Hey all, I am so sick of Windows! I downloaded fedora but got no idea on how to install? Is fedora a good platform for a dumb ass like myself? Does anyone know any good Audio applications for Linux? Regards...............

For a beginner, Fedora is about the best you can do, IMHO. I've used Fedora ever since I made the switch from Windows, and I've never regretted it. If you like the feel of a solid graphical interface and easy ways to do things then Fedora will be just what you want. Assuming you've downloaded either the DVD or CD ISO(s), burn each of them to a disc in Windows (using Nero or something), then boot up off the DVD (or first CD). Follow the on-screen instructions, it's fairly self-explanatory.

Without knowing just how much of a "dumb ass" you are, it's hard to give specific advice. Do you tie your own shoes?......

After downlaoding, you have probably got an .iso disk image. You need to make a CD from this, then boot from the CD and follow the instructions.

If you have never made a CD from an .iso file, check for the right options on your CD recording SW.

If you want to have dual-boot with Windows, then give us more data on how you computer is setup.

Thanks guys! I have an amd sempron2300+ with 1 gig ram. I burnt to disc but was unsure of stuffing something up as I would like to keep windows for Ableton Live, Fruity loops and Cool edit Pro.
I know my software but not computers if that makes sense?

Ok, I guess you want to keep Windows, that's called dual-booting. Do you have more than one hardrive? I sugest you install it on something other than the one that has windows on it, for security reasons. If not, Back up your important stuff and defragment your hardrive, then resize it so you have at least 15GB for Fedora.

You've gotten very good advice so far. You've also done one very smart thing and come to LQ for help. I would caution that you research what you are about to do before you do it - but it looks like you're doing that anyway.

Search this forum, and google, for installing to dual boot. Fedora (I'm assuming FC5) will have no problem with that. I've fallen in love with Ubuntu, but FC is a very good distro. I think you'll like it.

The apps available for video and audio are incredible. I like audacity myself, but there are others. You will have no problem finding an app for any job you face. And all the development tools to create or improve any other.

Good luck, and come back if you need help. Unlike myself, there are many intelligent people on this forum that can help you.

I only have one hard drive at the moment unfortuantly... What security issues are you talking about?
Thanks Dragineez.
it actually sounds complex to do?

I think he means that if you have a FAT32 partition and install to that, your Linux filesystem will be just as open to compromise as the rest of your computer. Installing to a completely separate drive is the easiest, and more secure method. It also avoids the potential data loss disaster if you don't repartition correctly.

It is complex, but if I can do it - so can you. You're already asking good questions.

Oh, never mind, there are really no issues if you back up your stuff.
Ok, you can either use Partition Magic in windows to aptition you driv, or use the Fedora partitioner. I've never used fedora, so I can't really tell you whitch is better.

I will have to buy a hard drive tomorrow, lucky for me there happens to be a computer market just up the rd tomorrow. So if I have a seperate drive it is fairly easy and more secure? Why doesn't linux have the viruses etc or is that just a myth?

There is some debate on whether or not there are any viruses that infect Linux. I'm quite sure the moderators of this forum will ask for a specific example of one. I've looked around and haven't found one yet. Lots of examples of potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited (mostly on older kernels, so probably not relevant anymore) but no example of an "in the wild" Linux specific virus.

You can still infect someone else (email delivery method virus for example) though you will be immune.

It was built way more securely than windows was and is not vulnerable to the millions of windows viruses out there. There are not even a hundred viruses for linux, and they basically can't do hardly any damge if you don't use the root user for everything.

Sorry but what is a root user? is there antivirus software? What are the best advantages of using linux?

Check out:
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm and http://www.getgnulinux.org/ and there is a bunch of info at
http://linux4dummies.wordpress.com/2...nux-tutorials/

We're wandering off topic but...

The security model used by *nix systems employs a "root" user - analogous to the "Administrator" user. Only root (or a user with root privileges) can install or modify system files. Since - as a good *nix user - you will NOT routinely be logged in as root, a compromise of your login will not compromise the entire computer.

Yes, there is anti-virus software. Its primary purpose is to protect other machines on your network and to protect them from you (remember the virus laden email example).

The primary advantage to Linux is that you're sending no money to Redmond.