what is linux? i know it's an OS, but could i run it in on the same HD as windows ME? would i have to run it on a clean partition?

what benefit would it serve me to have linux?

how do i attain and install it?

TIA

Linux is a great stable OS. If you like to get involved tweeking your system then Linux is the best bet. Windoze only lets you tweek certain things. It is a closed OS where Linux is an open source so you can go in and modify anything that is on your system. You can have Windoze and Linux running on the same hard drive. You have to run a duel boot system. That way you can try Linux without lossing your Windoze. Linux can do anything that Windoze can do > networking, graphics, music, etc ... and like I said it is open source so you can modify to fit your needs. You can download any Linux flavor you like > Mandrake, Red Hat, Suse, Deben, Slackware ... The list goes on lol. Oh almost forgot Linux is free but the only draw back is support. But there a lot of places to get help. If you have any other questions feel free to drop me a line. I have be a Linux user for a long time and I'll be glad to give a hand.

Hi My Friend,

Linux is a diff kind of OS. It's great if you intend to know it. You better install it with its own partition. You can copy all the ISO image from the Linux.com and install it yourself. But, becareful, b/f installing it, back up all of yr files. If you know a lot of Linux.....hey you are great. If still have pro, post your needs.

Linux is an open source OS. It mean you can add/remove and configure what you want unlike windows. However it not for the weak of hart. I judge like a mountain if have will and want to climb it then your get a better view. However, if just want press a couple icons and have things just do there things without really understand how they work and just be gald they do then stay with windows.

Also, personal (please donot flame me on this comment) I find windows 2000 as much better client to use. You can easly use office and broser where linux kind of lacks in this (this my 2cent).

I find linux is better use as server: file/print/DNS/SMTP/NAT/Web

However, if going use application server like fax/groupware/CRM/ERP/Database
use windows 2000 (my opion 2cents worth only)

If want learn how ethernet/ network/ firewall/ etc actaul work. Then linux is great. It hides nothing from you and tells everthing you want know. You just have be willing to learn it. This where Linux shines way over windows. You can not really learn anything on windows OS not the way you can with linux