[DWO]

Now that I'm about to get a larger HD, I've decided here's my chance to partition and use Linux (along w/ Win98). The first things I'll need are recommendations of Linux types, and any helpful books/manuals for the beginner. Also, just to get info in advance, if I were to install Win98 using Fdisk to partition, Can Linux be easily installed on the second partition later? Thanks for your help.

[DWO]

Just thought I would add this-- I'm looking for something that's less of a resource hog than Windows (which gets worse with each new edition, but we all knew that). All I really need it for is faster web surfing, text editing, picture viewing, & maybe using Paint Shop Pro & CAD systems with it (if PSP or CAD systems aren't supported, that's fine).--So it doesn't necessarily need to be the best, cutting-edge distribution. Thanks

[MikeV]

Well, basically, Linux is Linux. "Linux" by definition is nothing more than the OS Kernel, which is the same in all different flavors (Redhat, Slackware, Debian, etc.)

Some are optimized for different platforms or processors, but they can all pretty much do what you want them to.

If you want ease of install and configuration, I would probably suggest Redhat or Corel. They are probably the 2 easiest distros to install. The downside is you don't have total control over everything.

If you want total control, cool geek stuff, and the ability to brag, I would suggest Debian or Slackware. Slack's much easier to install then Debian (I couldn't get Debian to recognize my NIC correctly. Slack did, no problem.), but Debian has a great package management tool.

As far as being a resource hog, it depends on what you run. Some Window Managers in X Windows are just as memory intensive as Windows (KDE, Gnome mostly.), but some are very small, very fast, and don't take much memory at all (WindowMaker, Enlightenment, Blackbox)

That's the best thing about Linux. Choice. Do what [i[]you[/i] want, not what somebody thinks you will want, a la MS.

I'd recommend going to www.cheapbytes.com or www.linuxmall.com and ordering a few different distros, try them out yourself. Then decide what's best for you.

You may also want to go here for a better description of the different Distros.

Good luck, and most of all, Have Fun!

Mike

------------------
It is easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission.

Lewis' Law: People will buy anything that's one to a customer...

Hurewitz's Memory Principle: The chance of forgetting something is directly proportional to... to... uh.....

[This message has been edited by MikeV (edited 03-01-2000).]

[DWO]

Thanks MikeV. Also, since I have no experience w/ Linux, Can someone lead me to screenshots? How is the interface w/ Slackware (is it as visually-oriented as Windows)? Can the average person use Linux almost as easily as Windows? Do I need to be very knowledgeble with computer terms/knowhow? Also, should I expect, as a new user, to hit a lot of 'roadblocks.' Please keep in mind that I'm not a 'techie,' but I'm willing to spend a lot of time exploring Linux.--I could use as much advise/help as possible. Thanks very much.

[MikeV]

I would expect to do some learning, A LOT of reading, and a bit of swearing

As long as you're patient, you'll get it.

I'd probably recommend RedHat, since it's got a bunch of graphical configuration stuff, so you won't have to get your hands dirty with the console config.

You should always expect a roadblock or two, especially regarding your modem... Linux is very, very picky about modems. If you have a "win" modem, chances are it probably won't work. There may be some hope, but don't bet on it.

All in all, if you're willing to dive in and get your hands a little dirty, you've got what it takes to learn Linux.

I did!

Mike

------------------
It is easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission.

Lewis' Law: People will buy anything that's one to a customer...

Hurewitz's Memory Principle: The chance of forgetting something is directly proportional to... to... uh.....

[sickly]

I have had RedHat installed for a while and have been basically fumbling blindly. It was installed by one of my friends in a hit-and-run operation, where he installed it for me, then ran off to Russia. But yesterday my dad sent me the full RedHat 6.1 package with books and everything. I've found the included "beginner's guide" to be very useful and readable. So there's my two cents.

[DWO]

I'll pick up the latest RedHat. Thanks for all of your input.