new to linux..
 

i want to use linux but i keep hearing all this about ppl like having trouble doing everyhting like manually. isnt there any versions where u jsut instal it like windows and then thats it your set..

This question is asked very often here, and all it does is create a shouting match over what the best Linux system is. If you search these forums for topics such as 'best newbie distro' you'll find them. There are Linux distros, such as Mandrake, SuSE and RH/Fedora, which are ridiculuously easy to install and use.

Yep - mandrake, Fedora (or any recent Red Hat), SuSE - all very easy, very straightforward, very Windows like.

There are distros (versions) that have graphical tools for (nearly) everything. Examples: Mandrake, Fedora, SuSE, Lycoris. Certain distros offer versions that boot from CD, so you can try it without installation. That may be handy for a first time (if I remember it correctly, Mandrake and SuSE have them from the four I mentioned).

Doing things manually is sometimes much faster than finding the right tool (and more flexible). The next thing is that console methods work in all distros when graphical ones have usually limited use (every distro tends to have its own configuration tools).

thanks guys...and using linux kinda limits you to programs. thatsa worry of mine. is there a place where they comapare window prograsm to the linux one..or something..i really only wanna use linux for the stability not very happy with its program selection

welcome to the realm. i bought Red Hat 9, ive installed it many times, and un-installed it many times. but i think the problem is, im just too lazy to learn Red Hat 9, but its a great OS for surfin the web and junk. but no gamnig, oh no, not gaming.

You certainly shouldn't just switch to only Linux. Try out a Live CD, or install one of the systems we mentioned in a dual boot. Depending on what it is you use your PC for, you might be able to do everything in Linux that you do Windows, or not. It does take some getting used to. So, no quitting if something doesn't work quite like you expect it to. Linux programs in general don't look as pretty as Windows programs, but they basically do the same tasks (in basic applications - often better).

Check out my bookmarks (see my sig) - one of them is to a Linux/Windows comparison chart.

xavier or someone who knows lot bout linux and wont mind sparing some time..and has AIM..cutskyline lets chat ;x

I didn't know what to expect when I first installed Mandrake 9.1. I was thrilled when it was installed and every thing worked..just...perfectly.
I didn't have to do any configuration or anything, it just...worked.
I was so happy I made the switch.
Of course, I'm not saying you won't have problems.

if you are worried about not being able to run windows programs then try wine, or for games winex (but winex isn't free).