i want a bit of change really, but also to try out other OS's. also, where can i get linux??
2007-01-14 07:03:17 · 16 answers · asked by Michael G 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Very good idea. You can get a version of Linux over the web.
The thing you have to understand though is that there are many different types of Linux. Because Linux isn't produced by one company the way Windows is, people are free to put there own versions together, and these are called "distributions". This also means there isn't one place to get it, as each distribution has its own home page.
There are lots of different distributions, but the top ones are listed at http://www.distrowatch.com. If you go to that site and follow the link to Major distributions, you'll see a list of the top 10 explaining the differences.
Personally, if you're a beginner I'd recommend Ubuntu, which you can download at http://www.ubuntu.com. You can actually download a version which you can burn to CD, then boot your computer using that CD and you'll be able to play with Linux without installing it. If you like it, you can then use the utilities on the CD to install it to your hard drive.
2007-01-14 07:13:14 · answer #1 · answered by Daniel R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's not a "good idea", it's a great idea. There are several versions of linux out there. There are even versions that you can run from a CD. You might want to try Googling "linux download", and see what happens. Whatever you do, good luck. If you are a real computer enthusiast it will be a rewarding experience.
2007-01-14 07:11:50 · answer #2 · answered by Icanhelp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Dude,
With any distribution of linux, SUPPORT is the key.
There are many flavors of linux distribution out there. And there are many opinions about the different flavors.
You know what they say about opinions. They are like a butt. Everybody has one....and they all usually stink.
So....IMHO....there are a few distributions you should try.
1. SuSE. Owned by Novell and supported very much.
2. Red Hat/Fedora... Know all over the world.
3. Mandrake....Little less known but user friendly.
4. Ubuntu...being developed for the common guy.
I personally have run them all and prefer SuSE.
You can download it at http://www.novell.com.
I have run at least 10 different distributions at one time or another. I do not care for Debian as it was a lot of work.
Tom
2007-01-14 07:12:26 · answer #3 · answered by Cafetom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a great idea ! I did it ... & I like it ;)
Your second question is not easy to answer ! :D first you need to decide which Linux distribution you want to use. If you are not familiar with Linux, I recommend you to use one of these Distributions, you can download the DVD or CD images from their official website and write them on the media:
SuSE Linux http://www.opensuse.org (Recommended if want to use it on laptop)
Fedora Core http://fedora.redhat.com
Ubuntu http://www.ubuntu.com (If you don't have a good Internet connection you may order Ubuntu Linux Installation CD for free)
Mandriva http://www.mandriva.com
If you ask me, my answer is just SUSE ! I have installed all popular distributions... and SUSE is my choice, best graphical interface, easy to use, and good support ! SUSE uses RPM Package so easily you may find any program that you want.
After installing Linux, most probably you will have some problems . you can ask your question in Linux and Open Source discussion forums: http://www.linuxforum.com or http://www.linuxquestions.org
Have fun ;)
2007-01-14 07:19:04 · answer #4 · answered by ToTo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
excellent idea
you can build a dual boot machine that has 2 harddrives with windows on one and linux on the other
or just do linux, it is VERY fast and stable
ubuntu is very popular www.ubunto.org
distrowatch has all the distributions
or softpedia
you can also play around with it without installing it on any computer by burning it on a CD (its called live CD)
run it off the CD, you cannot hurt the computer
one good one is called knoppix
have fun
2007-01-14 07:10:15 · answer #5 · answered by brainiac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son is really smart with all that stuff, so i asked him. He says that linux is pretty good. You can request free cd's at ubunutu.com and will receive by mail in about 4 weeks, or you can purchase them from best buy for about $50.
2007-01-14 07:13:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can download almost all linux distributions, go to http://www.distrowatch.com
Ubuntu will also send you cds if you apply for them on their website. Another option would be to look for the linux magazines in the newsagents, they have linux distributions on the coverdiscs
2007-01-14 10:10:57 · answer #7 · answered by Gordon B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest Linux OS is Ubuntu. Download it, for free, from:
http://www.ubuntu.com/products/GetUbuntu/download?action=show&redirect=download
I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
2007-01-14 07:11:20 · answer #8 · answered by Wally Buca 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-07 03:47:27 · answer #9 · answered by oberlander 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi since it seems you may be just begining with linux i would suggest http://www.ubuntu.com this is easy to install easy to live with linux
cheers
2007-01-14 07:11:00 · answer #10 · answered by paul s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋