I'm new to Linux and after all your kind input on this board have decided to start off with Mandrake 9.2 Discovery. I've found a few places on line and some on Ebay, but the prices vary quite drastically. What should I be looking at as far as to be included in the package I purchase? How much should I expect to pay to get my up and running? Do I need to buy OpenOffice or can I get it later? Any advise will be appreciated.....thanks, bryan

Hi, Just curious, do you have broadband or have a friend who does? If so why not download and burn the ISOs you can get them at www.linuxiso.org that will be a good fast and free option. Be sure to read the instructions on the left column of that site BEFORE you burn the images. You get the download edition of Mandrake 9.2. It comes with OpenOffice.org and pretty much everything you could want. I think the only thing you need is to install plug-ins for your browsers so you can use flash etc. Just do google searches. If you don't have broadband, you can buy the ISO cd's at www.cheapbytes.com. I downloaded and burned the ISOs so I cannot comment on the quality of service from cheapbytes.

I saw ManDrake 9 on eBay for .01$ and like $4 shipping. He just downloaded the ISOs and burnt them. Im guessing the $.01 was for the CD-Rs...you can charge someone for the ISO images...or hell be in some trouble. ;=)

Try bittorrents. Get the client and search Google for the bittorrent files or check with Mandrake directly (the FTP mirror page currently hosts the link). Generally the last release (in this case 9.1) is readily available in several places for a short download. The bt download (for all 3 CD's) is usually about 2GB. Try to find a third party for the torrent before you try Mandrake (sometimes their file simply has to many downloaders). Searching sites which index bittorrent links is a good place to look. If you are buying, the ISO's should be the same thing as what you could download. Try to purchase from a dealer that has been around a little while (cheapbytes.com, for example). Don't pay too much.

http://www.edmunds-enterprises.com/linux/

I allways get my Linux discs and books at www.cheapbytes.com They give very fast service, and deliver quality products at a good price. Never had a problem.

Thanks, I'll check them all out!