Building a First Linux Machine

[kenm_uk]

Hi. I have never used Linux but want to build my own Linux machine and learn to use it. I am hoping to build a budget machine and am looking at buying:
ASUSU P4V8X-X
Intel Celeron 2.53 GHz
256Mg RAM
40Gb SATA Drive

Will these components get me a decent machine or do I want to spend some extra money for a bit more kick? (This motherboard will allow my to upgrade the processor in the future if necessary). Will there be a large/noticable performance difference in having better components?

Thanks,
Ken

[glc]

I recommend you use an Intel chipset motherboard - it's going to be a lot more stable than a Via chipset with an Intel processor. Not only that, but the P4V8X-X is not Prescott compatible, and putting an 800 FSB Northwood processor in it is overclocking the chipset. See if you can find a P4P800S-X board, here in the US they are only about $15 more than that Via board and will be upgradeable to 800 FSB and Prescott without running it out of specs.

[Dangermouse1]

If you need to check parts for Linux compatibility look here (http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php)

[kenm_uk]

GLC,

Thanks for your reply. I am not sure I understand exactly what you wrote. On http://uk.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=P4V8X-X&langs=11 I read that motherboard is Prescott FSB 533MHx compatible and the Intel Celeron is FSB533. Are you saying that by buying a different board will leave me room to move up to a 800FSB processor in the future? Did I miss something else in your comment?

Also, you said that an Intel chipset is more stable than a VIA. Why is that? When looking at CPUs and motherboards, what features of a chipset do I need to be considering?

Many thanks,
Ken

[glc]

Are you saying that by buying a different board will leave me room to move up to a 800FSB processor in the future?

Exactly.

There is nothing more stable than an Intel chipset for Intel processors. Leave VIA for the AMD folks. For Intel processors, VIA is a low priced alternative that just does not work as well. Intel does not share critical technology issues with VIA because VIA will not pay Intel for a license. AMD shares with VIA because AMD is not in the chipset business.