Which version of linux to start with for a complete newbie?

Hi,

Is their a version of linux that would really really suit the absolute
beginner. I am not a programmer and all my computing is self taught, I am
able to understand the basics of computing but nothing to do with
programming at all.

Could someone kindly advise is if it is possible and worthwhile for me to
install a copy of linux on my computer. It has plenty of room and resources
as its a latest model. Is it possible to have a linux running next to
windows?

Which linux would be the most easy and userfreindly to install for a
complete newbie.

Thanks

 

Possible: yes. Worhwhile: depends on your abilities and your
needs/desires.

I often see Mandrake recommended for beginners. If you make the plunge,
then also subscribe to alt.os.linux.mandrake .

 

Thanks Blinky, I'll look up Mandrake

 

I use slackware and have used it exclusively on all my machines since I
started using linux 5 years ago. there is no need to dual boot unless
you use windows for something specific. One excellent beginner distro is
suse I believe it is up to 9.2 now. Anoher good one a lot of my friends
are raving about is ubuntu. You best bet is to go to linux.com and look
around.

mAineAc

 

I use Mandrake 10.1. Excellent installer and hardware detetection. Why
not get a live CD and try Linux that way before you commit to an
installation?

http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/move/
http://www.suse.com/us/private/download/ftp/live_eval_int.html
http://www.knoppix.net/get.php

 

Yes it is possible to dual boot and most distros will handle this no
problem. but what will Linux offer you that Windows doesn't do?

My personal preference is for SuSE.

 

There is a Linux distribution that works directly off CD
(it boots like a floppydisk)..its called Knoppix v3.6
check it out on Google..JB

 

As the aquatic creature with the dorsal fin and all the teth says,
Mandrake is a good distro, with a very good user-friendly installer.
SUSE is also pretty good.

 

Is their a version of linux that would really really suit the absolute

http://www.knoppix.net

it's free and you don't even have to install it ... runs from a CD so ya
can keep yer current setup while trying it out

a recent book just came out about knoppix that has lots of tips and the
CD ... so ya don't even have to DL it iffya spring $20 for the book at
yer local bookstore or amazon etc ........... the book is pretty good ..
worth 20 clams no doubt ........

ISBN: 0596007876

 

There is a very small (50MB) Linux that you can download, burn to a CD, boot
that CD for a try at some Linux. Take a look at http://damnsmalllinux.org/
The forum there is very helpful. Only about 4 hours to download on dialup.
From this 50 MB you can install to hard drive if you like and upgrade from
there. Knoppix/Debian based, it is very impressive. I run it on my older
laptop, dual booting with Win98.
HTH
--

 

Another good option book+CD+DVD tutorials is "Point & Click Linux":
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131488724

Haven't actually looked at the book yet, but have used the distribution a
fair bit and been generally very impressed with the features and ease of
use for new users.