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Thinking about Linux.
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Posted by: Mathias
I'm thinking about switching from an my Windows XP OS over to a Linux OS, the reasons being that 1) I've heard Linux is more customizable, 2) It simply looked cooler when I've seen people run it on their computers (though I've only seen Knoppix), 3) All the damned spyware, viruses, etc. for Windows systems are starting to get on my nerves and 4) I never figured out how to fix this damned javascript bug I've had since April.
So anyways, the problem is that I know there's a whole bunch of different Linux OSs out there, but I don't know which would be right for me. Also, once I find the right OS, I wouldn't know how to go about installing it since there's already XP on this thing and I'm not so sure I want to get rid of it. One other thing is that I'm not sure if all my programs and games will run on a different OS or if it even matters.
So if Linux OSs are as diverse as I've heard, then I want to know which would be the best for gaming and malware protection.
Posted by: Andy_ice
hi, i ahve linux and xp, i mostly use xp tho as i havent set all of my linux up yet (im lazy) i use suse, its pretty good, but there are a few different types like; mandrake, slackware and more,
i suggest using this site, as it has info on the main types and what they're good for;
http://www.linux.org/dist/list.html
Posted by: Zakir
i'd use SuSE if you're a first ime user.
Posted by: uh...ok
Just for the sake of clarification (so if you ever do a search for information, you're not looking for the wrong thing)... Linux IS the OS. What your'e looking for is a particular distribution to work with...
IMO, Knoppix is pretty good for first-time users, and it's pretty free. I personally am partial to Debian, but it does have a learning curve steeper than some other ones.
But before you make the switch to Linux, I'd like to make sure you're doing it for the right reasons...
2 is invalid, and 3 and 4 look pretty easy to fix. #1 is sketchy at best, depending on the kind of customizability you're looking for.
Realize that switching to Linux means you won't be able to run any of the software you have on your Windows box right now. Think about the kinds of applications you need to use and ask yourself, "Will switching to Linux make my experience in using this better or worse?"
For example, if you plan to play games after switching over to Linux... well, don't.
Posted by: Zakir
linux is the kernal.
Posted by: Kephryn
I think its a great Idea, I took the plunge three years ago and all i have to say about it today, is that i spent more time working on my computer the fixing it. Point Final.
I personaly Like Debian because of one thing that really got me off. apt-get
so i think for developers the Debian Distro is the best.
Posted by: uh...ok
 Quote:
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Originally Posted by Zakir
linux is the kernal.
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Linux is the OS. The kernel (that's the correct spelling, by the way) is just a terminology used to describe a specific part of Linux.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Kephryn
I think its a great Idea, I took the plunge three years ago and all i have to say about it today, is that i spent more time working on my computer the fixing it. Point Final.
I personaly Like Debian because of one thing that really got me off. apt-get
so i think for developers the Debian Distro is the best.
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Yeah, I think once you get over the initial learning curve on Debian, it's actually easier to get set up than with most other distros (except RedHat maybe, but good luck finding an RH distro for free).
Posted by: Shalome
Quote:
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Originally Posted by uh...ok
Yeah, I think once you get over the initial learning curve on Debian, it's actually easier to get set up than with most other distros (except RedHat maybe, but good luck finding an RH distro for free).
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FedoraCore is the free version of RedHat.
Posted by: kristianway
Well depending on your commitment to the project I recomend a 2 machine solution (more if you have a spouse). I do believe that once you get the hang of a Linux distrobution (there are quite a few that are very mature and getting more user friendly all the time) you will spend nearly all the time on the Linux and use the windows primarily for comany comming over or the occasional piece of windows only software from work or somethng.
For first time user i have to recomend Suse or ManDriva(formally Mandrake) These two have are different flavors of linux and both have a nice wide hardware support range. Debian is also quite nice for somethings and there is a newby version of that call SimplyMEPIS.
But honestly no matter which you choose once you get used to it you will find that you can go months without cranking up the windows unit (unless of course you are like me and have a windows wife)
Posted by: Yblitzka
You could partition the Hard Drive, though you'll need lots of space to hold two operating systems on the same machine. Personally I'd go kristianway's solution - if I had any money left...
~Yb
Posted by: Weedman
go mandrake as a first distro then, when your comfortable, switch to fedora core 4.
for an older system (<400mhz, <128mb ram) i suggest slackware. slackware would be WAY over your head for a first distro though.
currently running slackware 10.1 on this:
233mhz cyrix cpu
64mb ram
2mb graphics
ISA onboard sound
3gb hdd
semi-dead cd burner
and it plays my music perfectly, with visualisations. Compiles programs and all. It is now a perfect system. And it was the one is rescued from lightning. (as said below)
Posted by: Zakir
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Originally Posted by Weedman
go mandrake as a first distro then, when your comfortable, switch to fedora core 4.
for an older system (<400mhz, <128mb ram) i suggest slackware. slackware would be WAY over your head for a first distro though.
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Yes. Avoid gentoo and slackware in the beginning until you get to know your way around... go mandriva or suse in the beginning and work your way up from there.
Posted by: REv9k
Mandriva or SuSE.
Posted by: fluffi
I'm with the majority here, Mandriva is a good start for the noob! I have been using it for about 4 months now, it does everything I need it to do with little fuss!
Posted by: Weedman
i switched from mandriva to fedora core 4 because of the kde-orientated interface and the fact the i was having compiling issues. that was about 1 month after i got started with mandriva. but i doubt if a beginner will compile from source on his first distro.
Posted by: Ion Silverbolt
Mandriva is the best place to start IMO. You can get by in it without ever having to goto a command-line. Most everything in it has an easy to use GUI interface.
Dual booting is the best way to go. Use XP for games and Linux for everything else.
Posted by: Weedman
high 5 Ion Silverbolt!
but, the command line will be needed sometimes and it is just as well i learnt alot from the command line (and mandrake) or i would not be running slackware on my pc at home.
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