Hi everyone! This is my first time in this forum. I'm usually over in the A+ forum because I'm seeking my A+ certification.

I've been thinking of installing a LINUX OS in a dual-boot configuration with Windows 2000 (or XP), and I have a few questions. First, I have absolutely no experience using UNIX or LINUX. I know there are many versions available. So, my first question is, for someone just starting off with LINUX, which version should I choose? Is there a particular version that might be good for a beginner like me? Also, where can I get a copy?

Second, since I'll most likely install LINUX in a dual-boot configuration with Windows, are there any compatibility issues I should be worried about? And also, how much disk space does a LINUX OS take up?

Third, are there any good LINUX websites (for beginners), which might have more info for me?

Any info would help. Thanks!

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I would start on http://www.linux.org/

All things Penguin start there.

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ceck this thread: http://examnotes.net/forums/showthr...&threadid=37717


and this link :
http://www.unixreview.com/documents...84217/0207b.htm

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I'm a Linux newbie myself. I personally like Mandrake Linux because I found the installation to be simple and painless on a desktop. You can download a free copy of Mandrake 8.2 at http://www.linux-download-cds.com. This website also has RH Linux 7.3 though I think RH is more ideal for servers than for desktops. Of course you'll have to burn it onto CDs.

A good Linux website for beginners are www.linuxmax.net and www.linuxbeginner.org.

I have Linux installed in a multiboot configuration on one of my machines. I can't answer your question about dual-booting with Windows because I'm using a third party multiboot utility.

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"Lord help me, I'm just not that bright." --Homer Simpson

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You should try Mandrake 8.2 it seems to be the easiest to install .

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BACKUP ALL your *important* data!!!

When I first started I did something I shouldn't have and I lost a bit of data... It was a PITA but I lived and learned... (Ghost is my friend.... <g> )

Also if you're learning it to be able to work with it in the business arena the I would suggest RedHat, as that's probably the most prevelent distro in use in the business world...

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Thanks...

-Mike CCNA, Net+

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Thanks everyone. Is RedHat available for free too? Or do you have to pay for RedHat?

Also, what are the minimum requirements to run an OS like RedHat or Mandrake? And how much disk space do they consume? Can I run them on a 200MHz Pentium system, with 64MB RAM, and a 6GB hard drive?

Another thing, if I configure a dual-boot system (with Windows 98, for example), should I install the linux OS first (on the first partition)? And then Win98 (on the second partition)? Or the other way around. I read somewhere that linux should be installed first.

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Yes you can download RedHat for free
and it will work on your machine
Win98 has to be on the first primary partition .Linux can be instaled in any partition .Install Win98 first and Linux second

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I've tried several distro's of Linux and found the Suse 7.3 or Suse 8.0 to be easy to install. I currently run Suse 8.
I get on so well with it, that I've removed Win 2k that I used to duel boot with.Which ever distro you decied to use if your only used to Windows it will seem a little strange at first but when you get to know your way around I'm sure you'll like it. As for your hardware software modems (winmodems) most don't work under Linux and some scanners can be a problem too!

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