[Maggz]

Ok im bored with Windoze time for a new challenge. I want linux! How does one go about aquiring the best free distrub of linux and install it. Ive got 2 hard drives both 80GB one only holds a Paging file and Id like to throw linux on there as well yet still give me the option to chose between windows and linux at bootup. Is this all possible so far? Im flexible anywho Just need some good instructions

[codejockey]

You can obtain many Linux distributions from www.linuxiso.org. Download the .iso file(s), burn the CD(s) and install. Most distributions feature a bootable CD that handles the installation chores. You will be able to create a multi-boot system so that you can share your drives with other O/Ses. You can also try knoppix, a Linux distribution that runs completely from CD -- great for experimenting and getting a feel for Linux, without any of the installation or multi-boot configuration hassles.

Hope this helps.

[Whiteskin]

Dual booting is actually really easy. Easier on one drive, but still easy on two. I'd use debian if i was new to linux, mainly because of its strong package managment. Give it a try. Remeber, tldp (the linux documentation project) is your friend. It can answer most of your questions.

http://tldp.org

[OldLadyWho]

I was just scanning through the forums tonight and, as always I like to read the posts in the Linux section, and this one caught my eye.

I don't know if this will be helpful, or not, but I believe I am going to try the newest version of Xandros.

> http://www.xandros.com/ <

(Quote from the main web page) " Xandros Desktop OS version 2 is an intuitive graphical environment that works right out of the box and offers unrivaled compatibility with Microsoft Windows. This new release adds the kind of industry-leading usability features you've come to expect from Xandros, like drag-and-drop CD burning in Xandros File Manager and single-click creation of zip and tar file archives."

I've also been contemplating a change from Windows...though I would like to change because I believe in the Open Source community and wish to be supportive in some way (like purchasing CDs).

I have tried Knoppix and had no luck with it at all. I have two desktops and a laptop, and Knoppix either doesn't like the mice, or it doesn't like the video card on one or the other...after hearing all the raves about Knoppix I was disappointed, but not discouraged. (I'll get it figured out)

Next I sent off for a new Mandrake CD. It hasn't arrived yet. When it does I may try it on my laptop. But, now that I have read about the Xandros release, I believe it is what I will try next.

I suppose little ol' ladies shouldn't be experimenting on electronic things unsupervised, but oh well...nothing ventured, nothing learned...and I am definitely not a typical little ol' lady.

I wish you well on your quest for a Linux distro that you will be happy with. I hope you'll let us know how it goes.

OLW

[Whiteskin]

Of course xandros isnt really free.... i'd probably go with somthing free myself, easier upgrades and all that stuff. Meh. I guess its personal opinion. Just make sure that you can acess some kind of package managment software. Ars technica reccomends OpenCarpet.

[OldLadyWho]

Yes, I think I understand what you are saying. I have been reading a little more about Xandros since I posted here the other day. I must confess to being drawn to any non-MS software that says it might be easier to learn (I should probably get over this, right? .

Mostly because I remember the painful hair-pulling efforts and the amount of sheer determination it took to first learn how to keep Windows relatively stable. (I had originally learned to use a Mac, so the Windows stuff really threw me for a while) I am not really sure I am up to that kind of struggle again.

After all, I have been a washout with Knoppix, which everyone says is just about a no-brainer to use...(sigh)...(it's a bitter pill, indeed)

I do understand the meaning of "free' as in freedom to view the inner workings of the program, and to modify and customize if one chooses...as well as (in some distros) the meaning of "free" as in, free of charge.

And I do understand now that Xandros is one of the more propriatary distros, and does cost money.

...and, I am writing way too much here...sorry...I'll stop now.
Thanks for your reply though. It is appreciated, and I believe your point is very valid.
OLW

[codejockey]

OK, OL (speaking as an OM )

First, kudos for jumping into Linux --it's not your average O/S (which has its good and bad points). A few things to consider: (1) Linux flourishes in various distributions; if one does not suit you, then perhaps another will. (2) Linux is not a replacement for Windoze (despite all the impressive progress that has been made on application compatibility, etc.) -- instead, it is an alternative (which means you will have to learn new ways of doing whatever you might have been used to doing in Windoze). (3) You can have the best of both worlds -- you can run both Windoze and Linux from the same hardware without problems, which will allow you to choose the application/operating system that best fits your needs.

Understand, however, that Linux/Unix is very different from Windoze, and you may need to learn how to make this fire-breathing beast do your bidding. However, the rewards more than repay the effort ... but, of course, that's only an old Unix geek talking ...

Hope this helps.

[OldLadyWho]

Hello, codejockey,

First I wish to apologize to maggz. I feel like I am inadvertently hijacking his original post, and if so, I hope he will forgive me. I am not new at TSG, but I am still kind of new at posting comments to other people's posts, and may not always use proper posting etiquette.

In answer to your reply, I truly do like my Win2k computers. I am sure there are many more things I could learn as far as making my computers and network more secure, but I have done the best I could to be as safe as possible. I keep my systems running lean and mean, and all 3 of them have been very stable now for over a year (am knocking on wood now). I don't have all the newest hardware, and one of the systems I built from lots of old parts, but I am more proud of it than any of them. I love learning how to make the most of what I have available. I believe I have some rather geekish tendencies and wish I could have discovered my love for computerish things many years earlier....(I wonder, would a granny-geek be a greek, or a greeny?)

I understand that a Linux system is not meant to take the place of Windows...yet. I try not to use a lot of the MS trimmings if I can help it...I have never used Outlook, and I do use IE occasionally, but mostly use Mozilla. I took MSOffice off all of my computers about 7 months ago, and now use OpenOffice, and like it very much. I think Windows can be workable if one takes the time to make it so. My problem with Windows has more to do with the direction they are heading....I feel like it is not a direction that I wish to be lead.

I began following the Open Source/Free Software/Linux stories nearly 5 years ago. It has always fascinated me, and I have always cheered them on (and, yes, I especially enjoy reading Groklaw these days). The whole concept is admirable, and the community is such an interesting, vital and necessary entity in the world. But it all seemed so far beyond my abilities...especially back in the days when I was struggling just to learn Windows, which was supposed to be so user "friendly"...if Windows was a struggle, I could only imagine trying to learn something more complex...but the challenge is also still very appealing.

I am not afraid to try different things until I find what works for me..(persistence is my middle name)...the hardest part is finding a good place to start where I won't be so far over my head...I am also a little afraid of the "Linux people"...lol! They do seem a little intimidating sometimes.

I often send off for CDs of different distros whenever one catches my attention, or when I read a review of something newly released. I always feel it is my small way of contributing, rather than downloading the software for free. But then, when the CDs show up I get cold feet and hesitate...

It's a little like the first time I jumped off the high dive...it took me several tries to make the leap.

And, once again I have written way too much. Thank you for your helpful reply and encouragement. Be assured, this is probably the first place I'll head when I start the project. I'll do my best to be an earnest learner. OLW