I am a linux Supernoob.. I work as a computer tech and have decided that i want to try linux... I am debating on just going to linux and removing windows.. or runing dual or trying a second hard drive for linux...


But my main problem is i do not know what linux distrobution to use, Mandrake, Slackware, Redhat.... What is good to learn linux on.. i do not want somthjing that will make me usless.. i want to learn it.. but i also want it to work...

Thanks

If you have time to spare and think you have a good gerneral knowledge in computing, go Slackware, otherwise give Mandrake a go.
I suggest keeping Windows until you're fully confident with Linux.

My personal opinion for a newbie would be to use Red Hat. The Red Hat installation process is very straight-forward. The GUI tools and server administrative utilities that Red Hat provides allows someone in your position to leave Windows and goto an unfamiliar area.

On the other hand, I run Slackware 9.1 and I love it. I never have a problem with it. The installation process can be quit confusing to people that have never used it. Slackware is quick and snappy. Read up on some posting of other members and see what they have to say about this subject.

For you, I'd say go with Red Hat 9. Well now that Red Hat 9.0 is out-of-date, you mine as well go with Fedora.

I once Tried redhat, Never liked it, I know mandrake is decent.. and most of my friend use slackware...

As for computer knoldege yea.. i would say decent.. i have been in the break/Fix field for atleast 10 years.. and i am completly self taught, starting back in dos 3.0 days...

So if i am willing to be daring go Slackware, and KDE?

Thanks

KDE and GNOME and for beginners. I use WindowMaker. Its a light-weight Window Manager that is very stable and provides you with everything you need. But at first go with KDE or GNOME.

I am also VERY new to the Linux community and I am running Mandrake 9.2 on one box and RH 9.0 on another box. I would definitely agree that it would be best not to get rid of windows just yet. I plan on doing so at some point, but I have 13 boxes and I couldn't even begin to think of doing so now. My dream is to be MS free one day! I tried to install SuSe at one time, but had some difficulty with it, and after reading all I have, I think I will give Slackware a shot as well.

Good luck, and you're in the right place to learn this stuff!

well, you say you dont want to be completely useless (assuming, you dont want EVERYTHING automated). that means SuSE (i use it) is out of the question. Red hat also, is out of the question, because its going out. Slackware is kinda hard to learn, unless you have an active internet connection setup after you install it. ive seen debian, slackware (9.1), redhat, and mandrake 9.1, and for the newbies, i say mandrake. if i were you, i'd go with mandrake 9.2, then, after you get the hang of the installation and linux/unix commands, and learn how to fix a few problems on your own, then switch to slackware or debian. that's what im about to do, im about to switch to slackware after i get a few questions answered about it.

www.linuxiso.org
try out different versions if you want, see what you like, and stick with it until you think you'rew ready for something bigger.

Rogan999

I've tried RH, Mandrake, SuSE and of all things.. Lycoris..( for about 20 minutes) don't even bother with that one..it's a windows wannabe and is free for Evaluation only.

I consider myself a Linux Uber-newb... and so.. being somewhat like you (Attacking OS's since DOS 4.2 and in wanting to learn about Linux rather than just install it) I've melted plenty of linux installs

I haven't tried Slackware yet but I'll probably get the ISO's within the next few hours
after what I've read... for now though I'd reccomend Mandrake or SuSE and definitely use KDE
to get started and gain some familiarity with Linux in general.

RedHat is OK but to me it's a lot of the same stuff that made me want to ditch Win-d'ohs... you pretty much get what they want you to have..
It's true you can fix it.. but ya shouldn't have to.. the others are easier for the beginner to personalize and updates as far as I can tell are NOT free.
IMHO RH is nearly as Commercial M$ it does, however, install and run relatively easy
and was the only one so far that actually recognized my Monitor but I had no problems with my Monitor with others aside from being genericly labeled.

Good Luck!

slackware...only slackware, every distribution will give you more/less troubles, but since you have to take some pain anyway try slackware and you will learn linux.

Mandrake to get started and then Slackware once you're confident.

You will learn a lot more quickly with Slack but it can also be hair pullingly frustrating at times (but equally rewarding at others), Mandrake is a nice easy intro where most things work decently without further tweaking right out of the box.

Kovacs: yes, that was my point. start simple, then when your used to the shallow waters, take a dive into the deep end. good thing im not the only one thinking this. im now on slackware 9.1, like you, form suse 9.0. slackware is good.

i'd recommend slackware for you if you dont want mdk, rh, or suse.