I'm new to Linux and have a few questions
I am completely new to Linux. Ready to get as much advice and tips as anyone can offer. First, which version should I install? Are the free online versions safe and functional? I am running windows 8.1 on a laptop. Would prefer to install, if possible, any type of Linux on USB or disk. If not possible, use a partition. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?
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All of these questions could be answered using google.com.
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One easy way to start is to order a ready-to-use CD/DVD/USB of a live version from one of the vendors listed on Distrowatch. I used OSDisc.com when I was starting a few years ago, might work for you.
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Try Mint first -- it's designed for newcomers and has all the CODECs you might need plus a nice "welcome" screen with tips & help.
http://linuxmint.com/ GNU/Linux is fine installing to a USB drive or even a memory stick. You may have issues with some distributions in respect of Secure Boot (Ubuntu, Fedora & openSUSE will install & boot with this enabled) and UEFI booting (most of the main distributions now support this, but some don't). |
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Each OS has different aims and aspirations, so to find the OS for your needs you'll need to read up at least a little about each. It can't be done quickly in a single thread. The operating systems then have desktop environments on top of them like gnome, kde, xfce etc. Their aims can be to be slimline or simple or elegant or full-fat and user-friendly. You'll need to decide which one you want to start off with. Quote:
The stable releases run fast and are they are reliable. If you watch some stuff on Linux and Gnu project on youtube, you'll find out more about what you want. Quote:
If you use a live usb or cd, then you can install different OSs with different desktops. When you run them, you can see which ones are compatible with your hardware. Then you can play with one version without any problems running it 'out of the box'. |
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