Hello,

I am here for the fist time and this may not even be the right place, I looked around and did not find anything similar to my question, or I do not know how to look?
Here is the question, a little while ago I downloaded the Linux kernel 2.6.20 I unpacked it and wrote it into a DVD. I looked around the directories but could not find any executables, I have been asking myself what can I do with this? and looking in the internet for any clues as how I can make this into an operating system. I am running a computer with windows Vista, I know nothing about programing and have no experience with Linux.

Anyone out there can give me any pointers as how to proceed?
Thanks.

I wouldn't use it if I were you. The kernel is just the core of a Linux operating system. To make it even the slightest bit functional, you would have to add lots and lots of applications - not to mention the days and weeks of reading documents that it will take.

If you want a Linux OS, then you should start from a Linux distribution. A distribution (distro) is a kernel with all the applications already built on top of it. A place like distrowatch.com offers a survey of the many that are available. Pick one from the top 10 and burn that to cd, you'll be much happier.

Well, you could start by downloading a distro.
The kernel you downloaded is only that; a kernel source.
You need to have linux installed to compile the source code you've downloaded.

You could install Sabayon Linux, Redhat/Fedora Core, Slackware, Mandrake, Gentoo...
You'll probably find all the info you need here

hey! two replies pretty quick, is it begginers luck? Good points, I guess I'de arived at those conclusions myself or something similar, and still the question persists.

It would be better to start from any Linux live CD like Knoppix and others, to know more the operating system. As a next step, you can try to install a distribution.

Read about your choices in major distributions:

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

I would suggest Ubuntu. You can download it here:

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

You will create a "live cd" that will run from your CD drive without touching your Windows Vista drive. If you like it, you can click a button on the desktop and install it to the hard drive.

What do you mean exactly?

I think maybe he wants to know how to build up a system starting with the kernel.

If that's the question, try here:
http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/

I would never try this without having used an existing distro first---YMMV

I think to do Linux From Scratch, you should (a) really, really want to learn all the inner workings of the operating system for the heck of it, or (b) plan on getting a job as a Linux system administrator. Also, (c) you should be able to put the rest of your life on hold for at least several weeks

As we know, Linux From Scratch is a distro for real men :P
See
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...24#post2803524
and replies

jay73, pixelany is right and mr. yates my life is already on hold.
Thanks I will check all the links you've provided and come back with any news or questions. I was just reading about Sorcerer.

MONTHS...At my age, YEARS