I've ordered the Ubuntu disks and I am trying to read all I can about Linux while I'm waiting for them to arrive. The biggest problem I'm having is trying to follow the directions like trying to understand about how to format a hard drive for WindowsXP and Ubuntu using a CD_rom instead of a Floppy disk drive. Most of the directions already assume one knows all the terms used and how to do the most basic things. I don't!!! Where does one go to learn how to do the basics involved with Linux. I've always used windows and I know my way around a computer using XP but with Linux I need to start with "A" before I go to "B" You all had to start somewhere. Many thanks maparus

The Ubuntu installer will guide you through formatting just as the Windows XP installer has a step for formatting. I'm not sure about Ubuntu, but I know some distros allow you to shrink your Windows parition to make space for Linux. If you're going to totally reformat, remember to use FAT32 for Windows if you want to be able to safely write to it from Linux. Also, install Windows first but be sure to leave unpartitioned space for Linux.

OK step one put the xp cd in go through normal steps of install now this is tricky older verson of lilo canot read past the 1024 cylinders 8GB on the drive therefore it is recomended for older distro that the first partition be no larger than 7.5gb but with your distro you will have no problems 1 Partition at the start of the drive for windows FAT16/32 NTFS all work fine with LILO 1 Partition for linux any file system but if you want to see it in windows then it MUST be ext2/3 (no i have not gone mad we will get to that later). 1 linux Swap Partiton 2x you ram eg if you have 32mb of ram then it will be best to have a swap of 64mb (this is just an example) ^^ you can manage with a smaller one if space is an isue if it is about 300mb will be fine you can also make a partition for your /home (any linux File System) and a windows file store (any windows file System) install windows first on the c: first drive then put in your linux cd and format the partitions then install linux and then lilo and it will detect the winblows partition and make it bootable so you will have sumthing like this to read linux FS in winslows then go to this page http://www.fs-driver.org/ Set up the linux/windows shared (partition if you have one) boot to windows (2000 in my case) and go to my computer you will see the unformated linux/windows shared partition or the "linwin" partiton as i like to call it Get Firefox

edit then install linux and then lilo and it will detect the winblows partition and make it bootable so you will have sumthing like this Lilo linux windws linux tui ect ect an example of the lilo config file A typical configuration file will look like the following: boot=/dev/hda map=/boot/map install=/boot/boot.b prompt timeout=50 image=/boot/vmlinuz-2.2.5-15 label=linux root=/dev/hda3 make sure lilo is installed on the mbr to get rid of nt loader thats why we install wind000s first:) Get Firefox

Hi maparas, I'm a Linux Newbie, as well, running SuSE 9.3. I started a few months back and have finally gotten to the place where I can compute productively without using MSWindows. I have a few resources for you to try: 1) Don't give up on Computing.net. I understand how frustrating it is to have people try to help you out in language & terminology you cannot understand. However, you can learn a lot from these guys if you'll hang around and give it some time. 2) Try to find a version of UNIX FOR DUMMIES specific to your distrobution. That's a great help. 3) Hang around linuxquestions.org. This is a very good resource, as well. From one Newbie to another, Good Luck! :)

Sorry about #2 there maparas: make that LINUX FOR DUMMIES.

Thanks hombre3 I'm going to hang in there. When I got my first computer I didn't even know how to turn one on and now after all these years of using windows I'm going to learn Linux I already know how to turn a computer on so I already know more than I did when I started with windows. Got my Ubuntu CD-Live disk today Put it in and it fired right up. Looks interesting Thanks again maparus