First time builder: Linux or not?

[Rodgers46]

I am a first time builder who has been crusing this site for about 2 weeks now. I am replacing a 10 year old Packard Bell!
I have A7N8x deluxe mobo, Athlon XP 3000+, Maxtor 120 sata hard drive, 512 DDR 3200. I want to get away from Windows and the potential problems and I want to learn more about everything. I have no training at all.
First: Can I install linux on my main drive and take the drive out of my old computer. and use it for everything until I learn to use linux?
Second: Will I be able to use all the software, downloads, games, drives etc. that I'm used to using with Windows.
The old drive is a Seagate 1.2?GB with 98SE on it. I know that I can boot from either drive, but will the system be backward compatible?

Any help is appreciated, I'm spinning my wheels and need to get started.

Thanks

[Lardass]

A first time builder and thinking about linux?? lol Some people will recommend using Windows for a first time builder. But linux however recognises hardware faster and most hardware is compatable with the OS, it is also safer and more reliable on the internet.

All the hardware will be able to be used but as for viewing the files on the other hard disk drive you may have trouble viewing them because they will be in a different file format. As for your games and software they will not run on linux at all because the file system linux uses is totally different to windows 98 or XP.

[Karnevil9]

If your going from a 1.2 Gig HD to a 120 Gig you have 100 times more space than you had before. I would just do a dual boot on the SATA hardrive of both the 98SE and Linux. Transfer your 1.2 stuff to the windows partition, and use that for all the games and files you need. Go into Linux to learn the system and find the differences. You won't need all the software from windows for Linux because most Linux Flavors come with all the software that is needed. That is why some Linux systems use 4 or 5 CD's. You get the entire system, CD burners, office writing software, finance software, Drivers etc. What you don't get you can usuaully download for free.

I am not sure how many people who run Linux use it exclusivley but I bet the number is few. So you would probably want to keep a windows system anyway.

[Vigo]

Originally posted by Rodgers46
Second: Will I be able to use all the software, downloads, games, drives etc. that I'm used to using with Windows.
[/B]

Software? No, not entirely. They're completely different operatiing systems. A lot of software titles created for windows only run on windows. (especially retail software and games). As mentioned though, linux has a lot of its own software not available for windows. Their are disadvantages and advantages in each.

As far as drivers... Linux has fixed a lot of their driver issues since its birth. Most retail devices now boast linux compatibility. Some "way out there brands" or special devices may not have linux support/drivers. The drivers linux has pre-installed depends on your distro, but all linux distros could still use some improvement in their equipped drivers. Least it isn't like days of yore where finding a Graphics card compatible with linux was like trying to find stupid typewriter ribbon that no one carries anymore.

Whatever distro you choose with linux make sure its the most current build.

Originally posted by Rodgers46
to get away from Windows and the potential problems
[/B]

You won't be getting away from problems- just experiencing different problems.

[LocoCoyote]

If you know nothing and want to learn.....you have the right idea. using linux and trying to get all those things you mentioned to work will teach you far more than any book or classroom. A word of caution...don't get frustrated and don't quit.

Best of luck....Go For It!

[bailey]

you could print out the user manual for more help in learning it too

[LocoCoyote]

Not to mention tons of free documentation and such available on the web!

[Rodgers46]

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'll do the dual boot thing and maybe even invest in Windows XP so that I can cover all options. I found a copy of a registered version of XP Pro on the internet for $50.00. Am I just buying someone's one system? What is the difference between registered and unregistered? I assume (woops) that they mean with Microsoft.

[rcx21000]

That means that they've set the copy of XP to their computer, and no other comp can use it w/o illegal cracks. So I wouldn't buy it :)

Alos, you can run some Windows thigies on Linux w/ Wine (stands for: Wine Is Not an Emulator). But don't expect to beable to run much.

[LocoCoyote]

I don't know about that rcx....I have some major windows software (office XP ) and some good games (Civ III) running under linux. There is some performance hits though.

[winwillme]

i would recomend SuSE 9.1. it is extreamely user friendly, it is easy to find pre-packaged rpm for it. and it comes with tons of software. and if you buy the professional edititon ($80) you will have all the documentation you need. it is a better investment than windows xp, and u can leaglay install it on all the non-business computers you want.

[LocoCoyote]

Winwillme, I can't agree more. Of all the linux distros I play with, SuSE is my favorite. It is the one I use for my day to day work

[dragonxx4]

Using MAndrake 10.0 right now to write this post. For a beginner like me its a good place to start. Installation was really simple, except the GFX card. Running a GeForceMX 4000 which is I suppose not a usual card. But there are generic Geforce drivers for all cards. The GUI(using KDE)makes it easy to get some use outa Linux while you are learning the finer points of the OS. As far as games I boot into Windows for those, but mainly I stick to Linux for everything else. A word of advice is buy a relatively new book on Linux. It comes in really handy when you need to look something up quickly.

[LocoCoyote]

Simple instalation leads to fast satisfaction! But a troublesome instaltion leads to more knowleadge..or a stroke!