M$ and Linux

[cowboybooter]

Wow, having seen how passionate / heated, conversations between microsoft and linux supporters can get, my resolve has strengthened.

I have never used Linux, but I would like to. It appears from member descriptives that a lot of input is required to make Linux do what you want. Sounds like my kinda OS! I love to learn!

So, okay, the point.

Where do I start?

How best to start?

I have the ability to install on seperate HDD, or on seperate computers, whichever is better.

Cost is not an issue, this is purely an ' I wanna play with it now, to find out what the fuss is about' type exercise.

Suggestions please ?

[edit: my current OS' are Win2K Server and Pro in NTFS ]

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[vass0922]

The hardest part of linux are the choices involved. You have many
1. Which distro? Mandrake and Redhat are the obvious for newer folks, and then people typically move on to the more difficult distro's like slack and debian.
2. What do you want to do with it? (also effects 1st choice) if you just want a workstation, do you want a server that can do near anything.. its up to you
Personally I'd suggest a different box. This way its easier to practice setting up things like FTP/SSH/HTTP the list goes on and on.. maybe even a caching dns server?

ANY OS requires a lot of input to do what you want, depending on what you want. For a developer linux comes ready right out of the box. With MS you have to install god awful amounts of software that can be very $$$$$$. If you want to do gaming etc (guessing not your top priority if you want to learn) then yes you'll have to work a little more. If you love to learn Welcome to the world of linux.. you can learn right down to hacking the kernel of the OS its non stop fun

[cowboybooter]

Thanx Vass, it's starting to sound essential.

I'm not a gamer, at my age I have the reflexes of a pregnant salmon.

If I can make a server that will do near everything I'd be in heaven!
If I can tear the OS down and build it up again ( just because I can) then I would be ecstatic.

The seperate machine option sounds good, that way I can't inflict Too much damage to my network, lol.

Mandrake or RedHat then ?

[crouse]

Quote:

Originally posted by cowboybooter

If I can make a server that will do near everything I'd be in heaven!
If I can tear the OS down and build it up again ( just because I can) then I would be ecstatic.

Sounds like your gonna be one happy camper then

[cowboybooter]

*bump*

Any other thoughts?

[crouse]

Well if you want to use Mandrake (I do ), I'd suggest getting on the Newbie Mailing List:http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/flists.php3

Tons of Mandrake Links here:
http://www.crouse.ws/links.php?op=viewslink&sid=1

If you want to run Linux without installing it....(try it first?)... here are links to several good choices: http://www.crouse.ws/links.php?op=viewlink&cid=1

Definately use the spare computer..... saves dual boot headaches(not that it's a big deal).... this way you can experiment and play....without worrying about the other OS.

[Cody]

ok this is all in my opinion, but here goes.

Most PC os's suck. MSFT is controlling, and rude, but is compatible, runs very very stable and is nice. Linux is controlling, hard, and icky, but is customizeable, runs very very stable and is... customisable.

Ya gotta choose... or buy a Mac

Cody

[DemonKnight]

After you get comfy with linux try unix... (I'm going to do the opposite... I'm gonna install FreeBSD play with it, then I'll learn linux ^_^)

[Praetorian]

Quote:

Originally posted by cowboybooter
If I can tear the OS down and build it up again ( just because I can) then I would be ecstatic.

haha! I've never heard that from a newbie user. If you're really looking to learn in Linux, I suggest Slackware, Debian or Gentoo. I'm not sure if you can make an LFS box on a Windows machine, but you could always work with one while you're sitting in Linux. It'd be a real nice way to learn. After a while you'll have something you can call your own, and you'll have a real understanding of Linux and how it works. Good luck.

[cowboybooter]

Okaay, thanx for that.

I have used UNIX before, system called TheatreMan, OR stats software,personally I thought it was about as practical as a one legged man in an Ass kicking contest, but what do I know!

Linux, on the other hand, has people screaming it's defence. That has to be worth exploring!

Praetorian: I am educated and resourceful. I may be a newbie, but I figure if I throw resources at it I can learn anything. ( IMO, I'm modest too, LOL )

I consider I have a sound knowledge of the hardware components. The software bit of the equasion throws me. I want ( eventually ) a server that can do Win2K server justice. And I want to learn.

5 types recommended.
Mandrake,
RedHat,
Slackware,
Debian,
Gentoo.
Which one?

Be decisive. Tell me. Or, I try them all.



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