Planetarion Forums

Inferno · 5 Mar 2005, 21:58

Im good with installing/removing OS except i dont know any programming. I can deal with most computer issues, be it hardware or software.

Im thinking of trying out Linux OS but I dont know where to start. With Windows there is just the one series but Linux has so many versions. I can sort myself out with getting the OS but I dont know which one I should get i.e. the Live CD versions or Suse.

What do you recommend and why? Please note that this is the first time im trying out Linux.

Phil^ · 6 Mar 2005, 01:03

live cds are like demo versions. you can try it without having to reformat
try one of those out first and see if you like it, and can get things to work

just boot up computer with a live cd in the drive, such as knoppix or the like
let it do the work in setting up hardware etc, and sit back and watch it

Inferno · 6 Mar 2005, 01:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil^

live cds are like demo versions. you can try it without having to reformat
try one of those out first and see if you like it, and can get things to work

just boot up computer with a live cd in the drive, such as knoppix or the like
let it do the work in setting up hardware etc, and sit back and watch it

You suggesting that I get the latest Knoppix and try it out? Is it similar to the real Linux OS?

Phil^ · 6 Mar 2005, 01:44

knoppix -is- linux, just one particular flavour of it
same with fedora, debian ( which knoppix is based on ) , suse, mandrake, gentoo etc
they are all linux

all im saying is, get a live cd version of them and see if you like it , and can use it before reformatting and installing it onto hd

Eidron · 7 Mar 2005, 01:06

Yes a live CD will get you into it, although they have probs writing to drives (even linux partitions).

The flavour of linux you choose depends on your setup. Mandrake is excellent for beginners and easy to install, but setting up wireless cards would be easier in something like Suse, although Suse uses more ram than mandrake. Flavours like slackware are a little more complex to install and get into, so its best to avoid them for your first time out.

meglamaniac · 7 Mar 2005, 16:20

There is no "real" linux.
Linux simply refers to the core component of the operating system, the kernel. This is the fundamental difference between Windows and Linux. Windows includes the kernel and hundreds of other tools, a Graphical User Interface, drivers, fonts, various services and systems. Linux includes the kernel. If you want something other than some status messages and then a flashing prompt on the screen, you need to get other programs.

Which is where distributions (aka. distros) come in, and is the reason there are so many of them. The first thing you'll learn about linux is that for any one thing you want to do there are 2 or 3 applications that have been written to do it, and for all 3 of them there are people who will explain, at length, why the one they use is the best.
Consequently there are a hell of a lot of options when putting together a fully functional GUI linux system, leading to many different distros.

At the complete newbie end of the scale there are distributions such as Xandros and Linspire (previously known as Lindows). The sole aim of these distributions is to replicate the Windows experience under Linux, keeping the naming conventions the same (Drive C instead of /dev/hda1 etc). They generally come packaged with several applications.

Moving on there are the likes of Mandrake. Distros such as this one will still provide you with a fully functional GUI desktop, but they don't "Windowsify" it. You will have to learn the Linux naming conventions and filesystem, among other things. They will still autodetect most common hardware during the install, but you will be given options on what to do with it. You also have many more options about what applications to install, down to chosing which GUI to use and so on.

Getting towards the power user end are distributions such as Suse and Debian. These are distributions designed for users who are experienced and know what they want. Consequently, an installation of one of these distros may not even give you a GUI by default. The idea is for you to decide what you want and only what you want.

Finally at the top end, in terms of required understanding, are distributions such as Gentoo. Anything you want in Gentoo, you compile it yourself, including the kernel if you want. The Gentoo docs will get you started with a basic system, but it's up to you from there.

No doubt I've missed out things and will be corrected, but that's the basic view as I see it

Banned · 7 Mar 2005, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inferno

You suggesting that I get the latest Knoppix and try it out? Is it similar to the real Linux OS?

If you have no idea what linux is (and you don't), why do you want to move to it?

meglamaniac · 7 Mar 2005, 20:24

Curiosity?
That's what first made me try linux. We're all new to things at one stage, and the best way to find out about anything is to try it.
I've since decided it doesn't suit me on the desktop, mainly because I play a lot of games, but I do use it for other situations. For example, the PC in my garage that acts as a router runs linux, because I know I can safely leave it there with no monitor, keyboard or mouse and it will still be running tomorrow, without having been infested overnight with worms exploiting the latest hole in windows.

Inferno · 8 Mar 2005, 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banned

If you have no idea what linux is (and you don't), why do you want to move to it?

I've heard things about Linux and I want to know more and give it a go. Curiosity as megla said. It may lead on to other things for me as well.

Thanks for the great review Megla! Pos rep heading your way!!!