iam of thought to switch over to linux from windows. which one can i use - suse linux (or) red hat (or) ubuntu. also what about centOS? can anyone recommend me

Hello,

You can use all of them if you like to, your only limited to the choices you make. When you talk about SUSE I believe you're referring to the OpenSource version openSUSE, right? Red Hat, if you refer to the Enterprise version (RHEL) is not free. If you're willing to pay for a subscription to get support and be able to use the RHN to update your computer, you're welcome to. Ubuntu is the best choice in your case if I'm not mistaking that you are new to Linux and are coming from Windows.

CentOS is a spin off from RHEL and is free. Another one is Scientific Linux.

If you have the time, go over to DistroWatch.com, download a couple of LiveCD/DVDs and try some different distros out to get a feel of them. The one you like the most is the one you should install. Also check if your hardware gets detected correctly or not, in particular wireless cards, sound cards, graphic cards, ...

Kind regards,

Eric

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It depends on what you are going to use them for and on your personal tastes. As Eric says, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Suse Enterprise Linux charge a fee and give support: they are intended for business.

As a beginner, you need something simple and reliable. I would suggest you try the live CD/DVDs (which enable you to use the software without installing) for Mint and Mepis. Unlike Windows, Linux does not have a built-in GUI: you get to choose. The standard version of Mint uses Gnome and that of Mepis uses KDE; each has its own feel, and everyone has their own preference.
http://www.linuxmint.com/http:/
http://www.mepis.org/

You might like to read this first
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

1 members found this post helpful.

Oh, it has been said already.

gr8 response. already i am having dual OS. one is win xp sp3. and the other one RHEL (evaluation copy for one year). the RHEL linux is very poor that i am not able to update firefox or cannot even watch movies in mkv or avi format. so i need a change. as per the experts suggestions i go for linux mint 11 katya. shall i proceed with one for dual OS.

why no one to answer my question

Not sure what you mean. Do you mean to replace Red Hat with Mint?
Add Mint to Red Hat and xp?
More specifics on what your intentions are would be helpful.

yes i want to replace redhat with mint so that i can have dual OS viz win xp and mint. Is this possible. if yes, kindly let me know the procedure

red hat and the rebuilds use older code .This is for stability reasons
so firefox IS an older version BUT seeing as it was DESIGNED for use as a server -- no desktop and NO gui( graphical user interface)

or for use in the office ( you do NOT want a secretary/receptionist having to fix a computer )
now would you what something that might crash running the "New York Stock Exchange" -- they run Debain - i believe .

and would you want a OS that crashes running the "Large Hadron Collider"
CERN runs ScientificLinux



now for home use those ARE NOT GOOD

Ubuntu or Mint are good for the very new linux user
OpenSUSE 11.4 ??? might be but there is a very VERY steep learning curve

and suse NEEDS a LOT OF SYSTEM RESOURCES
do not even try to run it on a 6+ year old computer

the question is simple. can i have dual OS like mint or ubuntu and Win XP.

This link my help you decide.

http://www.lesbell.com.au/Home.nsf/b...c?OpenDocument

Oh sorry. I think I got you wrong. I thought you were asking with is the better Linux distro for a windows user. Oh well it's an informative site anyways.

Yes you can. I just did it myself buy downloading a free partitioning software and ran the software in windows.
I used EASEUS free Partition Master. You can use this to unallocated you old Linux OS and when you reboot with, lets say Ubuntu live CD, You will be given the option to install along side windows.

You can also use the live CD to manipulate your partitions as well. More detailed info at this site;
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot
I just found it easier, since I already had Windows, to run a partitioning software within windows first.
Be sure to backup all data before any partitioning procedure and if you are already running Windows, Be SURE to defragment first.
If you Google "dual boot windows and Linux" you will find many tutorials that give you step by step instructions.

Hope this helps

@John VV:
"New York Stock Exchange Runs Trades On Red Hat Linux"
http://www.informationweek.com/news/...ture/207800195

Looking at all the posts of this member I would assume that this really is a bot. I have reported that.