Getting started
 

Duh, Hi, I just wonder how to get started using Linux without any money? I bet somebody else has asked that before, and I hope I'm smart enough to figure it out!

It really doesn't take any money to get your feet wet. A few options for you would be:

• Setup Dual Boot
• Setup Virtual Machine
• Use Live Linux CD/DVD

Dual Boot
If you're running Windows and this is your first step into Linux, it may prove a bit much to try and setup dual boot. It requires repartitioning the hard drive which is doable but sensitive.

Virtual Machine
A good way to go if you want to practice with Linux and save your progress. For example, try setting up a web server. I use Oracle's VirtualBox which was free, but I think there are other options.

Live Linux CD/DVD
I'd recommend downloading and burning a live disk for Knoppix, Ubuntu, or whatever else you find. These let you boot into Linux, make a mess, and then reboot back into Windows. Once you get more comfortable, you can use the disk for setting up your virtual machine.

This is a very common question, and little effort will give your hundreds of similar results.
Anyway, many linux distro's are free such as Ubuntu (though I prefer it). You can download it and install it on your pc as a stand alone OS or on VM or in dual boot.

Thanks!
 

Wow, what helpfulness! I am tickled pink!
Also, I just learned something new. I use a chromebook mainly (the only computer I own), and it can apparently be used just as well to run linux! Only, the instructions will take a little bit of time to understand.

Apart from downloading and installation of your fav. linux distro, one thing I'd suggest you that before doing any installation, take backup of your pre-existing data (I suggest this to everyone, because I had once distroyed my pre-existing Windows OS data while installing linux in dual booting with it) on some external H/D.

Thoroughly go through related documentations (available on downloading site), check your system requirements, choose the way you want to install linux, and go ahead.

Good luck.

What is the reason to approach Linux? Curiosity or some technical reason? The thing is that depending on te Linux distro, the learning curve might be substantial and it might introduce lots of frustration and dissapointment until you start to understand what is going on and what are you doing. While initial installation usually goes well with any distro, once you start tinkering you can literally brick your computer and only reinstall or advanced linux specific knowledge can get your system running again. Or you just want to update something and your graphics drivers break for example. etc etc. So be prepared to have lots of fun with Linux - the ride ahead might not be the smoothest.

I'm new here and this is my first post. I hope I'm doing the right thing by adding to this thread rather than starting another. My apologies if this is in the wrong place.

I'm wanting to get started with linux for the sake of curiosity and because I'd like to up my skillset. I've chosen Ubuntu because it seems to be "the beginner" Linux package. I'm also attempting to use Oracle's VM VirtualBox.

My question is - VirtualBox is looking for a bootable medium. I think it's looking for the operating system. Can I download the ISO's and point it to that?

Any advice appreciated at this point.

Sure can! Guest Settings > Storage