Trying out Linux - a beginner's guide

**Frankenstein** · 04-04-2008, 07:56 PM

I want to try out Linux. Where do I go to start learning about it, and which distribution should I choose? Is Ubuntu good for beginners?

I've only used Windows before and don't know anything about programming.

**dirtydog** · 04-04-2008, 08:07 PM

Here you go https://teakdoor.com/computer-news/15...dark-side.html (Linux Ubuntu going over to the dark side)

**friscofrankie** · 04-04-2008, 08:47 PM

most linux distros are very windows like to set up and install these days. I am not a fan of these distros I tried a few of them. Ubuntu can run from the CD so can Mandral Debian and I think Suse.
Suse has Novel behind it so is probably oe of the better distros for general use. THing about Suse is out of the box their mulitmedia application sdo not support things like mp3. There are repositories for thes applications for Suse that do ahve this support and it is easy enough use the package manager to install them..

You do not need to be a programmer to install or use Linux. Although there are distros designed for developers. The Linux Home Page at Linux Online is a place to start plenty of distributions and short reviews recommendation on them.

Really no tougher to set up than windows maybe a few things different but most ditros do most your thinkning for you as long as you don;t go messing with the install. I personaly prefer Slackware or Free bsd, Slackware is about as difficult as installing a later version of DOS, BSD is more in the realm of geeks.

**NickA** · 04-04-2008, 08:59 PM

I don't see any problems with Ubuntu, but it's the only distro I have tried.

The only thing I can't get working is my webcam, although that might be because it's an old shitty webcam, but I can't be bothered to buy a new one to see if it works.

Wine has improved a lot so that running windows apps and games is totally feasible.

I'm running KDE 4 with compiz fusion (3D effects) which looks pretty nice if a little bit buggy at the moment.

The one thing i would say is that an Nvidia graphics card is essential if you want any 3D as ATI cards are not well supported.

**Frankenstein** · 04-04-2008, 10:07 PM

Thanks everyone, will check out the other thread before I ask any more questions.

**Wallalai** · 04-04-2008, 10:59 PM

You can have a look at Mandriva One 2008. Mandriva
Forum here: Mandriva Forum >> Index and the Wiki: Home - Mandriva Community Wiki

It's a LiveCD, you can try the OS without installing. And if you like it you can launch the install from an icon on the desktop.

**dirtydog** · 05-04-2008, 12:04 AM

My main pc I use ubunta but just boot it from the cd, its good if you have damaged hard drives.

**bulgingballs** · 03-06-2008, 09:39 PM

Ubuntu will probably be a good choice for a complete newbie coming over from Windows or Mac. Likewise,PCLinuxOS, Dreamlinux, sidux are excellent alternatives also besides those (e.g. openSUSE and Mandriva) already touted by other TDers.

If those with some IT background or prefer a more hands-on, technical OS, the BSDs (e.g. FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD and DragonFlyBSD) should be evaluated. A simpler, gentler, less intimidating introduction to BSD (FreeBSD that is) will be PC-BSD and DesktopBSD.

Perhaps a useful place to learn more about the myriad of GNU/Linux distros, BSD flavours and even Solaris derivatives (such as Nexenta and BeleniX) will be DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD.

For the curious n00b and advance user alike, the following links should be of some value. Do check them out:
[Phoronix] Linux & Solaris Hardware Reviews
polishlinux.org » Why Linux?
PhoroLinux — Howtos, Screenshots, and Tips for Linux
Ubuntu Geek--Ubuntu Linux Tips,Howtos&Tutorials|Edgy,Feisty,Gutsy,Hardy
Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu
Ubuntu Forums
Ubuntu | HowtoForge - Linux Howtos and Tutorials
Ubuntu Linux Tips & Tricks
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UbuntuWeeklyNewsletter/
Planet Ubuntu
Planet GNOME
Linux on Desktop
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/
The Daily Ubuntu - Daily Ubuntu Applications

Hope this helps.

**bulgingballs** · 03-06-2008, 09:46 PM

Some screenshots of one of my boxes.

Operating System: Running Ubuntu GNU/Linux 8.04 Hardy Heron
Applications running: GNOME 2.22, Compix Fusion, AWN, GNOME Terminal, Epiphany, Gedit, GThumb, Scrollz, Deluge, SCIM.

For links to bigger versions of the screenies, they can be found here:
http://paste.lisp.org/display/61630

**dexter** · 03-06-2008, 10:33 PM

Would Linux be preferable to Windows?

Good thread.

**bulgingballs** · 03-06-2008, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by dexter

Would Linux be preferable to Windows?

Good thread.

It deends dexter. There are still areas in which GNU/Linux is lacking e.g. support for proprietary games and a movie editor that does not require the user to be an ubergeek to use it. Although it must be said that on both fronts things, enormous strides have been made.

Linux Gaming
linuX-gamers.net - ENJOY Linux Games
Wine-doors » About
NVClock - Nvidia overclocking on Linux!
AssaultCube - Official Website
Sauerbraten / Cube 2
Urban Terror: News
Newerth Savage 1 & Savage 2 Community - Savage Downloads, Maps and Forums
T R E M U L O U S :: NEWS
Runesoft

GNU/Linux Video Editor
Main Page - PiTiViWiKi

For most other stuff and needs, GNU/Linux should suffice. Fwiw, I have been running GNU/Linux (e.g. Debian, Arch, Ubuntu) since 2001 and have also dabbled with FreeBSD (e.g. 6.1 and 7.0) suffering no ill effects as a consequence and/or longing to go back to Windows whatsoever. I suggest you give one of the distros recommended ^ a spin. You won't know if it is for you or that you are for GNU/Linux until you have tried it.

Another excellent resource is IRC. The server to on is irc.freenode.net. Rooms to join are #ubuntu, #linux, etc. The #ubuntu channel has quite a few developers and hundreds if not thousands of users on it most of the time. Do also check out UbuntuForums. Link for the latter is in one of my earlier posts in this thread.

Some other interesting urls include,
Software - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)
Philosophy of the GNU Project - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation (FSF)
Debian -- The Universal Operating System
Debian Social Contract
Debian -- What Does Free Mean?

Hope this helps.

**DrB0b** · 03-06-2008, 11:12 PM

For an initial tryout, if you haven't used linux before, a Ubuntu live CD is probably best for the beginner, you can begin using linux straight away and save the deeper understanding for later, if you actually want the deeper understanding at all. There are two main windowing systems, Gnome and KDE, try both and see what you like most. I use KDE but Gnome seems to be generally preferred, be warned that Gnome uses the image of two bare feet as its logo and, ridiculous as it sounds, all the Thai staff in my company refuse to use or even acknowledge Gnome as they find it deeply offensive.

**friscofrankie** · 03-06-2008, 11:14 PM

for some it is. for others it's a nightmare. I hate windows, it's been so long since I've used it for anything other than testing I get irritable when I have to work in Windows for any length of time.

It is more stable and requires a helluva lot less resources to run. The amount of truly free software available is amazing. You can usually install from the distro DVD and have a complete running machine with office suite, graphics packages a couple of different browsers, email clients and multimedia packages ready to go in the time it takes to setup plain windows.

**melvbot** · 03-06-2008, 11:34 PM

I used Suse a couple of years ago and although it wasnt problem free it was a real breath of fresh air after using Windows. The only thing that stopped me using it was moving back to the UK and not having my own comp or I'd probably be running Linux today.
It can be a bit daunting at the start, which one to try, never used it before but theres a wealth of info and Linux users tend to be very helpful.
Try the live CD's for a start like the Dr mentioned.

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