[rhm54]

I am a seasoned Windows Technician but I have decided to teach myself Linux. I will be making a dual boot machine out of my test computer that currently has XP Pro on it.

Which version of Linux should I install to tinker around with or is there another version which is better to learn the in's and out's of Linux.

Pro's and Con's would be greatly appreciated.

[hexx]

I suggest you to try both of them and look which one you like more, that the only way you can see which one is batter.

[lynch]

Use Mandrake 9.1.It supports reading ntfs out of the box:Redhat does not.Having support for that alone will help you get going.
HTH
lynch

[Bolowolf]

RHM54,

I think some good points were made, but I would also throw some other things out there. There are some distributions that require much more work on an ongoing basis, such as kernel recompiling, than others. I also found that having a good install program was a significant determinant for me. As a newbie to Linux I also wanted something that I could use both command line and gui commands in with ease. I also found that different distributions have different compatibility issues with new technology. Some distros will provide support for something much quicker than others. That also will affect the stability of your machine, so it is a trade off.

For what it's worth, I found Debian to be incredibly frustrating to install and scrapped it. I was considering Red Hat until several people recommended Mandrake. I am using Mandrake 9.1 at the moment and am quite happy with it.

[FF103]

I to am a Linux newbe,but I have had very good sucess with Mandrake 9.1,It seems to be quite friendly.