from windows to linux ( don't know where to start )
 

i'm a windows user i want to start using linux ... so i do not know where to start ...
first of all i have an Esprimo Mobile V6545 does linux fits it ?
and i need help with choosing a distro ( i'm a computer and communications engineering student ) i need a distro that helps me to learn linux from A to Z
any idea ?
thanks

If you want to learn Linux from A-Z I would recommend Slackware, Arch or Gentoo. If you gained further knowledge you can also try an install of Linux from Scratch.
You have several options to install Linux on your machine:
1. Wipe Windows from your harddisk and install Linux.
2. Repartition your harddisk to make free space for a Linux install.
3. Install Linux to a flash-disk.
4. Install Linux into a virtual machine.
5. Start Linux from a live-medium.

thank you man ...
i have one more question do i need to download any driver before ?

Linux comes with almost all drivers you need by default, if you don't have really exotic hardware. The only choice you have to make is if you want to use the free graphics driver that comes with the OS or the proprietary driver from ATI/AMD.
It also may be possible that you have to download and install a proprietary driver/firmware for your WLAN adapter, depending on the chipset it uses.

Those are my networking spec :

Networking features: Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth
Networking type: Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Ethernet
Networking manufacturer: Realtek RTL8111C
Modem chip: MDC1.5
Wireless technology: IEEE 802.11a/g/n
Networking speed: 10/100/1000 MBit/s
Wireless LAN type: Atheros b/g 6303A
Modem type: V.92
Modem speed: 56 Kbit/s
Bluetooth:
Cabling technology: 10/100/1000 Base-TX
Bluetooth version: 2.0+EDR

am i ok ? or i have to make some downloads ?
thanks again !

Try any of the top 10 or so at www.distrowatch.com.
As mentioned above, many distros come with a Live-CD version ie one that runs purely off the CD/DVD. This allows you to try before installing. Most people go through a few distros before settling on one.
The most popular for people who like a distro nearest to the MS-Win experience seem to favour Ubuntu or Xubuntu or Mint, but see the many many threads on this qn.

Also, read this http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm.

Here's a good tutorial http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz

Note that the major distros usually have lots of online docs/forums; just google the name.

Welcome to LQ :)

With your hardware you shouldn't have any problems. Should pretty well work out of the box.

Here is a link to a classic document titled, Linux is Not Windows. If you are new to Linux, coming from the Windows world it will give you a little perspective on some of the differences and what to expect.

what do u think about backtrack 4?
is it a good place to start ?

Backtrack is a specialized distro for security testing. It is not meant as a desktop system. I would definitely not use it as an entry-point to the Linux world.

I installed Slackware on a virtual machine (vmware) .
i have some trouble with my internet conex .
wireless adapter, graphic card, camera, Bluetooth are not available
while using virtual machine those driver are stoped but on windows everything is fine
how can i fix this problem ? does formatting my laptop and installing linux from zero will fix this problem ?
any ideas ?

In order to get wireless started on Slackware, you will need a program like wicd. It is available as part of the software in the down loadable ISO images. Section N, I believe off hand. Here is a link to a section of an excellent Slackware tutorial by one of our LQ members, 2handband. Search for 'wicd' on the page, which is in the getting online section.

Also, I personally think you made an excellent choice with Slackware. It may have a slightly steeper learning curve than some of the other distributions, but you will gain a lot of knowledge and experience that will really pay off in increased understanding and capability.

There's this awesome tutorial for Linux beginners: http://www.funtoo.org/en/articles/linux/lpi/1/
Look for all the parts of it, it's really good.

As the name says, a VM is emulating a complete PC, including network and videocard. You don't need to install drivers for your wireless card, camera or Bluetooth, the VM simply can't see it. Also you have to install graphics drivers for your emulated video card, not your real one.

By the way, Slackware is an excellent choice to learn more about Linux. I would give a native install a try to see if your hardware is supported.