Trying out Linux FC

[nlawalker]

Hey everyone;

I've read a lot of good things about "Linux for Non-Geeks," and I found a copy at a local bookstore with a copy of Fedora Core in it. I flipped through the first few chapters and it sounds pretty simple. I've always wanted to give Linux a try and now that I have some free time coming up I'd like to give it a shot.

I have XP installed on one partition, with a second for all my personal stuff, and I'm no stranger to reformatting/reinstalling XP so if something gets screwed and that needs to be done, I can do it. I'm not concerned at all about losing data; even if for some reason my "personal" partition got hosed, I have backups.

My main concern is with hardware conflicts. My setup can be seen in my sig; as you can tell, I'm using an Abit Nforce2 board and taking advantage of the onboard sound and Ethernet. I'm also a little concerned about the hard drive on SATA.

I know it's hard to tell ahead of time, but am I going to have a hard time with hardware conflicts? I'm not too picky and wouldn't really care too much if I didn't have sound while running Fedora Core (I want to try to make this dual-bootable), but having the network connection would be nice.

Thanks everyone!

Nick

[nlawalker]

By the way, I am looking around for information myself and have dug up some informative stuff. I just wanted an opinion from PCMech, as I've always had a good experience with the people here.

[Karnevil9]

Usually Linux does a good job partitioning the hardrive when you install, so I don't think you lose anything. I am not sure about FC and SATA. On another thread it was mentioned that some folks experience problems with linux and nforce mobos, but I have never had that problem. The only hardware issues I ever had with Linux has been wireless lan cards and adapters and some USB hardware. Looking at your system, I don't see any trouble areas, though you didn't say how you are connected to the internet.

[nlawalker]

Thanks for your response Karn. I'm connected with the onboard ethernet on the board. I looked at nVidia's site, and they claim that their drivers work well now with onboard ethernet. I will make sure to download them before formatting.

[Karnevil9]

Nvidias video card controllers are about the best for Linux, so hopefully their other drivers work just as well. One thing I like about Nvidia is that they're one of the few companies I have seen that do make drivers for their products for Linux operating systems.

[nlawalker]

Ah, this is awesome! I downloaded a Knoppix ISO and it installed without a single hitch. I couldn't believe it when I threw the CD in, and everything just turned on. Sound works, network works, everything seems to work fine (haven't tried the USB stuff, like you said, but I doubt it would work anyway... stuff like mp3 player with a Windows only application, etc.)

Can't wait for that book to get here!

[Karnevil9]

Knoppix has great hardware recognition, so you may want to try some USB items.