New To Linux & Have Some Questions
 

Hello To Every One Here!
I have heard about linux, but I do not know any thing about it. I want to convert to Linux but there are many things;
1- From where I can get basics of Linux and which version I should indtall ?
2-I am a web master and doing business of online marketing. I am using softwares like firefox, dreamwaever, coral draw and paint, animation shop, freeagent, WorldCaster/Groupmail, FTP ETC.
How can I find alternative softwares for all of these?

I will be really thankful to all who will responce to this posting and guide me.

Nasira Butt

First I want to welcome you to LQ! This will probably be your main resource when it comes to learning the linux basics that you seek. To be honest I think that the only way to learn the linux basics is to actually use linux and become accustomed with it. It's hard to recommend a version (a.k.a. distribution) of linux to use because there are so many versions out there. Typical distributions for users that are new to linux are Fedora Core, (K)Ubuntu, Open Suse, Mandriva, Knoppix. Try some if you don't like one of them try another one. If you google for any one of those names you will find the main site of the distribution of interest.

As far as your second problem with software I do not do web development or maintain a website but I KNOW that there are alternatives to the software you seek (maybe not dreamweaver though I'm not sure). For example you can use Firefox in linux, The GIMP is a graphical suite (I believe it does animations too) and there are many clients for FTP and email server hosting. As far as freeagent I'm not sure because I do not know what that is.

In summary, give a distribution a shot and ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS. The more questions you ask the faster you will learn because someone around here most likely has the answer. Good luck and I hope that I've helped. Welcome again!

Dear Centinul!
Yhanks for your reply. It given me a way to start. First of all, I will find Linux, install it and start on a seprate system.
Freeagent is a software for reading and posting articles on UseNet groups.
If dreaweaver does not work in Linux, then is there any webdesigning software for linux?
From many postings, I observed that there is a thing "wine" that can run windows software in Linux. Is Wine a seprate software or a part of Linux.
Thanks
Nasira

Freeagent: Use Pan
Dreamweaver: Nvu

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Linux-Newbie and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Start with any of the free distributions--you will probably try several before settling down.
I find I learn SW best by simply playing with it. After learning a few basics, THEN I read a book.
There are many good books published by O'Reilly. Also lots of free stuff: eg The Linux Documentation Project (TLPD dot something)

Hi,

Debian is also a good distribution. I'm new to Linux as well, but I found Debian easy. You may download it for free from www.debian.org.

Enjoy your linux trip.