As far as I know, linux is a free for all OS so I went to its site to download it and see how it is like but I found so many versions and names for it so I couldnt decide which one is the OS proper. Any help?

Try Ubuntu 7.10, its a free download which you burn to a CD, then you can try it out to see if you like it without actually loading it onto your hard drive.

I personally love Ubuntu and am a Linux noob. I have it set up as a dual boot along with XP on an old Athlon 64 1.8Ghz machine with a gig of ram and it runs great. Even has all the 3d on my AIW 9800 Pro card.

You can also order free Ubuntu CD's although it takes a few weeks to get them but try the download first.

Asus P5N-E SLI
Intel Dual Core E6750 2.66Ghz
Asus EN8600GTS 256Meg
2 gig Crucial 800Mhz DDR2
WD 320 gig SATA 2
Lite On 20x20 DVD-RW
CoolerMaster Mystique case w/500 watt PSU

Linux is a kernal on which operating systems are built named after the creator linus..you may build your own if inspired but many are available for download and donations are welcome to the one you fall in love with..there are many live cd's and they are very helpfull in testing the computer first before install...ubuntu is very popular now and has an active forum for support which you will need if you like to add things..in general linux is very interesting and worth investigation...enjoy

If you haven't used Linux ever, then may I suggest Puppy Linux live cd. Very easy to use . All the Icons do exactly what they say.

Everyone has their favorite distro so you'll get many suggestions. I'm gonna throw another vote in for Ubuntu though. It's very user-friendly and a great gateway-distro for someone new to Linux. Their forums are also the most active I have ever seen. You'll likely never be wanting for advice/help with Ubuntu. I use Slackware myself but it's a lot of work if you're new to Linux. I started out with Ubuntu then moved to Slackware after that. Above all... have fun with whatever distro you decide to run!

Ok thanks guys, I will try that...

Let us know how you make out with Ubuntu!

There are some seasoned Linux users who may tell you it's too bloated and Windows-like, but honestly right now that's probably exactly what you need (like I did)... something that makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Linux is unfamiliar enough for us ex-Windows users. I'm glad there are distros like Ubuntu to ease the transition.

After you've played around with Ubuntu for a while, you may decide to try something more challenging and hands-on, but for now Ubuntu is probably your best choice. I know it was for me at first.

Have fun!

Dig

Not all linux is free.

You should start with using live linux cd's (solaris or qnx or beos also) They don't mess up your system.

Second choice would be to try virtual machines to run any choice. Again they limit the damage you can do.

A good choice would be an older computer that doesn't have an OS on it to play with.

LASTLY! I'd suggest the installation of a linux system to a newbie. Chances are you'd repost on how to fix your windows machine.

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

But now I have another problem before I started. HOw to download. I have 2 internet options: a corporate DSL network which doesnt allow more than 50MB in download and a dial up connection, so I seem to be stuck for the time being...I may have to look for the CD to purchase...

You can request a free Ubuntu cd be mailed to you. They don't even charge for the shipping.

https://shipit.ubuntu.com/

Ok thanks, I will ask for the CD and wait..

If you want something a little more windows like, try Kubuntu which uses the KDE desktop as opposed to Gnome which comes with regular Ubuntu. That is a personal choice however and Gnome can be made to be pretty windows like too.

Both can be orded free with the shipit service so why not order one of each! :)

https://shipit.kubuntu.org/

Asus P5N-E SLI
Intel Dual Core E6750 2.66Ghz
Asus EN8600GTS 256Meg
2 gig Crucial 800Mhz DDR2
WD 320 gig SATA 2
Lite On 20x20 DVD-RW
CoolerMaster Mystique case w/500 watt PSU

I recommend Mepis 6.5 (based on Ubuntu). PCLinuxOS 2007 (currently #1 at distrowatch) is another possibility.

http://distrowatch.com/

Those are both very good choices Jam. I tried out PCLinuxOS myself when I was distro-shopping and thought it was excellent!

For a newcomer there are just SO many choices of distros that I often think it's both a good thing AND a bad thing. It's great that there are so many choices, but in the end I think newcomers just want to be told which one is the best to try first.

Assuming that most are coming from a Windows background I usually recommend Ubuntu simply because its so popular right now and support is plentiful. Ubuntu is getting a LOT of ex-Windows users through the Linux door that may not have otherwise made the leap. How cool is that?

But they're ALL good. Look at me. I jumped into Slackware as a Linux noob and I'm doing great with it. I may have a few less hairs though :)

Dig

Slackware Linux Enthusiast

It looks like those guys are having trouble with their site. I got a link to finish my launchpad registration which is https://launchpad.net/token/bZS8n6tFQ20ptb86hfst but it is not openning since several days. Are such problems common there..??

Interesting, I tried the link and got a
Launchpad WEB page - finish registration.
Clear any launchpad cookies in your browser
and try the link again.

HTH,

Ernie Registered Linux User 247790
ICQ 41060744

I'm basically a noob to Linux myself...been experimenting with different distros for a little less than a year. I've found that Mepis installed the quickest, was the easiest for configuring wireless cards & has the most Windows-like feel. I've tried Unbuntu, Ubuntu Gamer's Edition, Kubuntu, Xubuntu & several other distros. Of the "Ubuntus", I actually liked the Gamer's Edition the best. It has a really cool look & I had no trouble configuring my wireless card, plus it has loads of extras.

As of right now, I'm running SimplyMepis 6.5 on my Linux "test box" (Athlon 1600+, 384MB RAM, 30GB HDD) & plan on giving MepisLite a try on an older Win98 machine (K6-2, 128MB RAM, 6GB HDD) soon. I already tried VectorLinux 5.8 on it but wasn't happy with the performance. Puppy & Damn Small are OK for what they are, but I want a more full featured Linux version that will work reasonably well on old hardware.

"I have 2 internet options: a corporate DSL network which doesnt allow more than 50MB in download and a dial up connection,"

If the dialup is your home system and you wish to try Linux, check to see if your modem is supported.

Damn Small Linux is 50MB (fits your DSL limit) and is light and fast. No matter what distro you settle on, try Damn Small Linux so you will know what it can do for you.

Burn all bootable CDs at the lowest possible speed.

get a book with the cd so when your PC doesn't work you can get help.
or a live CD distro it will be a touch slower then a full install but wont FUBAR your sytem.
unless you are familar with RPM's kernl rebuilds and shell scripting not to mention PERL, stick with something that won't posses your system, eat you alive, spit you out, and piss napalm. (linux really isn't that bad)
I started with slackware back in 1998 and moved to redhat in 2003. Why? redhat took the lead. plain and simple. I use windows also. LINUX is a learning experience that is better enjoyed if you ARN'T pulling your hair out.
so go with the above mentioned distro's I don't know squat about them but if they run live off a cd you will save a realy big head ache.
I'm from the kevin mitnick days, so I knew about *nix like the VAX, DEC, and SPARC. had 3 sparcII's and a few indigo's even ran a BBS on a amiga. now I run linux on a wintel CPU instead of solaris on a RISC sparc.
later
RIch
PS: start slow take your time and you will turn to the dark side!

The shipit service is getting quicker. Ordered the latest Kubuntu and it took 2 1/2 weeks to Canada, got it yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see it already.

Asus P5N-E SLI
Intel Dual Core E6750 2.66Ghz
Asus EN8600GTS 256Meg
2 gig Crucial 800Mhz DDR2
WD 320 gig SATA 2
Lite On 20x20 DVD-RW
CoolerMaster Mystique case w/500 watt PSU

Quote atarileaf:

"The shipit service is getting quicker. Ordered the latest Kubuntu and it took 2 1/2 weeks to Canada, got it yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to see it already."

Yes, I have friends here in the U.S. who ordered their free cd's and got them in just over a week, so don't get discouraged that the site says it can take up to ten weeks to get them.

Dig