. (Ubuntu 8.10 & Kubuntu 8.10). I don't want command lines with a language I don't know, to a foreign file tree with just as foreign file names......I just want to install the damn thing and be able to learn the GUI and use it.

I don't know about mandravia, but have you tried Mint. I use it and I would recommend it to you. The installer is also very easy to use. I don't want to give you any more "easy to follow instructions" but if you are interested download the image of the version that you like and post back and we can take it from there. I'd suggest going with mint 9 or 10 rather then the latest 12. LMDE too is good.

The first thing you should do after downloading any Linux distro is to check the md5sum of the iso image that you have downloaded.
Then you burn the CD at the slowest possible speed to avoid errors.
Then you check the md5sum of the CD that you have burned.
If the md5sum of the CD checks out, then you are good to go and install Linux.

For example, if you want to try Ubuntu, here is how to check the md5sums of the downloaded iso and the CD:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM
There are instructions there to check the md5sum of the downloaded iso and the CD from Linux or Windows.
To burn a Linux iso to CD at the slowest possible speed, you can use Iso Recorder or Infra Recorder. Or if you are using Windows 7, just follow the directions in this link:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto
These tools should work for Mandriva also if you prefer that.

An easier way to check an Ubuntu CD that you have burned can be found here:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/In...IntegrityCheck
This is specific to Ubuntu though, and will not apply to Mandriva.

Write back if you need more help.

Accidental computing.....I kid you not!
Tried A new download of Mint and it formatted my HD and got rid of Windows. Then at the end of the end of the install it threw a dialogue box at me with a bloody command line. (Just couldn't help itself....)
So, not going to be beaten I jammed the formerly not installing Mandriva disk in, and it behaved. So now I have Mandriva with a huge BUT. Now it wont pick up my modem and even connecting via cable to introduce the machines only gives me sporadic cable internet, and none if I try to go wireless.
I really don't know how any of you use Microsoft and Linux in the same room. I reckon that Microsoft has defensive bits written into it so that it makes life really difficult for anyone trying a different OS. My first try with Linux a couple of years ago left me with a dodgy boot selection where Windows was preventing Linux from booting correctly: then the Mandriva where only the trial selector worked until I wiped Windows out.
Serious Q: how long does it take to get your head and mouth around all the strange words used in Linux?

This all is not strange. If you search on google "how to install linux step-by-step" you can find many links which are more helpful and in easy way. First you can go with some tutorials and can use live cd so that it gives you feel how to use it properly and lot more to figure out, then you can go with installing linux on hdd.
Good Luck!

@McJules02 Linux is a learning thing, Linux isn't windows where you click next next next done. Linux is different and to do things there we have to learn, and we have to learn how to learn. I started with Linux in the later 90s and I'm still learning everyday. Don't expect things be done magically all the time, sometimes we have to work things out and for that we learn first.

One thing you haven't mentioned is your hardware specifications the very new desktop distributions(distros) maybe are a bit too much if your hardware is somewhat old and you would have to use alternative distros or alternative ways to install the system. Please could you tell us about the CPU, RAM, video card, hd? That kind of info is part of the learning thing. Knowing your hardware will help you out. With Linux is possible to do custom install and get the max of the hardware you have without stress it.

Regards

Sometimes, the command line is the easiest way... But, putting that to one side, it sounds as if the initial install may have gone wrong because of the disk formatting and once the second install had sorted that out, the earlier install disk was able to proceed.

Anyway, it now sounds as you are only struggling with networking.

I usually compare the networking to an onion...lots of layers. None of them really difficult, but it doesn't matter how long you work at the wrong layer, because you have to get each one right. That you now have any success with 'wired' means that there is probably an extra problem with 'wireless' (and that can happen with wireless chipsets...some are better supported than others, but as it is usually easier to get ethernet working, not really needing 'tricky' drivers, which makes it an easier place to start).

Does the problem just happen with sitenames, eg www.google.com; if 'ping 173.194.78.104' (no quote marks) works, but 'ping www.google.com' doesn't, you have a DNS problem, and that can be cured by changing /etc/resolv.conf.

What is in resolv.conf when you are connected to the network?

When you say 'modem', what kind of device is that? Something like a DSL router/modem with an ethernet port, or an old fashioned dial up modem type piece of kit? Do you know the ip address of this device (assuming it has one)?

And if you get chance to actually note any of the error messages, that would be a big help.

Does you distro have some sort of 'configure the network' applet, and can you set the default gateway in there?

Do you have either Networkmanager or WiCD running?

I have been dual booting Windows XP and several linux distros for years.
Here is a great site with in depth tutorials for dual booting Ubuntu and Windows. Much of the info there is useful for dual booting most any distro with Windows:
http://members.iinet.net.au/~herman546/
And here is a great site for getting started with Ubuntu:
http://psychocats.net/ubuntu/