Considering Switching to Linux

[totallinuxbeginner]

Microsoft recently released Vista and a friend told me about Linux. I have absolutely no experience with non-Microsoft operating systems whatsoever. I was wondering where I could find a free version of Linux that is as easy to use for basic computing needs like windows, yet free and easy to switch to for a beginner like me. Also, I have no idea how to set-up Linux if I decide to keep it so if anyone could explain that using non-technical terms I would appreciate it. Also will Linux be able to run all of the programs I have already purchased for windows because spending money on office software and things like turbo tax when I already own copies of them is an incredible inconvenience. I also need all my current hardware to work with Linux. I own a dell computer if that helps. Thanks in advance!

[devils casper]

Hi totallinuxbeginner,

Welcome to the LinuxForums.

90% of Linux Distros are free to download. check distrowatch.com.
you can try LiveCD first. it lets you work on Linux without installing anything on Harddisk. most of LiveCDs has Install option too and you can install Linux anytime. Create a free/Unpartitioned space for Linux and start installation. installer will create/format partitions in free space and setup dual boot for you.

Linux doesn't support .exe format and you wont be able to install Windows packages in Linux. there are a few packages like Wine and Cedega that allow windows packages in Linux. check here for Windows alternative softwares in Linux.

if you have any other query, feel free to ask.
Good Luck !

[smolloy]

With Windows you typically have to pay for quality products. This isn't true for linux. Have a look at this link for a list of software you can use to replace windows software.

Welcome to the forums!!!

[totallinuxbeginner]

Thanks for the well written and speedy replies. I will check out some of the "distributions".

[oz]

Welcome to the forums!

You can take a look at the link in my signature for lots of other good information on getting started with Linux.

The main thing is to have fun with your Linux experience...

oz

[totallinuxbeginner]

Welcome to the forums!

You can take a look at the link in my signature for lots of other good information on getting started with Linux.

The main thing is to have fun with your Linux experience...

oz

Thanks, the FAQ has been quite helpful! Due to everybody's help I have found a few distributions that I might end up using: Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, MEPIS, Fedora, and Mandriva. I was also considering "Debian" but it looks too confusing for me to attempt.

[devils casper]

I was also considering "Debian" but it looks too confusing for me to attempt.

Debian is one of the best and stable distro and its installation procedure is similar to other distros. whats confusing you?

[totallinuxbeginner]

whats confusing you?

"The Debian Linux distribution is widely regarded as a stable, albeit difficult to use, operating system." -- Binh Nguyen, DesktopLinux.com

EDIT: I am also now running ubuntu linux. I am still getting used to all the different names for the programs, but it still works pretty good for me.