Switching to Linux from Windows XP (Newbie)

[skiPSU87]

Ok, so here's my story....

I am currently running XP SP2 on an AMD Athlon x64 3000+. I am sick of windows and all it's hyped up to be. I have read some wonderful things that are happening in the linux world and thought I'd join in. So, that means I want to install linux on my machine.

So far I have a 80 gigabyte hard drive that has been wiped clean for an OS install. Alongside that, I have a 160 gig hard drive with an XP partition. I will keep this in case something goes wrong. But here's where I come to my stand still with this whole operation. I don't know what to do know. I have the linux dvd (I will be using Debian 4.0r1). I also have an old Ubuntu Dvd from a few years ago, but I'm gonna stick with Debian since it's newer.

Here are some of my initial questions before I get myself into this....
Is linux harder to use? Will I run into hardware problems? Can I do a dual boot configuration?

If someone can help me out, I would be very appreciative. If more info on my system is needed, I'll be more than happy to give it out.

I really want to experience linux as soon as possible.

[jod]

Hi,

For a Newbie you sould check this URL:
Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu

Ubuntu is based on Debian. Simply download the 7.10 Desktop version (AKA. LiveCD) And you can see Ubuntu including the graphical desktop without even reinstalling your computer.

You boot on the CD, and if you like what you see - there is an "install" icon on the desktop. (and guess what the "install" icon does?)

Try it out, you'll like it.


Johnny Damtoft

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !!

Linux installer does most of the things itself. Just create a free/unpartitioned space for Linux and select free space in Partitioning Section during installation. Installer will create/format partitions out of free space and setup dual boot itself.

Linux support most of the hardware out of box except a few Graphics and Wireless cards. You have to install Drivers for those.

Check the link in my signature and it will get you going. Do post back how it goes.
Good Luck and Happy New Year !!!

[mlhazan]

Hi, welcome to linux world.According to your question :dual booting is possible.As you are new,try to install linux on a small patition of your hard drive(not in C).As linux will change your master boot loader.Try to use UBUNTU 7.10 first.It is easy and it will automatically detect your graphics card,sound card etc. Other wise for Debian, may face some critical problem which you will not be able to solved as a beginner.
Have a great experience with linux(ubuntu).

[devils casper]

Other wise for Debian, may face some critical problem which you will not be able to solved as a beginner.
Have a great experience with linux(ubuntu).

I never had any problem in Debian and Ubuntu is Debian based only.

One should not worry about dual booting or MBR etc. Dual (Multi) boot is default in all Linux Distros except Fedora. Fedora's installer doesn't detect other installed Linux Distros. Fedora installer detects and setup dual boot with Windows Oses though.

Do not worry about dual boot or any other thing. Just install Debian or any other Linux distro in Free Space.