Red Hat Linux 9.0??

[Jeradln82]

I would like to start using and understanding an alternate OS other than Windows. I was considering Red Hat, but I'm not sure about which version would be best. Should I get the Red Hat Personal or the Red Hat Professional? How easy would it be to setup a dual boot of RH Linux and Win2k on an existing machine?

Thanks for any insight ;)


Edit: I guess if I ran Linux I would have to find linux drivers for all my hardware right? lol :D

[mrmister1]

I say you should definitely go with personal. It's meant for home use, and I believe that's what your probably using it for, right? It's also a lot cheaper, if you buy it retail, free if you download the ISO from their website.

Also, you don't really need to download Linux drivers for everything. Red Hat, as well as others has a very good collection of drivers already in the install.

Hope that helps you choose.

[Jeradln82]

Is linux just as easy to install as Windows? When installing Linux I just create a new partition on my existing HD correct? Would 5GB be enough or should I go w/10GB for the new partition?

[mrmister1]

Red Hat is very easy to install. At all times you have a help box on the screen to show you what you need to do. Very easy! I know, although, that some other ones are harder to install.

As for the amount of space you need: in Red Hat to do a full install of everything including KDE and GNOME (the two main GUIs) it takes 5 GB. But most likely you will not install everything. On my install, I chose the preset "personal desktop," which takes only 1.7 GB. There are a lot of uneccassary utilities and programs.

[Jeradln82]

Thanks Ya'll.. I'll be getting RH Personal for Christmas or I'll buy it myself after the holidays.

Thanks
Jerad

[LiGhTBoY]

Why not downloading it if you are on broadband?

[jlowmt]

It's a really good idea to get the distro on CD in my opinion.

I use a book that comes with the three CD set of Red Hat. It's $45 called the Red Hat Linux Bible by Christopher Negus. Version 8 or 9.

The book gives a full explanantion of everything you'd need to know. That way instead of searching for help on forums and the Net you can look it up in your handy book:)