starting out linux
 

hey, i am complete linux noob. i want to install a version onto my secondary computer to learn more. and maybe make a full on switch. the only problem is. i don't know which one to get! there seems to be lots of different versions out there. which is the best.

another noob question. how do i install? can i just reformate a hd and do a boot to cd...

if anyone could through the very new to linux some pointers that would be greatly apperciated.

People recommend Mandrake and SuSE for newbies.

Experts use Debian or Slackware.

Lots of people like Fedora.

HTH,

Samsara

thanks, after talking to a buddie i think i am going to go with suse. know of anywhere i can read up on installing?

try www.suse.de

installing suse is usually straightforward enough, the hardest part is deciding which packages to install :) (seriously, i still struggle with that) Just boot the cd/dvd/floppy

Yast (the suse set up tool - very good tool for non gurus) should autodetect hardware etc, and will even automatically shrink your win partition if you have one and create a home for linux.

You could check the suse.de hardware compatibility database to see if you should expect any problems.

Perhaps if you post your pc specs someone can tell you if they know of any issues.

if it's gonna be the only os on the pc...suse will install and format and stuff for you using Yast...
simply boot from the suse cd and it will guide you through the installation...

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/links.php
has a ton of information and links for you...

Hey, experts use SuSE too!!!

Just because it's pretty doesn't mean it's not robust...

Debian and Slack aren't the only "expert" distros. That has more to do with configuration and use than anything else.

Yep indeedy...I'm not an expert, I just like to hand-tweek my config files :D

YaST is one of the very best tools ive come across. it makes it all seem so simple. Then you install slackware and BOOM you have to learn what all them /etc/sysconfig things were.

Before deciding on what type of distro you want to install. I would pick up a good book or search for some beginning documentation. Unless you already know what you want to do with your distro (ie web server, educational, etc). Sometimes if you don't have a direction, your attempts in learning will be short. The question should not be what is the best, it should be which one is the best for me?

http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/From-Power...mpt-HOWTO.html

This is a really good document for beginners, and for those trying to open new windows.

enjoy!
-Kx

well, i haven't been back here in a while. started a second job so didn't have much time to play around. here is some updated info

system

amd 64 3700+
dfi lanpartyUT 250gb nf3
1 gig pc3200 dualchannel
80gig 7200 hd
160g 7200 hd
GF 6800GT 256
2 dual layer dvdrw com combo drives


running windows xp pro/ fedora 4 x86 64 dual boot

runs very smooth, i only boot to fc4 when i want to just browse the net or to "feel cool" har har

i ordered 6 linux books off amazon :study: and am going to try and figure out where i want to go with linux

i am building another pc in which i would like to attempt a webserver (i know i know, lots of work) running linux

i will be a amd xp 2800, 1gig of ram, a7n8x e-deluxe mobo and about 400 gb of hd space

i am trying to figure out what to run on it distro wise.


also i am intrested in either gentoo or slack..i have read many long threads argueing on whos distro can beat up the others..and get lost in all the lingo. i am leaning toward trying slack but just don't know. basically on my home computer i want to be able to run a gaming pc in a linux enviroment (already have the games for linux) because that is one of my biggest hobbies.


am i heading on the right track?

btw, here is a list of the books i ordered, hopefully they are not too outdated

Linux System Commands

Linux Complete

Sam's Teach yourself Fedora core 3 in 24 hours ( only cost fifty pennies)

Fedora Core All-in-one Desk refrence for dummies

linux securtiy

and some other i can't remember

If you find some time between your two jobs (ho, ho, ho), you might try to find a UNIX and GNU/Linux class at a local community college or someplace. They can give you some information about the operating system and about the various applications that are available.

i am in college right now (late starter 28years old) and so far i haven't seen a linux class at school. seeing the college i go to is mainly for generals. i would love to take a linux class. actually hadn't thought of looking but i have been through our class listings and would have remember a linux clas. i

if i can find a linux class i will for surely take one. so far everything i have learned about the tech world has came from teaching myself or online. i know enough to build a computer (not hard) and i know my way around a winbloz world pretty well.

That's funny... Exactly what do you define as "Expert"...

Joking aside... Debian and Slack are great disto's but I don't see whe you can't become an expert using MDK SUSE or FC....

Maybe I should add this from the aviation industry... QUOTE "It's not the crate but the man sitting in it"

KC