Looking for assistance of tutorial web sites on how to get started with Linux as a first timer thanks all!?

Question

My current pc is running XP Pro OS and the config of the PC is as follows CPU 2.4Ghz, 632 RAM and 31 GB hard with 14 G available.
Do you recommend particioning the drive or just install Linux?

Answer 1

For just getting started, I would not recommend trying to install Linux on your system, especially if you want to maintain your current OS, programs, and data. Having a dual boot system is something you might want to try later on, but not right out of the gate.

I would suggest trying any of the "live CD" distributions - like Ubuntu or Knoppix. You can burn the image right to CD or DVD, then start AND RUN the entire Linux OS from CD/DVD without having to install anything over your current operating system.

Another alternative is to create a bootable version on a USB key. The benefit of a USB boot & run version is that you can maintain settings and home drive space on a USB key, which you cannot do on a stand-alone, bootable CD/DVD version.

Either way, you can get familiar with the look and feel of Linux without changing your current system.

==== Getting Started Links
Linux for Newbies
http://www.northernjourney.com/opensource/newbies/
Linux for Newbies wiki
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Linux_For_Newbies
Getting Started with Linux
http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/index.html

==== Live CD versions
Ubuntu http://ubuntu.com
Knoppix http://knoppix.com

==== USB versions
Main Site http://pendrivelinux.com
Knoppix http://www.pendrivelinux.com/2007/01/01/usb-knoppix-510
XUbuntu http://www.pendrivelinux.com/2007/01/25/usb-x-ubuntu-610


I'm currently running Ubuntu from CD and Knoppix from a USB key. They both have their pro's and con's. But, I do like the flexibility of learning the in's and out's of different distributions without having to muck around with my base system.

Answer 2

if you do it be ready to learn and muck with it a lot

last time I tried was a few years ago

I think get a second machine and try it on that one.

One Linux machine and one Windows

use whichever works best

Linux is great, UNTIL some weird problem creeps in, then you have to fuss and learn, could lead to money if you do enough of that and enjoy it I think

otherwise just use Windows