Linux for a dummy

[eoin_ie]

Hey all,

I'm kinda new to Linux and have only really used it in college to do some basic command line programming. I would, however, like to install some version of graphical Linux on my home PC and I have a few questions.

1. I already have Win2kPro installed on my drive, is this a problem? I heard that I have to repartition my drive to install Linux and doesn't that mean wiping the drive clean?

2. I have used Knoppix boot from CD and I really like that GUI. Is that available to install, not just run from CD?

If anyone can give me any information, it would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Eoin

[bailey]

how much space do you have on your drive that is not being used ?
can you devide the drive into two partitions with partition magic, and then install linux on the second partition,
doing it this way you will not lose any data and linux will set up the dual boot for you.

[chadr6]

Most distributions will automatically detect Win2kPro and the dual boot will be easy to set up. I don't think Knoppix has an installable version, but I'm not positive on that. My favorite distribution is Fedora.

[MulderMan]

knoppix can be installed on a harddrive, its just it has been optimised to run off a cd with less functions. the gui that knoppix uses is available in almost all current linux distros. it is called KDE and is personally my favourite. when installing you get the options to install a graphical version (x server) and a GUI (kde, gnome etc). if your looking for a user friendly version checkout Mandrake.

[mrmister1]

I agree. Mandrake is a good distro to start with.

Also, it is fine to have installed Windows first. Linux will detect it and ask you if you want to install over it, or make a new partition.

Hope that helps