Linux computers

[erucader]

Does Linux need certain hardware (or software) to be installed on a computer, or could one use a new machine and install it right away, as is done with Windows?
Can any computer use it?

[DrZaius]

Hi erucader,

First, determine which distor you wish to install (Red Hat, Mandrake, etc.) and check the site to see if it supports all of your hardware. For example, here's Mandrakes (one of the easier to use distros) hardware list...

http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/hardware.php3

Hope that helps.

[erucader]

thanks...

but if your hardware is compatible is the os simply installed on a new hard-drive or does it need special format, etc?

[DrZaius]

You install it just like Windows, boot from the CD and follow the onscreen instructions.