Hello!

I am by no means a strict newbie when it comes to computers. I know WinXP very well, have wrestled with it time after time and is the one among my friends who people come to when they want help with their computers. If there is a problem I know were to get info on how to solve it etc. etc. Thing is, I'm getting bored. The way I figure it, I haven't learned much about how an OS works when dealing with XP. I know how to set up a firewall for a desktop, I know how to get it pretty secure for everyday use and keep everything neat and clean but I don't have a clue what's happening underneath all these ugly icons...

So. In 1 1/2 year from now I will start a computer-engineer education which will involve a whole lot of UNIX. I've decided to use the time until then to learn it from scratch and get familiar with it before I set of.

I haven't worked lots with LINUX before but tried installing Mandrake once. Started on a Gentoo installation as well a while ago but didn't find the energy to finish it. I am really motivated this time though and I want to learn it all. Starting with Mandrake won't do it. It feels too "problem free" to learn me anything.

So, where is the place to start? Is Linux from scratch too difficult as first dist? Should I go for gentoo? Any other? My main focus here is to learn HOW to do what I WANT to do not find the easiest way to do what I NEED to do.

I'd really appreciate any answer I can get!

//Jolle

Slackware. Start with Slackware and you will be ahead of the game.

Not to forget Gentoo linux or Linux from Scratch (LFS).

Slackware, it will get you going faster then LFS or Gentoo.
Also, you can check out any of the *BSD's.

Ehm, it's not about speed here.. but learning.

furthermore slackware isn't from scratch at all! It's precompiled and configured for many parts.
So if you take it strictly, slackware isn't a valid option.

Thanks for all the answers!

Before you know it I will have tried them all! I am however considering starting with gentoo. Mostly becuase as it seems, the installation process will take me through many basics. Secondly it seems to me as having a packet system like 'emerge' helps a lot when it comes to installing/uninstalling programs. A good compromise in other words.

Thanks again for the help! Other thoughts and ideas are always welcome.

Well,
he wanted to learn *nix, not how to build OS.

1. Find a Linux distribution that works for your basic needs on your PC. See what else is available and fool with it. I do NOT recommend distro hopping for every little thing.
2. I will second the idea to at least check out Slackware. Browse through the Slackware book. It is expanded and improved now but I always thought it the best primer to text/command line control of your system. Slack has always given me enough trouble that it has never become my first choice, but I have learned from it anyway.
3. Linux From Scratch is not too much to try anytime as long as you realize it may take longer that an afternoon while you are sipping tea. I think my first try was a couple months from reading the book, downloading packages, realizing I didn't have all the development libraries installed and fighting with a few small issues. Read through the book first to get an idea of what you will need to be doing then follow it piece by peice as you have time.
4. Read Linux Questions for all kinds of great software and projects you may not hear about otherwise.
Good Luck.