Hi everyone.

I've recently decided to install linux on my computer, and I have a few questions.

o First, what version of linux would you suggest? Pros? Cons?

o My computer has a 30gb drive, and it is currently partitioned like this...
Win98 8gb
Win2000 8gb
WinXP 8gb
Data 6gb

I would like to replace my XP (and only if absoloutly necesarry, my data drive) with linux, how would I go about this?

o Does linux support Fat32? Fat16? NTFS? Which ones? I'd like to make a drive to allow me to transfer data between OS's, so I need to know what format to make it.

o After I get linux installed, I'm going to need some programs to start moving from windows to linux. Can anyone suggest some? (Text Editors, Compilers (If linux doesn't have GCC already?), Browsers, E-Mail programs, The basic stuff).

o Where is the best site to find open-source programs for linux?

o Many programs are distributed for 'linux', does this mean it will work on all linux os's, or just most of them?

o I've only used linux a bit before, along with your suggestion of a linux distro to use, what are a few good sites to learn about using this distro?

Thank you very much for any help you can provide.

please try to search this site for all these questions, which are very common.

also please try to use a more useful thread title next time, thanks.

First help I can provide is telling you to learn to search the info you need for some time before asking questions without thinking.

Any of your questions could have been answered with an hour google search on the web, or some time spent reading these forums.

Anyway.

To replace the XP OS just install the Linux distro of your choice and when prompted use the XP partition to the Linux instalation, do not forget to leave space to a swap partition.

Linux recognizes any kind of Window$ partition ( not very sure about NTFS ), so if you have your data on a VFat partition it`s ok.

About programs, look in the net for opinions, try the programs and have an opinion from yourself.

There are too many sites so just google for it.

Any software work if compiled in the distro that is intended to work ( I think ).

"what are a few good sites to learn about using this distro?" - the official site of the distro, obviously ; and another google search...

Hi ASP

I would recomend Mandrake 9.1.

Its easy to install - easy to use - comes with lots of software and works well with exisitng Windows installations.

If you installed Mandrale 9.1 in "Custom install mode" (custom partitioning) for example - you would see a graphical representation of your partitions - its a simple matter then of deleting what you dont want - the idea would be to delete any partitions at the end of your drive to leave some completely free space at the end for Mandrake to install into.

Yes - Linux can Read and Write to/from VFAT filesystems -

Format your shared data partition with FAT32

Linux can Read NTFS

Linux can't Write to NTFS succesfully - Don't try writing to it - theres a good chance you'll corrupt your filesystem

Most of the major distributions will come with all the software you need, and more.

A good site for general info on the various Linux distributions is Distrowatch - the link is in my signature at the bottom.