Need help installing Linux./Unix

[udaki]

I have the Slackware,Redhat,Fedora,OpendBSD,Netbsd,freebsd,suse
debian,gentoo,and knoppix.Which distro should i use.
I need it for programming cause im learning it
right now,games,internet,music,and movies, and supports intel cpus and chips.Do I also need to switch my ISP cause the ISP right now is Earthlink dial-up and the software only
installs on windows and mac.Can I use wine for it?
and where do I find the drivers for linux?The company I bought it from gave me windows drivers.
thanks in advance.

[WMD]

quote:I have the Slackware,Redhat,Fedora,OpendBSD,Netbsd,freebsd,suse
debian,gentoo,and knoppix.Which distro should i use.

All of those are good distributions, so it's hard to say.  We can eliminate Redhat because Fedora replaced it...Knoppix because it's a demo-type thing.  The BSDs aren't very newbie friendly (and aren't distributions of Linux, if that's what you thought).  Slackware is for advanced users...I say Fedora myself, I like it.  Suse would be good too, but I can't say myself (haven't used it).

 

quote:Do I also need to switch my ISP cause the ISP right now is Earthlink dial-up and the software only installs on windows and mac.

As long as you have a supported modem and know the telephone number, you should be ok without Earthlink's stuff.  Make note if you have a WinModem (modem that's really tiny and has almost no functionality itself), chances aren't good for its support.  A few work.  All hardware-based modems will work.

 

quote:and where do I find the drivers for linux?The company I bought it from gave me windows drivers.

Most Linux distibutions come with lots of drivers, so see what the installer can detect and then ask what hardware specifically isn't working.

[insomnia]

For programming: Slackware

what drivers do you need?

[udaki]

Im planning to use fedora for the main OS and screw windows over.The drivers I need is:

Intel(R) 82845G/GL Graphics controller for my graphic card

GTW V.92 Voice Modem for modem

The network adapters are Intel(R) PRO/100 Network Connections and Intel ProSet 2 application for configuring it.
 
Intel(r) 82845G/GL System Device Driver

USB 2.0 port driver

and the sound drivers for SoundMAX Intergrated Digital Audio

[enjoijeff]

Fedora is icky, but that all looks pretty basic though. That should be configured on install. Shouldn't it?

[ May 27, 2004: Message edited by: enjoijeff ]

[udaki]

how should i know...i need to first gather all the softwares and drivers before i can take the next step.

[insomnia]

quote:Originally posted by udaki:
how should i know...i need to first gather all the softwares and drivers before i can take the next step.

Just install your distro.
Those drivers are all included in the installation.
If Fedora missed something, you can do that after the installation.