i know absolutely nothing about linux

[Dr. Strangelove]

some background info:

i'm 17, going into college to major in biochem, chronic drug user, and recently took an interest in programming and all that crap

i'm probably not going to run something like linux on the piece of **** hp desktop i have now, but i'm interested in running something like linux on the computer i'm going to replace it with

anyways, i'm looking for some general info on linux, and this looks like the right place to go, so enlighten me please

[i92guboj]

i'm probably not going to run something like linux on the piece of **** hp desktop i have now, but i'm interested in running something like linux on the computer i'm going to replace it with

IF that is what worries you, Linux can run in a wide variety of hardware. That includes really old machines. There's a linux distro for every machine ever made.

anyways, i'm looking for some general info on linux, and this looks like the right place to go, so enlighten me please

I am not sure what to tell you. If you want info to choose a distribution that is right for you, you should just google around and read a bit about some distros, see some screenshots and maybe download and try a few live cds. You can see distrowatch.com to start to get in touch with the wide range of different distributions that there are around.

If you have a more concrete question feel free to ask whatever you want and we will try to help.

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

i'm probably not going to run something like linux on the piece of **** hp desktop i have now, but i'm interested in running something like linux on the computer i'm going to replace it with

You can run Linux on any type of Machine either it old/weak or latest hardware.
I would suggest you to try LiveCD of any Linux distro. It wont write/install anything and you can run Linux safely.

anyways, i'm looking for some general info on linux, and this looks like the right place to go, so enlighten me please

Check the link in my Signature. It will get you going.
Have fun with Linux !!!

[jayd512]

some background info:

i'm probably not going to run something like linux on the piece of **** hp desktop i have now, but i'm interested in running something like linux on the computer i'm going to replace it with

I've had Linux running on computers that originally ran Win95 or Win98... so it'll load up on pretty much anything!

anyways, i'm looking for some general info on linux, and this looks like the right place to go, so enlighten me please

Here is a pretty good place to check out some distros.

[Manchunian]

Linux runs on portable telephones, it's the OS of the Sony playstation, and some of the most powerful computers in the world. The flexibility of Linux (and all the other Unix type OSs) is simply staggering. I myself have installed it on an old laptop origninally running Win 95 with only 32Mg of Ram - and it runs really fast! So don't worry about your hardware!
If you want to try Linux before you commit yourself, do try a wide range of live cds, which means you that don't have to install anything on your computer. Knoppix is the most popular of these by far.

[towy71]

The guys above have all posted useful stuff, please remember that Linux!=Windows and that you will need to read up a bit.
have fun

[oz]

i know absolutely nothing about linux

Welcome to the forums, and do rest assured that every member here has been in that exact position.

As indicated above by devils_casper, you can check the link in his signature for loads of information about getting started with Linux. The same link exists in my own signature.

Check here for favorite distro for new Linux users, as voted by our membership:

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/cof...rs-2008-a.html