Hi

[Robbey]

Well I am 14 years olds, I know quite abit of languages such as vb coding etc. I want linux on my crappy windows now...well anyways I have my own computer, although if I stuff it up my parents will get really pissed. I really want Linux but im scared that it might effect my computer...or I will install it hate it and want to go back to Windows(meaning I will have to reformat but I think I lost the discs). Can someone explain to me what will happen once I install Linux...I got a Railink Wireless LAN Card which picks up the signals from our router, will I have to install all that again and the printer etc?. Also what should I do if I want to revert back to windows????Please answer my questions peoples.

[bigtomrodney]

You could try dual booting your PC or in the mean time running a LiveCD. I always recommend Ubuntu to new users and this would most likely suit your purposes as you can try it uot before you install it. If you have the space though I would definitely consider a dual boot between Windows and Linux.

[Roxoff]

Hi Robbey

Well the first thing you'll experience with Linux is utter freedom. And you wont know what to do with it; it's like someone tearing the wall from the solitary confinement block of long-forgotten prison. At first the inmates will sit there blinking in the daylight, then they'll run around like idiots, then they'll wander off. Some will go back and use the prison as shelter, others will experience the world...

As bigtomrodney says, try a live CD, Ubuntu is popular, but you could try PCLinuxOS if you need things to be Windows-like. There are other big distros that you might like such as Fedora or Open SuSE, or others, so take a look on Distrowatch if you want to learn a little about the varieties.

[Robbey]

Hi Robbey

Well the first thing you'll experience with Linux is utter freedom. And you wont know what to do with it; it's like someone tearing the wall from the solitary confinement block of long-forgotten prison. At first the inmates will sit there blinking in the daylight, then they'll run around like idiots, then they'll wander off. Some will go back and use the prison as shelter, others will experience the world...

As bigtomrodney says, try a live CD, Ubuntu is popular, but you could try PCLinuxOS if you need things to be Windows-like. There are other big distros that you might like such as Fedora or Open SuSE, or others, so take a look on Distrowatch if you want to learn a little about the varieties.

Hai
Well I understand were you are getting from, although I really want Linux, is their any way at all I could remote assist someone or do something just do Im on Linux but havnt installed it yet..I really want to know if Im going to like it or not. Also If I do install will my internet card, printer etc all be already installed like it is on windows or will I have to do the hole process again?

[bigtomrodney]

It's like this - your hardware should work. You may take to it straight away or you might find the learning curve a bit strong. Linux is not Windows so it will be different but that does not equate to difficulty, just something new.

As myself and Roxoff have said try a LiveCD. They're free, the don't modify your computer in any way and they provide you with a full running Linux system. If you like it you can install it. Trying it yourself is the only way you'll know if you like it or not.

[Robbey]

It's like this - your hardware should work. You may take to it straight away or you might find the learning curve a bit strong. Linux is not Windows so it will be different but that does not equate to difficulty, just something new.

As myself and Roxoff have said try a LiveCD. They're free, the don't modify your computer in any way and they provide you with a full running Linux system. If you like it you can install it. Trying it yourself is the only way you'll know if you like it or not.

Ok were do I get this cd?and it will not mod my Hardrive in any way?

[fingal]

Ok were do I get this cd?and it will not mod my Hardrive in any way?

You can get Linux CDs or DVDs mail order (for a very small cost) or they are often attached to Linux magazines.

Live CDs won't alter any settings on your computer at all, so you can use them with confidence. You will have to set your computer up to boot from the CD or DVD instead of from your hdd, but that's quite easy.

[Robbey]

You can get Linux CDs or DVDs mail order (for a very small cost) or they are often attached to Linux magazines.

Live CDs won't alter any settings on your computer at all, so you can use them with confidence. You will have to set your computer up to boot from the CD or DVD instead of from your hdd, but that's quite easy.

Cant I just dl the cd?and you were talking about booting my computer?

[bigtomrodney]

Yep you just boot from the CD - pop it in the CD drive and reboot. You can get livecds from most distromakers. Try DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD. for the most popular or check out

• Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu
• Welcome to openSUSE.org - openSUSE
• Knoppix Linux

[Robbey]

Yep you just boot from the CD - pop it in the CD drive and reboot. You can get livecds from most distromakers. Try DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD. for the most popular or check out

• Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu
• Welcome to openSUSE.org - openSUSE
• Knoppix Linux

K ty I dont want to sound like a noob lol but by "boot" do you mean "burn" the cd?