Thinking of giving Linux a wirl

[Jackthemeangiant]

I am thinking of giving Linux a wirl, as I really don't play games anymore.

I have tried running Red Hat 7 and Mandrake 8 in the past, but never really gave them a fair shot. I think I basically installed them, then never really used them. Which distro would you guys recommend? I will be running it on my laptop (laptop is new'ish) dual booted with WinXP (already installed)? I was thinking of going back to Mandrake again just because it was very easy to install if I remember correctly.

My other question is, what software is available on linux to use instead of Photoshop or Dreamweaver? Or are those programs available for linux? Also, can I set it up so linux can read my windows partitions and use files on those partitions?

[Cat person]

Don't have time for all the questions but I can answer one! I use Xandros and also run Photoshop 7 (on Linux). Xandros comes with Crossover Office which is a programme that lets you install some Windows' programmes on Linux. The only downside is that you have to buy Xandros but it's nowhere near the price of MS products. :)

[jinxed05]

distros i've used fedora, ubuntu others you might like linspire and xandros , mandriva . give distrowatch look see for other linux distros , also go to the distro site to see what software they have on it .:)

[Ken_ver_1_5]

I am still using Debian "sarge"

not an easy distro to learn but I mainly use it for surfing.
it is Free

[Jackthemeangiant]

Well I tried the bootable version of Knoppix and I really like it! It detected my wireless card right away, and I am working on getting proper video drivers now.

[Steve]

suse

[Digiital]

I'm running Kanotix(based on Knoppix) and it just flies on my laptop and the desktop. As for Photoshop then your looking at something like GIMP(http://plasticbugs.com/?p=241)

[Matrix]

... As for Photoshop then your looking at something like GIMP(http://plasticbugs.com/?p=241)

krita is also a good alternative to photoshop.

http://www.koffice.org/krita/

http://linuxreviews.org/news/2004/09/27_krita_kde_koffice_preview_available/

[daplayer]

I have a windowz free environment running Slackware as fileserver, ftp server, media center and for regular pc duties. IMO it's da best distro if you really want to learn Linux. It's not easy to pick up because you still have to do things via shell.

If you're only looking for a desktop replacement, you should give Ubuntu a try. It's my installation of choice for novice. I have been installing it for friends/families who don't have valid windows license. Only complaint I get is "where is msn?" and "How do i get on the net?"

[Matrix]

I have a windowz free environment running Slackware ... It's not easy to pick up because you still have to do things via shell.


vector linux is a slack based distro that is fast and polished. i believe an excellent intro to slack. the soho version is using kde and the standard version uses xfce (very fast btw).

a bit of a learning curve due to the package management. a read through the forums will get you up to speed pretty quickly. also the developer is canadian, eh!


If you're only looking for a desktop replacement, you should give Ubuntu a try. It's my installation of choice for novice.


simply mepis has recently decided to switch to a ubuntu base (previously debian based). they released an alpha version recently which i installed. it definately doesnt run like an alpha version though. already ahead of kubuntu imho. according to the forums this release is a winner already.

warren (the developer) seems very happy with ubuntu according to the release announcement.

[Superman3332001]

I have a windowz free environment running Slackware as fileserver, ftp server, media center and for regular pc duties. IMO it's da best distro if you really want to learn Linux. It's not easy to pick up because you still have to do things via shell.

If you're only looking for a desktop replacement, you should give Ubuntu a try. It's my installation of choice for novice. I have been installing it for friends/families who don't have valid windows license. Only complaint I get is "where is msn?" and "How do i get on the net?"
Well There is a program called Gaim that does most of the instant chat programs like MSN, Yahoo, etc. It should be set up fairly easy to connect the internet. Could you post some of the errors you get when you try to connect to the internet so you can give us some idea of what kinda problems your having thanks.

[Just Doug1]

The biggest problem I've had with Linux is either one of not explaining what I want/need properly or expecting something different in the resultant suggestion.

I'm not interested in running a Windows clone, but what I do need is a distro that replaces what I do using Windows without pissing around on the command-line. I've grep'ed my fill.

[Just Doug1]

Downloading the vector distro to have a look-see. Thanks for the comment, Matrix.

[Cat person]

With most distros that came out in the last eighteen months the command line is not really needed, everything can be done through the GUI same as in Windows. I hardly ever need the command line and only use it because I want to rather than because I have to. :)

[Just Doug1]

Odd thing. While downloading vector transfer has stalled twice over halfway though the file?!?!?

That likely proves it must be the right distro for me. I can't get it.

[Cat person]

http://www.osdisc.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi/products/linux/vector

Try buying it! :)

[Matrix]

Odd thing. While downloading vector transfer has stalled twice over halfway though the file?!?!?

That likely proves it must be the right distro for me. I can't get it.

did you try one of these mirrors Just Doug? they also have a torrent available.

http://www.vectorlinux.com/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=10&page_id=9

[Matrix]

http://www.osdisc.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi/products/linux/vector

Try buying it! :)

or if you try it and like it. make a donation to help support the developer(s).

[daplayer]

Well There is a program called Gaim that does most of the instant chat programs like MSN, Yahoo, etc. It should be set up fairly easy to connect the internet. Could you post some of the errors you get when you try to connect to the internet so you can give us some idea of what kinda problems your having thanks.

There are no problems. Just the standard questions I get when these users who didn't know anything but windows exist see the new desktop. Walking them through Gaim/Kopete setup and telling them not to be afraid of the lil fox is now a part of the setup process :)

[Mista-X]

I have not run Linux in about two years now, my last distro was Libranet.

My first distro was Slackware, so I agree with daplayer that you should try it, even just to learn something...

[Just Doug1]

did you try one of these mirrors Just Doug? they also have a torrent available.

http://www.vectorlinux.com/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=10&page_id=9

Tried two or three of the mirrors with the same results.

Scooped the torrent file instead.

Thanks