Subj : Re: Thinking about Linux To : comp.os.linux From : pandora_xero Date : Thu Jul 22 2004 02:48 pm Dean wrote in message news:<1NCdnYmU4Outd2DdRVn-oA@comcast.com>... > I have a lot of questions about Linux. your questions are much welcomed on this group > can I use Linux and Windows XP on the same hard drive? I've done it before, and its quite easy. this process is called dual-booting or multiple-booting. Most distributions (distros) of Linux will, by default, install a boot loader. boot loaders let you choose what OS to boot to. > What are the advantages of Linux? many and expansive. Security is a big one, Stability and Functionality follow close behind. If you really want to get into it, most things in Linux can be changed by altering a text file or running a command from the console. > Where would be a good place to start > to try to figure out whether I want to use Linux? this is a question that is not really easy for me to answer. I heard about Linux by word of mouth when i started. I just installed it without thinking. it was kinda like jumping into a cold swimming pool... might not be the road for you to take. as most, i would suggest you pay a visit to http://www.knoppix.org they have an excellent distribution which runs directly from cd, requiring no installation. > Linux is also > available for free~~How or what version would be good for first time user? only 80-85% true. All Distributions are available free. most, but not all, are available for free. its easier if you think of it as "free as in freedom" vs. "free as in free beer". First time user i would have to once again say try knoppix, and if you like knoppix, go ahead and install Linux. Mandrake, Fedora, and SuSE have pretty simple installers. if you want to install, start with one of them. i can recommend SuSE above Mandrake and Fedora, so try SuSE first Like i said, I jumped in cold water, i would NOT encourage you to take such an action. SuSE Linux can be bought at their website: http://www.suse.com or, if you choose, it might be available at some computer specialty stores like compUSA. if you want to share files with windows computers right out of the box, i would suggest SuSE 9.1 professional. but... if you're willing to do a little digging online, you can probably give 9.1 personal all the qualities of professional. last option is to get the download edition. I can't recommend this, as the download edition doesn't have a reference manual, nor do you get the company's tech support. if thats a chance you're willing to take, then go ahead, but don't jump into that cold swimming pool. Everyone suggests a book... i never used one for Linux, but If you don't know a lot about computers, or cant adapt extremely quickly, i would suggest whatever books they would suggest. .