switching to LINUX?

[clagh131]

Here is the 1st of what will likely be a string of unbelievably amature ques,..  
Can I install LINUX w/ WINDOWS98 still on the PC? (compadibilty and storage wise?) I'm buying a new PC in the Spring, and will give this one to my mom,..who could never understand that there is such a thing as a PC w/ out WINDOWS.

[voidmain]

Yes you can. It's called "dual booting". When you turn your computer on you will get a menu of which operating system you want to start. In your case the choices would be Windows98 and Linux. There are several threads on this site on the subject and if you choose Red Hat as your Linux distribution here are some instructions:

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-8.0-Manual/install-guide/ch-x86-dualboot.html

Linux Mandrake might be a little easier to set up a dual boot as it can repartition your Windows drive for you at install time.

[clagh131]

THANK-YOU!!!  This really sounds like an exciting program,.. I took "the day off" and read through as much INFO as I had time for.  THe kids come back to the school I work @ 2morrow,.. but everything I have read so far, at the very least makes me want to ck it out..Thanks  again!

[voidmain]

A linux distribution is not really a program, it's an operating system or collection of programs along with a kernel (all operating systems have a kernel).

Good luck!

[clagh131]

AH!  Now see,..that's EXACTLY the kind of info I need... "not a program... it's an OS".. My 15 yr old brother just told me how to pronouce it too !(lol'ing @ myself)..  But hey,..I'm willing to learn,..albeit from the VERY beg.,,,just anything from feeling as helpless as I did last week when Windows refused to acknowledge any document I ever saved to it..=)

[emh]

Might I advise Knoppix for your first dive into Linux?

You can run it straight from the CD.

I don't know the link off hand.

[Doctor V]

Just a couple of opinions.

I think Mandrake is the best distro for a new user because it is very easy to install, and use, plus is not a 'windows copycat', like Lindows and Xandros.

If feeling helpless is what you are trying to avoid, then windows is not for you.  Windows really does try to control and limit what you can do.  There may be some things that are harder to do in Linux than Windows, but you will always have more choice with Linux.

[beltorak0]

Knoppix

-t.

[clagh131]

THANKS for the link!  I'm ck'ing it out right now.. I'm def. up for learning,..but the simplest is what I need to shoot for right now.  I don't want to get over my head and frustrated before I begin.  Then again.. it can't ever get worse then the WINDOWS crashe(s)....

[Pantso]

Coleen, first of all welcome to the boards!

Now, since this is your first -about to have- experience with Linux, I would also suggest that you go for Knoppix, since you don't have to re-partition your HD or anything. If you get to like Linux however, then I would suggest  Mandrake Linux.

Keep in mind also that one of the most confusing things about Linux is the plethora of distributions out there, since the Linux kernel source as well as the source code for most of the programs that come with it and form the OS, are freely distributable. If you want to check out the number of Linux distributions, go to http://www.distrowatch.com/.

 

[clagh131]

I printed out some info on KNOPPIX and MANDRAKE LINUX to read over during lunch. I appreciate the suggestions,..I'm so used to the usual mindless "talk" on the boards I go to,.. It's really quite refreshing to review some of the posts here and read INTELLIGENT thoughts and Suggestions!