just joined linuxquestions.org today, trying to convert myself from windows to linux
 

Hello all
Currentlly use Windows at home and AIX at work
Trying to convert myself from Windows to Linux at home hence why I have joined linuxquestions.org and hope to get information/help/advice on my journey to learn linux
Cheers
Maximilliontrouserpress

Welcome and good luck!!

You can do it. Persistence is everything. ;)

Look at the threads having to do with "why you still use windows" or "programs you'd like to see ported to Linux" to see the common gotchas with (often) solutions.

Just know that you are not alone!
 

I've been using MS WIN for... ever? I've used ver 3.11, 95, 98SE, 2K, XP, Vista (what were they thinking!?). I would often use a DOS prompt to get-r-done... it just seemed simpler. My problem is that I haven't found any "good" sources to help with the "transfer" to Linux (Debian) that cover the basic "their way - our way". I admit I haven't checked out the links above (heading there next) but any other sources or info would be appreciated. PDF files would be awesome!!
Many friends and family have heard of my efforts and I'm proud to say they are lining up to convert... as soon as I figure things out. Right now I can't even get... "root permission?"... to add another hd to the mix and store files there.
Sorry if that seemed long winded... 1st posting... shorter in the future.

Well, if you've already got Linux, tell us which one; add it to your profile.
Here are some worthwhile links to read
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/...ndows_software
http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz
http://tldp.org/LDP/Bash-Beginners-G...tml/index.html

Welcome to LQ
:)

I think you'll have an easy time of it, but there will be a learning curve. Much the same way as there is learning anything new. Certainly not like how things were 5 or so years ago. Most of the hardware you'll find these days, will pretty much just work, unless you've got some special needs/devices (i.e. TV Cards, super-high-end 3D graphics, etc.).

As far as software, there are probably open-source equivalents to most Windows programs. Save yourself some frustration, and don't try to use/install Windows software on Linux, unless you've got a VERY specific need for a particular program. Ask the question "What am I trying to accomplish?", rather than "How can I install program XXX?"

For example, Photoshop (under Windows), *CAN* be made to work under Linux using the WINE 'emulator', but the GIMP is native Linux software, and does everything Photoshop does. Also, don't be afraid to try different distros. openSUSE is my favorite (right now), but FedoraCore, Ubuntu, Debian, and a host of others, are all great as well. Just some differences, so *YOU* get to decide what you want to deal with :)

Bring on the learning curve:)
 

I found a Gnome version which sort of threw me. Still VERRRRY new. Decided to go back to the origional ISO download and the official OS version is Debian 5.0.3. I have taken the liberty of loading lots of stuff that came on the aditional disks. Thinking now I should reload from scratch and stick with the basic sys for now. Learn that then go for more...
can someone tell me real quick how to get this darned SATA to load on the boot automatically where I can use it. I've got it in as a second drive, have access to the "/etc/fstab" file, know the <file system> should read "/dev/sda1" (the first drive is "/dev/hda1") <type> would be <ext3> and I figure <dump> and <pass> should both be "0". I'm guessing <options> would be "rw, user, auto" but when it comes to <mount point> I have to admit I'm cluless. Am I even close and Is the # a comment mark in this file? Another thing... I am the Admin of my home network. How do I convince Debian to let me have the authority?

Cheers Guys for the "view" and "posts" as a newbie to this forum site
As I said I use AIX IBM Unix at work and want to practice my "Unix/Linux" skills at home
Having read about many distros I have decided to use Slackware and try to configure everything from command line rather than relying on GUI's before starting startx
I have managed to dual boot my laptop so can run Windows XP and Slackware 13 from the LILO menu
Just playing at the moment but I'm sure I will ask lots of questions to ask to help me but more importantly is to try and give back anything I learn to this forum site
Cheers
dave aka "maximilliontrouserpress"

Change it to your first boot in the bios? You could set up a dual boot as well if thats what your wanting, but I bet there are threads for that. This is my first post here and I am very new to linux as well. I am probably more clueless then you are ;p

I've been off windows for quite a while now. Its not as hard as it is time consuming/trial and error. To be cliche, the juice is worth the squeeze.

Thanks Gang... Looking forward to contributing
 

Many thanks to all, not just those who responded here, but to everyone who ever contributed to the Linux project!:hattip: A special hooya to chrism01 for this link http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz which lead me to, I think, EXACTLY what I was hoping for. I used to enjoy the control you could have with win 3.1 and DOS. I also have a few compiled Visual Basic programs which I wrote. I've been hoping to learn some C and their is an intro there which I am really looking forward to sinking my teeth into. I know learning from scratch is going to be a long hard road, but I look forward to being able to make my own contributions to the group, hopefully in the not too distant future. Thanks again and I'll probably be back soon with more query's, after some 600+/- pages of reading!:study:

thx: feel free to click the Blue Thumb on my post. That's the 'currency' round here :)

Cool deal... was kinda wonderin' 'bout that too. Learn something new every day!

Welcome to LQ!

I have moved the thread to Member Intro, where it fits better.