Looking at linux, help?

[Von-Dyke]

I'm new to linux, completely, but i have a fair it of experience with XP OS. Anything i don't know i pick up fairly rapidly, and im interested in looking at Linux. Only thing is that i'm completely lost at what to do with Linux. I know that there are different Kernals (?) like Fedora, Red Hat, Ubuntu...etc. But what are 'Distros'? Whats the best area to go into for general use? Media/Office/Gaming?
If these questions are answered somewhere else can someone direct me there maybe? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[L4Linux]

Welcome aboard Von-Dyke! Fedora, Red Hat, Ubuntu, etc are Distributions, also called "Distros". The best way to select a distro is to try some and choose for yourself. A usual starting point is trying the 10 most popular distros on Distrowatch. Personally I use Ubuntu and Fedora. To completely new users to Linux, I suggest Ubuntu and to those that are a bit more experienced in Linux, I suggest Fedora.

[emsenn]

You've got it a bit backward - Fedora, Red Hat, Ubuntu, are the distros - or distributions. They all use the same kernel, or at least a different version thereof.

I usually see a distro being defined as a set of tools (media, office, security, or others (or a mix of more than one)) being seamlessly integrated with the kernel, so that they form a complete package.

For a new user, I'd suggest Ubuntu. They have great support, quick patches, and lots of things that make it easy for a first timer. And of course, the beauty of linux is that anything that Ubuntu can't do, but you see another distro capable of, you can almost always get it working under your distro - it might just take a bit more work.

[Von-Dyke]

Thankyou guys, so much. I never realised that the community for linux was so..Helpful? Already looking forward to the Ubuntu experience over microsoft.

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

Check the link in my signature for lots of good information on getting started with Linux. Should you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to start new threads.

Hope you have fun with it...