Thinking about converting

[metal_head]

Hi My name is Metal_Head and i have been using windows my whole life and hated every second of it. I was thinking of trying linux out since im currently running a bobbo version of windows. I was just curious if you guys could tell me more about it, before i go ahead and put it in. Im prety much an amachure with pcs, so any help would be great

[jayd512]

Hi, metal_head! Welcome to LinuxForums!

First, take a look at this post for new members. It will have a lot of good info to help get you started.
Once you figure out which distros you want to try, try them out as LiveCD's first. This will give you a chance to spot most hardware incompatibilities, and more importantly, let you see if you like it!

Have fun with it, and post any questions you might have!

[metal_head]

thnak u very much, what is a distro? is that like the different versions of it? and when the live cd, is that like a trial version you can uninstal...

[metal_head]

im thinking of using ubuntus i believe its called, how do does cd work and were can i find them?

[jayd512]

Distro = Distribution. Just a little slang for "version".
And a LiveCD is a full blown Linux distribution that you can run without the need for installing it to your hard drive. Knoppix is a great example. You can boot up, get on the internet with it, or even use it for system rescue.

[metal_head]

thank you very much, i actually just found one for a usb drive, now i have a question when i oparte it, do i just instal it like i would normally and then unisntal it?

[jayd512]

I've not installed onto a USB drive in quite some time, so I'm a little rusty on it. This page should get you going though: Boot and run Linux from a USB flash memory stick | USB Pen Drive Linux

And as far as using it, once you have it up and running on your USB drive, you'll be able to use it just the same as any other operating system. Install software, save your work, et cetera.

[metal_head]

thanks for the link but one do you think it is of the list?

I was guessing this is the one

Create a Ubuntu 9.10 Live USB from CD

[jayd512]

This one? Install Ubuntu 9.10 to a Flash Drive from Windows | USB Pen Drive Linux

Looks quite promising. And I think Ubuntu is a great choice for you as a new user. Very user friendly, easy to work with, and just as customizable as most other distros.

Edit

I just read through the link again, and it looks like those are the instructions for creating a Live USB, meaning you won't be able to actually save any changes between sessions.

[metal_head]

ya thats the one, im just not allowed to post links since i dont have 15 post yet,lol thank you very much for your help with a newb

never mind thanks for ketching that, i guess ill look for a link tomorow, have a great night