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Linux - Distributions This forum is for Distribution specific questions.
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Old 09-07-2004, 02:59 PM   #1
burningtheory
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Registered: Sep 2004
Location: UK
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Getting Started


I'm a total newbie and i don't know where to start.

I want to try linux with a gui for my pc.

then i eventually want to make my own version of linux.
any1 wanna help?
 
Old 09-07-2004, 03:32 PM   #2
J.W.
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Registered: Mar 2003
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Distribution: Mint
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Well you need to learn to walk before you run, and if you don't even know where to start with Linux, I would recommend getting your hands on a Knoppix Live CD, available for free download at LinuxISO Burn it to a CD, put it in your PC, then reboot (make sure that your BIOS is set to boot from the CD first). You'll be running Linux.

A Live CD is basically a fully functional Linux installation that runs off the CD. It doesn't write to or change any data on your hard drive. To stop using Linux, just remove the CD and reboot and you'll be back to using Windows or whatever is installed on your machine.

There are also numerous online materials about learning Linux; definitely spend some time doing a search, and then spending some serious time reading.

Good luck with it and Welcome to LQ -- J.W.
 
Old 09-07-2004, 03:32 PM   #3
ranger_nemo
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Registered: Feb 2003
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Distribution: Kubuntu 8.04, ClarkConnect 4
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I usually suggest somebody just starting out to look at Knoppix << www.knoppix.net >>. It boots and runs right from the CD. That means it will seem a bit slow, but it gives a really good idea of what Linux is.

After that, you can research different distros. A good place to look is DistroWatch << www.distrowatch.com >>. Most newbies start out with an "easier" version such as Fedora (which used to be RedHat), Mandrake, or SuSE. If you are more computer-inclined, you could try Debian or Slackware. They might be a bit tougher for a newbie to install and configure.

Once you have a handle on those, you can look at Gentoo << www.gentoo.org >>. Installing Gentoo is an education in what Linux needs to run.

Then, you can look at Linux From Scratch << www.linuxfromscratch.org >>, where you build and install everything manually. I've always thought it a bit of a misnomer, though... You need a running Linux system to create a LFS system.
 
  


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