I want to use unix to learn how to write simple programs for bioinformatics applications. I therefore thought I would get linux for my PC (currently running windows me) and have a play. Can anyone give any advice on which linux to use, where to get it and how to download- I only have 56K at home, but I could download at work and burn to a CD. Thanks.

One of the friendliest Linux distributions is Mandrake and a new version (8.2) has just been released. It can be downloaded from here: http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/ftp.php3 Don't know where you are located but there are vendors who sell Linux CDs at very low cost. A UK example is here: http://www.linuxemporium.co.uk Depending on your PC it may be possible to dual boot Me and Linux but you should create a separate partition for Linux first. If you use a utility such as Partition Magic you should be able to do this with Me intact. Some distributions are better at this than others. Mandrake will write to the Master Boot Record and give you a boot menu with a time delay. You can change the default OS from within the mandrake control centre. Hope this helps! W

Thanks for the speedy reply W, I'm downunder but I'll try the download first.

You can also try linuxiso.org.. Here is many linux version you can dwonload. I agree mandrake is the easiest to install. However, because you have 56k modem I advice buying a linux form mag. it usually contains a linux cd and usually only cost $15-$17 dollars Canadian. Fatser then downloading with a modem will take a very very very very long time