I am totally new to linux but would love to try it out over windows. I have downloaded: linux home-3.0.R3

What would be the first thing i would do? I have a PC with no OS on it right now. I have searched and am not sure which to do first.

First of all did i download the right thing? Is there a knowledge base on this site for installation?

I have searched but havent found anything.

I am an above average PC user and can figure these things out if i am pointed in the right direction.

Thanks!
Niko

What is "linux home-3.0.R3"?? Where did you get it?

In most cases, you need to burn the ISO images to CD (as images, not regular files) and then boot from the first CD to start installing. Edit: before burning, you should verify the MD5 sums of the ISOs, to make sure they aren't corrupt.

Is this what you downloaded? http://iso.linuxquestions.org/version.php?version=144 Never even heard of it.

Some things to think about before jumping into Linux:
* Why do you want to try Linux?
* What experience do you have with computers?
* Do you like to tinker with your system and its OS or do you just want it to work?
* What access do you have to the internet? : dialup or broadband
* Does the thought of using the Command Line intimidate you?

Now if you really want to learn Linux, here's a little advice:
1. Start off with a LIVECD like Knoppix or PCLinuxOS to get a feel for things.
2. When you are ready, install a reasonably newbie friendly distro.
Mepis, PCLinuxOS, Mandriva, Kanotix, SUSE Pro and Xandros are good choices. (Not (k,x)Ubuntu)
3. Set up a dual-boot. That way you can boot into Windows when you want and use Linux when you want. If you don't have windows you can always dual boot different distros. That way you can play around until you find the right one for you.
4. Forget everything you ever thought you knew about Windows.
5. Start with a clean slate and an open mind.
6. Accept the fact that the CLI is far more flexible and powerful than a GUI.
Learn how to use it LinuxCommand.org:
7. Read the man pages for the various programs.
8. Read ALL of the documentation available for the distro you choose.
9. Accept the fact that it takes time to learn a new system.
10. When trying to address a problem or figure something out:
a) search the LQ.org forums
b) Google Linux
c) Read How to ask smart questions before posting in a forum.
d) Read Getting Linux Help HOWTO
11. Stick with a single distro for a while until you've actually learned how to use it.
12. Do not get discouraged if things don't always work. If something isn't working correctly learn WHY it isn't.
13. Always remember Linux doesn't assume you're stupid, unlike windows.
14. Read RUTE
15. Go to your local LUG (Linux Users Group) for help.
Find a LUG near you: Linux Online - User Groups

You selected the easiest way possible to begin learning Linux by using a computer that you don't have any important data on. I'm assuming (hoping) that it is a "spare" computer.

Post the specs of the computer. Processor type and speed and RAM being the most important so that we can tell which Linux versions will be happy on that hardware. Newer "bleeding edge" Linux distributions need a lot of horsepower, though you can get distros that will run on just about anything.

Tell us what you really want to do with your Linux install. Games? Office productivity applications? Multimedia? Graphics? Programming/Development work? These things will also help us guide you to a distribution that has the capabilities you're looking for.

I also have no idea what your Linux home-3&etc. is. But with some info from you we should be able to point you in the right direction. All you will have to do is download and burn one or more .iso files to CD, boot off the CD and (probably) answer some simple questions the installer will ask you. Then you will have to learn how to do some things differently from how you did them using MSWindows. But we'll be here to help you with that too.

HTH,

Jim

craigevil,

Excellent post. I'm bookmarking it.