Some help getting started

[Couling]

I'm currently a windows user (don't shoot me    ) but I'm looking to make the big switch over to something better.  My only problem is that I don't know where to start.  ie: I was thinking of using Linux, but when I looked there where so many versions of it  :confused:  .

Can someone please give me an idea of which version of Linux is best.  And (if there are any) point out some of the major issues that I will have to address, eg: are hardware drivers normally fairly easy to find for Linux?

Thanks very much for your time   :cool:

[rtgwbmsr]

quote:Originally posted by Couling:
I'm currently a windows user (don't shoot me     ) but I'm looking to make the big switch over to something better.  My only problem is that I don't know where to start.  ie: I was thinking of using Linux, but when I looked there where so many versions of it   :confused:   .

Can someone please give me an idea of which version of Linux is best.  And (if there are any) point out some of the major issues that I will have to address, eg: are hardware drivers normally fairly easy to find for Linux?

Thanks very much for your time    :cool:  

Plenty of resources to help you:

-<Before you install>-

To decide which distro to use, and some discussion of issues:
http://forum.fuckmicrosoft.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=13&t=000057

If you want to try Linux without modifying your computer in any way:
http://www.belg88.com/faqman/index.php?op=view&t=73

To download the install disks when you decide:
www.linuxiso.org

-<After you install>-
Installing programs:
http://www.belg88.com/faqman/index.php?op=view&t=4

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.belg88.com/faqman/index.php?op=cat&c=2

Some fun when you are done with it all:
http://www.belg88.com/faqman/index.php?op=view&t=69

If you have any further questions, we're here.

[mattymanx]

Cool thanks Muffin Man!

I was just about to ask the exact same thing as Couling.  

[Doogee]

tisk tisk X11 for using gods name in vain (ie void main)

[mattymanx]

The english version is gone but thanks anyways.  

[Couling]

ah so it's you that I have to blame for life in general then  

[mattymanx]

Plenty of choices at linuxiso.org so thanks againn MM

Slow server though, oh well, cant complain when its free!  

[rtgwbmsr]

quote:Originally posted by mattymanx:
Plenty of choices at linuxiso.org so thanks againn MM

Slow server though, oh well, cant complain when its free!    

If you click on the  icon to the left of the ISO name, it should give you a massive list of mirrors. .gov's usually go pretty fast.

[mattymanx]

Just got the first CD of Mandrake 9 but I am gonna wait until I get the other two before I try it out.

BTW, what is the 3rd cd for anyways...and do I really need it???

[rtgwbmsr]

The short answer: Download it just so you have it (you may or may not need it, I'm not sure).

The long answer:
Looks like a language pack CD. I think you could get away without having it, but I would recommend you download it. If the installation doesn't complete correctly, it's not the greatest thing to go through for a first time user.

I'm assuming this is the first time you are installing Linux. If you have done this already, you can choose the long package selection method (the really big list) and make sure you don't choose anything on that 3rd CD.

[Calum]

quote:Originally posted by mattymanx:
Just got the first CD of Mandrake 9 but I am gonna wait until I get the other two before I try it out.

BTW, what is the 3rd cd for anyways...and do I really need it???

it is not a language pack CD. get it.
it has a shitload of goodies, like some of the extra stuff for open office and basically a bunch of programs you don't get otherwise.
i used to have cd1 and cd2 of mandrake 8.2 and now i have all 3 cds for mandrake 9.0 and i swear to you it is well worth getting the extra cd before you install.

[mattymanx]

Thanks for your input guys, I'll make sure I get all 3 cds before I install anything.

Now all I need is a second computer.