Linux For Newbies

[lilirose]

I've had it with Windows and Microsoft at this point. I don't think I even need to explain why- anyone who's run a Windows machine knows of which I speak.

 

I'm thinking of switching to Linux. I'm not a complete dunce when it comes to computers- my husband and I used to own a computer shop where we built and repaired PCs, so we know our way around hardware and software pretty well. We had a computer running SuSe, and later Mandrake, about four years ago, but we gave up on it because we couldn't get it to do everything we needed our PCs to do, and because it was just too difficult for us to install new software on it, after years of being spoiled by Windows. I understand that nowadays there are newer releases which are easier for someone who is just getting started with Linux.

 

So, to my questions: Do any of you have an opinion on which distribution is the most newbie-friendly and user-friendly? Also, can any of you point me to a book or website that will help us to learn Linux?

[Head Guru]

Xandros is a good step from windows.

 

Easy install and some good cross functionality between Windows and Linux.

 

Can I ask what version of Windows you are running and what kind of problems your having.

 

Bill

[stevevan]

In my opinion, the different versions of Linux are like different makes and models of vehicles. No matter who you ask, you'll get a different opinion on which is best.

 

That said, the more popular one for newbies that I've been hearing/reading about is probably Mandrake. I'm running Fedora myself, but again, that's personal preference.

 

As far as documentation, simply do a google search and you come up with a BUNCH of excellent sites. Also, check the forums for the particular version you decide on.

 

Lastly, don't hesitate to ask any questions of your family here. We have quite a number of excellent Linux gurus who are more than willing to help you out...no matter how silly or difficult the question may seem! (And I speak from experience on this one!)

 

Good luck!

[TCH-Dick]

I just recently set up a dual boot sytem with Win XP and Linux.

 

The distro I chose was Mandrake 10 and it installed with no problem (I did have some issues with a second hard drive, but that didnt affect the install) It detected all of my hardware and installed correct drivers for it (LAN, Sound, ATI video card etc) The install also auto configured the dual boot set up and allowed me to resize my windows partition with ZERO problems.

 

Software installation has been a breeze and most lkely I'll move to Linux full time after I've had some time to get used to it. I have 6 machines here all running XP and although I think XP is a GREAT OS it is a never ending job keeping them all patched up.

[lilirose]

Can I ask what version of Windows you are running and what kind of problems your having.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I'm running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed. It's not so much that I am having any specific problems- the thing that annoys my husband and I is this: the only way to keep a Windows computer running smoothly, in our experience, is to keep all important data on seperate partitions of the hard drive, so you can easily reformat the hard drive and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows every four or five months when it starts to bog down. I know this is kind of a "slash-and-burn" approach but even with our many years of experience in the computer business, we have not found a better way.

 

I did my standard reformat and reinstall routine this week, and on my 64K single channel ISDN connection, it took more than 24 hours to download and install all the updates to WinXP, which really ticked me off. My computer is running fine now, but I would dearly love to stop going through this rigamorole two or three times a year.

 

Thanks so much for the responses so far- you guys are great!

 

(edited to fix a couple of typos)