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I am new to Linux but want to learn it. I have a question about an old version of Red Hat Linux 5.2. I am assuming it is Desktop version.
What is the System Requirements (hardware) for this particular version?
I would like to install this version on an HP xw4400 workstation computer. I am sure I will not have any problems with installing an older version on a newer hardware.
There is no reason to use an obsolete Red Hat release (5.2 is from 2008). Once you pay for a subscription with Red Hat you will be able to download and install the current release. If you don't want to pay then use CentOS for free, it is the same thing except you don't have to pay.
Using outdated Red Hat without a license won't help you learn Linux, it will teach you frustration. Unless you have a specific need to learn Red Hat (they've asked you to be a server admin at work?) you might be better off with a free, general-purpose distro designed for desktop/laptop/netbook, like Ubuntu, Mint, etc.
snowpine is referencing Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.2 vs Habitual referencing Red Hat Linux 5.2 which are completely different versions. In the latter case as stated it will not work. As suggested it would be best to use a free version and if you want Red Hat then look at CentOS.
A quick check shows that machine has a minimum of 1GB RAM and a fast processor: no problems are likely with Linux.
Don't install Red Hat though: unless you're prepared to pay an annual fee, you won't get any security (or other) bug fixes. CentOS is virtually identical with Red Hat, and its free. It's not difficult for a beginner, provided you read the instructions on the website before installing. The documentation there is great. If you need more software than CentOS provides, this page explains how to get more safely: http://wiki.centos.org/AdditionalResources/Repositories
If you just want to start with an easy Linux that's quick to install, Mint is probably the best.
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