newbie... haaaaalllllppppp!!
 

First off.. I am a newbie here.
I don't really understand the concept of forums... nor do I know where the H E double hockey sticks I am. I am assuming I am in a forum for newbies, with a bunch of Linux people.

any tips on maneuvering with in this forum... and linux questions. org will be GREATLY appreciated.

I just bought a new laptop.... (applause now)... it rocks.. i7 Windows platform, 4 GB DDR3, 500GB 5200rpm HD, a nice one... All my programs which I have already installed are Windows... duh... I am considering putting on a 2nd OS... Linux. Why would I want to do this. What is the correct way to run 2 OS's? What advantages does Linux have over Windows 7? Other than 12 million software applications made for Windows, what advantage does Windows 7 have over Linux... if any. I have noticed that several Linux applications are usable with Windows also... is that true for all Linux' applications or just a few?

I would be eternally greatful for all advice I receive.

Thanks ahead of time... jeff

There is far too much information to try and convey in a brief post. If you're really interested in exploring linux, there's really no help but to buckle down and read some of the information that is out there.

My personal recommendation is to start not with the technical bits, but with the philosophy and history of linux and the free software movement.

Here are some places to start.

Free Software Foundation

In the Beginning was the Command Line
(Great essay by SciFi author Neal Stephenson.)

The Cathedral and the Bazaar

Linux is Not Windows

Yes, I recommend you read the links that reed9 posted first.

When you are up and running and want to get more technical, read the tutorials in my signature.

First of all, welcome to Linux Questions.
Secondly, please use some meaningful titles. Here's a tutorial on how to ask a question on a forum.
http://www.linuxquestions.org/linux/...Ask_a_Question
It may seem trivial, but a well asked question might get you quicker/better answers.

These are some excellent links that reed9 provided, however, some people might not be interested in the philosophy behind open source/linux. They might just want to use it as a tool. Nevertheless, the article entitled 'Linux is not windows' that was linked by reed9 is one of my favourites for people coming from the windows environment.

If you want to read something more technical:
http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz

good luck

Since you have a ROCKING Core I7 you only need to install what is called a Virtual Machine. By the way hello! A VM is a software based computer that looks like MS office or any windows application. Only thing is you can install a virtual OS of almost any kind or number and run both or many at the same time. It won't bork your W7 install one bit as long as you are careful with sharing folders and drives between the OS's.

I'd start with live cd's or live usb drives. See distrowatch.com and pendrivelinux.com.

Since your processor fully supports VM's it will run both OS's fine so you could skip the live cd's and go straight to the VM's. See VMware's Virtual Player 3, Virtualbox or MS's Virtualpc.

Did I sound young by saying rocking?

I also started out using Linux in VirtualBox under Windows to be safe, and I would recommend it. In a few days I was comfortable enough to erase Windows :).

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

A lot of your queries could be answered via a simple search on the forums of LQ. Plus look at the bottom of the thread for similar threads.

Just a few links to aid you to gaining some understanding;

Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking

:hattip:
The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

Q1: Why would I want to do this ?
A1: We can't read your mind so you tell us the answer to that and we'll help in your quest for knowledge

Q2: What is the correct way to run 2 OS's?
A2: there are a few ways of doing this, some more involved than others. Which distribution are you interested in ?

Q3: What advantages does Linux have over Windows 7
A3: Default OOTB security is leagues ahead of Microsofts offerings as is the repository system for installing and updating programs

Q4: what advantage does Windows 7 have over Linux..
A4: You can buy just about any program or hardware and it will work under windows. That doesn't mean said hardware etc wont work under Gnu-Linux but DO expect to use your brain to get it to work instead of Dum-Dum clicky clicky.


I deliberately chose the abrasive Dum-Dum clicky clicky comment to make you understand that you need to find out BEFORE using Gnu-Linux if your hardware/programs are supported. Not buy/install and then "Boo Hoo - Teh Linux SuXx0rs" my "Whatever" don't work in Linux".

Of course, by not checking compatibility lists your going to learn Linux very quickly trying to get stuff to work and this (hands-up everyone) is precisely how most of us learned.

Learning is fun but frustrating at times.

Do yourself a favour and read the following link before messing about with your nice shiny new laptop - http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

A lot of sulphur in the air over in Peterborough ;)

@OP:
You'd do well to read Outcast's points well; and I would argue that your 12million pieces of software thing is completely backwards- Windows developers tend to get muscled out and so you don't tend to see as much different software out there. There is no point for most people to do it.

This is why I went with the philosophy and history of linux first. My experience is that most people point to technical differences between Linux and Windows, security, development model, etc. But I'm more of an idealist. IMHO, the most important difference between Windows and Linux is this idea of freedom. I appear to be in the minority these days, but nonetheless...

"Today many people are switching to free software for purely practical reasons. That is good, as far as it goes, but that isn't all we need to do! Attracting users to free software is not the whole job, just the first step." -Richard Stallman