Linux newbie

[Karnevil9]

Just installed Red hat linux on my computer which is also running xp pro and w2k pro. I haven't had a chance to configure everything yet. Can utilities like win DVD and nero be installed on red hat, or do they have there own DVD players and CD writing utilities? What about other drivers for peripherals, are they compatable with red hat also and need installation, the way I did with windows?

[DrZaius]

Hi Karnevil9,

Windows applications don't run in Linux, you'll have to use Linux software and drivers. Do some searching and you'll find many free alternatives to Windows programs.

[Tech1]

Or you can install wine and winex to play games and apps from windows :)

But linux has tons of apps to do more then the window versions can do :)

[Karnevil9]

OK, But what about for things like an HP printer/scanner or an Iomega zip drive. Would their drivers work on the Red hat system, or do I have to download new drivers from either the Hp/Iomega site or from Linux?.

Also I have netgear USB wireless adapter, will Red hat be able to recognize that, or again dop I have to find new drivers written for Linux?

Also, can anyone recommend some links where I can find the utilities?

[Tech1]

The newest redhat (Whch i don't like, would rather use mandrake over redhat) will detect almost anything :)

[kilgoretrout]

Your likely to have trouble with that usb wireless in linux. But google around and see if others have had success.

[Karnevil9]

That's what I'm afraid of kilgoretrout. I am so tired of Micro$oft and the terms of their licensing agreements the stranglehold they seem to have on everything in the computer industry, that I am looking for a viable alternative. Linux seems to fit that bill, but only providing I don't have to negate a lot of what I can already do with windows. It is not only me but other family members who use the computer. The computer is used for a host of things so linux not only has to be fairly well rounded, but capable enough to convince the other users as well. Otherwise I may have to concede victory to Micro$oft and take whatever they dish out.

[Tech1]

Mandrake 9.1(or 9.2) is great for the newbie :)

[Karnevil9]

Just ordered Mandrake from Edmunds. I will mess with Red hat for awhile. It is the version that came with the "for dummies" book so it is not the complete version anyway, though it has almost everyhthing and I just downloaded a version from linuxiso, if I did it right. When Mandrake comes I will give that a try and see which I like better.

[Tech1]

Redhat is more for corperations and servers, mandrake is more for home use. BTW, what mandrake did you order?

[Karnevil9]

I believe it was Mandrake 9.2.

[Tech1]

Good choice, that is the most latest and more stable :)

[natebo]

Yah, Mandrake is suppossed to be nice, i've had alot of success with Red Hat 9.0 also, Slackware is kinda tricky for me right now though. But to answer the question above, Red hat has had all drivers that i've needed. It's as close to windows as you can come. Not to mention it's an american distro, you gotta givem some props... Mandrake is FRENCH, we all KNOW how they have acted in the past...