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Linux Questions

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LordWiccara:
Hi, I am a new Windows hater, and I have a few questions about upgrading to Linux.

What is the best Linux platform, Ive heard a lot of good things about Red Hat Linux, but I dont know what version to get or what they all do.

Is it a lot more complicated to learn than Windows?  and does it have a lot of complicatd coding processes just to set it up?

Is there anything to run Windows based drivers on?

Thanks for your help.

slave:

quote:Hi, I am a new Windows hater, and I have a few questions about upgrading to Linux.

What is the best Linux platform, Ive heard a lot of good things about Red Hat Linux, but I dont know what version to get or what they all do.

--- End quote ---


Red Hat is probably the most well-known and supported distribution, and is one of the most user-friendly.  I highly suggest downloading version 9 from their website.  You may also want to try Mandrake, Debian, or Slackware.

 
quote:
Is it a lot more complicated to learn than Windows? and does it have a lot of complicatd coding processes just to set it up?

--- End quote ---


Two things you should know:

1. Red Hat Linux is easier to install than any version of Windows.
2. You don't have to know one bit of programming to use Linux as your desktop OS.

 
quote:
Is there anything to run Windows based drivers on?

--- End quote ---


The Linux kernel supports most hardware devices that exist, not through Windows drivers but through open source drivers, which are typically much better than the proprietary Windows ones.  If you want to run Windows programs on your computer, there is a nice program called wine you can use that runs many Windows programs.

Pantso:
First of all, welcome to the boards and congratulations on wanting to switch over to Linux. As far as distributions are concerned RedHat 9.0 and Mandrake 9.1 are definitely the easiest ones to install on your machine. However, before you install Linux make sure that your hardware is supported in Linux. For example, softmodems are most definitely not supported, eventhough there are drivers for some of them.

Don't worry about any programming skills. You don't need to be a programmer or a coder to configure Linux. These are just myths, told usually by ignorant Windows users. You might however find it more than useful to learn a few commands that you can use from a Terminal.

Finally, keep in mind that Linux is NOT Windows. You have to adapt a whole new viewpoint when you use Linux. As time goes by, you'll remember me as you'll be keeping a more open mind than before.    ;)  

PS I would also suggest a dual boot at first with Windows, that is until you get the grip on Linux.    ;)  

EDIT: This article I've written might also be of some use.

[ May 06, 2003: Message edited by: Panos ]

TheQuirk:
I don't understand. If you want to run Windows software, then, for christs sake, USE WINDOWS! IT'S THAT SIMPLE! What's the point of switching if you're just going to be emulating Windows?

Pantso:

quote:Originally posted by TheQuirk:
I don't understand. If you want to run Windows software, then, for christs sake, USE WINDOWS! IT'S THAT SIMPLE! What's the point of switching if you're just going to be emulating Windows?
--- End quote ---


Are you really implying that those who use Windows software should never run Linux? The guy didn't say that he intends to be emulating Windows. :rolleyes:

[ May 06, 2003: Message edited by: Panos ]

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