I have recently acquired some computer hardware (1 laptop and 2 desktops). Two goals that I have set for myself:
1. setup a home network
2. install some v of linux and operate

I am in the process of setting up my first super simple home network.
Linux will be installed as soon as I decide on which one I want.
I am still on dial up btw.

Any suggestions are welcome...and I mean ANY.

All responses are welcome.

I would recommend Mandrake 9.1, not 9.2. Lot of issues with 9.2. You may want to try Redhat. Your choice on that one. Those are good for newbies.

You should be able to share the connection to the net. It won't be as good as DSL or something but better than nothing.

I wish I had DSL too.

Later

dalek,

Where in MS you from? I grew up in Jackson.

Closest easy to find town is Columbus MS. Been most of my life.

I did move to Meridian once for about a year. That was back when I could work though.

You may want to update your profile. You can put your system info and distro in, that way when you need help, we know what you got. Basics of Linux are the same, it's the path that is different. You don't have to put the exact location. Some just put USA.

Oh, click 'user cp' in the top portion of the screen and then the edit profile button.

Later

I agree with dalek, Mandrake 9.1 is an awesome first-time distro.

I especially like how well it detects hand-me-down hardware (that you might not have the specs on).

Networking via ethernet worked great. Before that, I used ppp and a winmodem to get online. It wasn't pretty but it worked. Once I got cable internet and a router, setting up the local network was easy with Mdk9.1.

As dalek mentioned, Mandrake 9.2 is still too new for regular (i.e. "non-experimental") desktops.

9.1 comes with everything you need to do just about anything. My only extra advice would be to say "no" to the Mandrake Update option during the installation. I've found it much easier to update the packages and system *after* the installation has been completed.

-Waylena

Thanks for your help. I spent about 5 or so years in the "Golden Triangle" area.

Don't know how long you have been gone but the Columbus city council still gets into a fist fight on occasion. I'm serious. They had to call the police to break it up.

I think somebody should dock there pay.

Later