What would you recommend is the best linux version to download? I was going to download the PHATLINUX v3.3 but I realised it was 170megs. So I thought about buying it on a disk, but how much will it cost (english £ sterling) and where could I get it from? I would also Like to know about partioning my drive! I have 2 at the minute:

P III 500mhz
8.01gb, (2.71 free), 2.43gb (1.16gb free)
128mb RAM
Win 98

Does it harm them in anyway? Is it easy to do? What benefits does it have? How many Full disks can you have inside your computer? What does all this master and slave disks mean? Is Linux a replacement for windows? Has anyone heard about the new windows XP? What benefits does it have booting up both win98 and Y2k?

Sorry about all the questions, you probably all think I am stupid and annoying so sorry.
===========
Pete a 15 year old (oh so young)
www.planetarion.com rules

[WindowsBUM]

OK well first your machine is perfect in every way to run LINUX. I would recommend REDHAT. I think the latest version is 7.0, not sure though. It is the best for beginers is what I have been told and I think it is, too. LINUX is "FREE". If you get it from REDHAT they charge like hmmm, you said that you needed it in "£" So I am guessing that you are in England or the surrounding area. The price for REDHAT is around oh about £25 to £30. I am not good with US$ to ENGLISH£ so don't hold me to it. OH yeah, the reason REDHAT charges it because they give you a book. LINUX is to be given away FREE! Other companies may charge you like £4 for shipping and the disk they used to burn it, but that is ALL they can charge you for. Here are the answers to your questions:
Does it harm them in anyway? "NO. PERIOD."

Is it easy to do? "IF you have the urge and will-power to learn 'YES!' LINUX can be discouraging at times, but stick to it!"

What benefits does it have? "Hmmm, POWER, Reliability, Security and its ANIT-Micro$oft"

How many Full disks can you have inside your computer? "You can have 4 IDE devices on an IDE system. That is what you have.

What does all this master and slave disks mean? "An IDE system can have a primary master and primary slave, it can also have a secondary master and secondary slave, hence, giving you 4 devices. A hardrive MUST be on the primary master in order to boot an OS. More detail on that later."

Is Linux a replacement for windows? "Not really...This is kinda hard to answer. LINUX does have a Windows environment called XWindows or even better KDE and Gnome( pronounced Gee-nome) I like KDE. Also the Window wanna-be programs do not support some devices and nothing that M$ puts out like DirectX and Internet Explorer. It has Netscape. If you really want to connect to the internet with LINUX then I would suggest a cable modem, but Dial-up will do. You MUST have a hardware modem! WINMODEMs DO NOT WORK."

Has anyone heard about the new windows XP? "YES! Micro$oft should call it Windows FD as in For Dummies. It is really bad, but WAY to simple for any tech. I can send you some screenshot via email if you'd like."

What benefits does it have booting up both win98 and Y2k? "If you mean Windows 2K Pro. Then really nothing. IF you want to dual boot to learn separate OSes then install NT 4. It is REALLY different from Win98.

Hope some of this info helps and anyone else who reads this PLEASE correct me where I am wrong. GOOD LUCK, Pete!
-Richard

thanx that has helped a lot! I have already started to download something called phatlinux (270mb only 22 more hours to go, i have 22mb of it already), it is ment to be the best for begginers, I do live in england, my e-mail address is pj_da_dj@hotmail.com

do u know if I could d/l redhat for free?

so you wouldn't reccomend that windows xp then?

I have win98 at the mo, but looking for a upgrade!

[WindowsBUM]

IF PhatLUNIX is the best then go for it.
More answers:
do u know if I could d/l redhat for free? "As far as I know REDHAT can't be D/Led for free. You may have better luck than I so goto www.redhat.com and see if it can be."

so you wouldn't reccomend that windows xp then? "GAG, No. I wouldn't even recommend it to my grandparents. But, it is easy enough for them to use. Its just insulting."

I have win98 at the mo, but looking for a upgrade! "I have a PC with Win2K Pro, one with NT Server 4 and one with 98SE. Since you are not very knowledgeable and you are going for ease of use. Then stick with 98. I feel that it is the BEST OS for the average user and supports most software and hardware."

I'll send some pix of Whistler/Windows XP to your email. Just give me like 20min.

k than, i am timing ya!!!

jesus this phatlinux is taking ages, but cos i am as tight as a camels arse in a sandstorm i will d/l it!

I am gunna buy a new hdd, is there any make or model i should be looking for?

[WindowsBUM]

Keep at it. You should get Cable Modem or DSL IF you can. I don't know what kind of laws or regulations you have over there, but you need a faster connection. I D/Led Slackware 7.2 and it took 1hr 30min at 130KB, the program is like 630MB. Not for the beginner LINUX user. I am D/Ling it cause there is a LINUX guru that works for my Dad and he is teaching me. Check your email...

i have thanx.

any help with the hard disk's?

[WindowsBUM]

You stated that you had 2 HDDs. I would recommend that you make them both MASTER and have one connected at a time one with Windows and the other with LINUX. I did this when I had no extra system to run on.

how do i do that? i am buying a new one too, but is there faster ones or slow ones or what?

[WindowsBUM]

Just use the new one as master and install Linux on it. Then when you want to run Windows, disconnect the Linux drive and hook the Windows drive back up.

[inkedmn]

Originally posted by WindowsBUM
IF As far as I know REDHAT can't be D/Led for free. You

it can, all linux distributions can be downloaded for free. if you buy them in the box, they come with more documentation and more programs (and most come with free tech support).

[inkedmn]

Originally posted by WindowsBUM
Just use the new one as master and install Linux on it. Then when you want to run Windows, disconnect the Linux drive and hook the Windows drive back up.

it doesn't have to be that complicated. just install linux on the new harddrive and (more than likely) it will install LILO (linux loader) and you can just do a regular dual boot (you'll have a menu when you start up asking which OS you'd like to run)

check out http://www.linuxnewbie.org

take care