Linux for noobs

[EffYouSeeKay]

I've been using Windows ever since I was 5 years old with 3.1. After thoroughly taking a look at the Hidden Files article, I'm convinced that I need a switch. Being only 15 though, I really want a OS that's free. I'm not familiar with programming, partitions, and MS-DOS at all...so I'd really like an efficient version of Linux with a set-up that's as simple as possible.

[hm_murdock]

I'm not a big linux dude myself, but I want to try this:

http://fedora.redhat.com/

I've heard a lot of good about it. Nothing but good, in fact.

btw, the proper word is "newb"... seeing as it's a play on the word "new"

[ January 21, 2004: Message edited by: Jimmy don't give a shit about MS ]

[Refalm]

I recommend Mandrake Linux.

You can download all three ISO images for free here:

ftp://ftp.uwsg.indiana.edu/linux/mandrake/iso/

Burn them on 3 CD-ROM's, insert them, and install.

Making a partition is dead easy and when you start up the PC, you'll see this:

 

quote:Select:

> Mandrake Linux
Windows

00:10

[EffYouSeeKay]

Is that version of Mandrake legal? And I'm not quite to sure what a partition is. Do you know of any sites with a step-by-step guide?

[WMD]

^ Yes, that copy is legal.  What made you think otherwise?  :confused:   (The purchasable Mandrake versions are 2 and 7 CDs.)

The installer should walk you through that, so written documentation may not be necessary.  However I haven't used Mandrake (yet  :cool:  ), so I can't guarentee it.

[EffYouSeeKay]

Another prime issue is Wireless Connectivity. I have a 2002 Dell Inspiron 8200 that connects via a Dell TrueMobile 1150 Series Wireless Mini PCI Card, which connects to the router downstairs. How would this work on Linux?

[EffYouSeeKay]

I also think dual-boot seems the safest...

[WMD]

There's some wireless support for Linux.  Don't know about that particular card however.  It's been around for a while so chances are somewhat good.  

[Commander]

i just uninstalled redhat to install suse.  i tried the liveeval cd and it looked too cool for me not to give it a try     i dont know when i'll actually do the installing though.

[Mistshadow]

Remember, google is your best friend. Just tap in "linux install", "linux configuration", "partition management" and other assorted key phrases for all the info you'll need.

[Unforgiven1]

actually, for newbies, I recommend Mepis, I know many of you probably haven't heard of it.  but, IMHO, Mepis is superior to Mandrake for people just coming from a Winders system.  
1st It's debian based, so apt-get is useable, no screwing with RPMs and their dependant packages.
2nd It runs from a live CD like knoppix so you can make sure everything on your system will work and then install it..which is by far the simplest install ever, 5 steps, GUI, and easy (but it installs EVERYTHING)
3rd It is only 1 disk, the second is optional
4th it comes with Java VM, Realplayer 8, wine, macromedia flashplayer and shockwave already installed and configured, and those were the most frustrating programs when I was just starting on Red Hat.

find it at  www.mepis.org
you can find a review at www.linux.com they gave it very high marks.

[restin256]

Installing Linux is very easy, alongside Windows. I would suggest something that can be updated via apt or something like it, or somethng that doesn't require any partitioning knowledge - SuSE 9 pro comes to mind.

[Unforgiven1]

resizing an NTFS partition doesn't have to be brain surgery.  You can..errrr...obtain a copy of partition magic 8.0 and that is really easy use right out of windows before you even think about Linux.

[Mistshadow]

I recommend Mepis as a live-cd too. However, when I tried installing it to my hd (another experiment while I wait) it suddenly became very buggy. I don't get it since it was fine as a live cd.  :confused:  Everything suddenly screwed up; my X display, apps suddenly wouldn't work, even my mouse, all of which worked great from the cd. It even said my partitions were wrong. Now, I don't mean to sound really arrogant here or anything, but I do know how to partition a hard drive. I've lost count of how many times I've done so when trying out distros. I always partition the drive myself and it's always worked fine on that score. Drivers and hardware are the problems I normally have.

So I recommend it whole-heartedly as a live cd, but I'd say don't install it unless you've got the skills to do some bug-squishing.

[Unforgiven1]

well, I actually had the same problem at first. So on the second try before I installed it, when I booted from the live CD, I turned off acpi at the boot prompt and then it was flawless.  I run it on my laptop actually, and it's the first distro I've found that's correctly identified every single peice of hardware on the thing.