Which linux and how to install?

[Asim2011]

Hello,

I want some advice on which Linux to go with, I will use it for mostly maybe programming (python, perl) and General use browsing/watching movies. Also I want the one with those cool awesome 3D effects

I already ready have Windows Vista here so I guess it will be dual-booting.
I did however partition one of my Drives to 20GB for Linux, now I just need to know how do I install Linux and which one to go with?


Thanks

[Rubberman]

Many (myself included) would recommend Ubuntu for the complete newbie. It generally works well with all current hardware and has all the media display capabilities you will want. One comment about commercial DVDs however, is that for Linux you will need to install the libdvdcss package (available in the standard package manager/installer but not generally installed by default - legal considerations for that) so that your media player can decode the DVDs. Other than that, you should pretty much be "good to go".

[zenwalker]

Welcome to Linux!
I do not want you to get discouraged, therefore I will say this--
Install a second hard drive (NOT Western Digital -- new hdd's have a chip that makes them only Windoze-compatible) for your linux distro to ride upon
If you want ubuntu, save yourself hassles by going with SuperOS (a refined ubuntu).
Also, Xange is a Fedora-based distro but easier than Fedora, with the 3-D fx you want.
Go to DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD. and check them out!

Best wishes!

[Asim2011]

Thanks for the reply guys


Well I really don't know how to install a second HDD, I was actually planning to do that, but for now I will stick with partitioning and installing, btw how do you know they are windows only now (the HDDs)?

Well anyway I was thinking of going with Ubuntu 10.10 or Fedora 13, which one?

Thanks

[rokytnji]

Thanks for the reply guys


Well I really don't know how to install a second HDD, I was actually planning to do that, but for now I will stick with partitioning and installing, btw how do you know they are windows only now (the HDDs)?

Well anyway I was thinking of going with Ubuntu 10.10 or Fedora 13, which one?

Thanks

Since you are new to Linux. I would go with Ubuntu 10.10 or 10.04 LTS.

How to dual-boot Vista with Linux (Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots

The Perfect Desktop - Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx) | HowtoForge - Linux Howtos and Tutorials

[PrinceSharma]

Grab either Ubuntu or Linux Mint at first.

[Asim2011]

I think I will go with Zenwalker's Idea of getting a new Drive. I will for now use WUBI to install it but when I get a new drive put it on there. for no just get used to it.

Thanks guys

[theKbStockpiler]

It is way easier to dual boot off one drive. Besides for that there is almost no practical information on how to configure the Linux boot loader Called Grub." Dual booting off one drive ,very easy and safe. Anything else ,no practical info for unless you are serious expert." Usually windows is not effected by Linux botching up its self.

Mandriva has all of its utilities in one place so it is easy to configure and install software (Mandriva Control Center). If you grow out of Mandriva you can install something confusing someday like Slackware. I have tried Fedora and Ubuntu and I think Ubuntu is the best from these two but mandriva is a Secure and easy version of XP Pro. If you have any questions on Mandriva I will gladly answer them for you.

[MASONTX]

Welcome to the forum. I like to recommend Ubuntu for new users, but Mint is also very good.

[Outcast_Aussie]

The only thing I'll add to everyone else's recommendations is...

boot from a live CD and test that your hardware is compatible... then...

When dual booting "PAY ATTENTION" to what's being asked of you on the screen.

Don't just "dumb-clicky clicky" or you WILL be back asking where your windows install has gone.

If my comment has scared you then GOOD as you will watch out for the questions during install.

The particular bit I'm referring to is in the partitioning stage. DON'T select "use entire disk" unless you want to lose Windows.