Linux Vs Windows

[Elmerfootbit]

Hi Folks,

I am totally new to linux but heared a lot of good things about it!! Could you guys tell me if it is that hard to use for computer novice?? Also how I came to want linux as an os is via Knoppix...

[GNU-Fan]

Hello,

a good primer will be Linux is NOT Windows

[Elmerfootbit]

Hi, thanks for the link this seams to be exactly what I need

sheers!!!

[Dapper Dan]

Could you guys tell me if it is that hard to use for computer novice??

Hi Elmerfootbit and welcome to the forums!

A computer novice has a much easier time acclimating to Linux over the computer expert... read that, "Windows" expert.

You don't come to the computing table with any habits (bad or otherwise) or prejudices against Linux. Be open minded, inquisitive, patient and assertive and you should have no problems. Good luck!

[Elmerfootbit]

Thanks Dapper Dan, am sure help will be needed down the road but it is very encouraging

[Elmerfootbit]

Hi, can anyone tell where and if possible to download any version of Linux OS (any) on the net?

Also I am running Knoppix am trying to format my two Hd and install any version of Linux can anyone help on how to format a disk from konppix?

thanks

[Geeth]

Hi, can anyone tell where and if possible to download any version of Linux OS (any) on the net?

Also I am running Knoppix am trying to format my two Hd and install any version of Linux can anyone help on how to format a disk from konppix?

thanks

If you are going to be installing then don't worry about formatting through knoppix the install will help you with that.

To download you need to know what distro that you would like first.

Ubuntu Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu
SuSe openSUSE.org
Mandriva Mandriva Linux
Fedora Fedora Project

They are some of the most popular ones, and what I think would be the best newbie friendly distros. Ubuntu is one of the easiest. Though thats just my opion.

DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD.
That will give information on heaps of distros.

Most likely you will go between a few distros until you work out what you are looking for and what has (or is closest) to what you are looking for.

[Elmerfootbit]

Thanks, I think I will give Ubuntu a go, do you know if it comes on free download or hels?

[Elmerfootbit]

one more question wich version would you download? are they all ok or any particular suggestions?

[Geeth]

Linux is free. So they are all free to download.

What distro people pick is largely a person discussion.
As I mentioned above, you will end up working out, what you want a distro to do for you and if the current one doesn't, or has issues etc, then you will most likely be looking for another one.

I personally use Ubuntu. Simply becuase it's based on debian so its very stable (at least on my 2 pc's) it also comes with restricted drivers like the ones for my Nvidia graphics card and wifi card.

I have used Suse which I liked alot, but I started wanted a smaller distro, then fedora but had issues with setup.

If you running an older pc then you may need to look for a 'lighter weight' distro like Xubuntu (since your interested in Ubuntu).

The core of the distros are similar. The main difference will be what the creators have selelcted for the desktop enviroment, and the programs that they ship with.