Installing Linux (AGH confused)

[Arcotik]

Ok, so I've tried to do boot disks with KNOPPIX and GENTOO but it won't work (I used Nero and said "burn boot disc" and when my system starts I press F12 and choose boot from CD but it won't do it. Also I've tried REDHAT install discs that I downloaded and burned; tried in windows and out; but to no avail. Somebody: help please.

[Auriga]

Are you actually trying to create the installation discs for a flavour of Linux?

If so...

Under Windows, use Nero 6 CD-burning software to create a bootable CD from downloaded Linux ISO files with these steps:

1. Launch the "Nero Burning ROM" (regular version, not the wizard) portion of the program.

2. Select from the menu: Recorder > Burn Image.

3. Use the default options and burn the CD.

4. Repeat for each ISO file.

[ffreeloader]

I'm also a little confused as to the problem you are having.

Is your computer just not booting from the cdrom drive, or are you having troubles burning the .iso files? These are separate problems and have separate solutions, but I'm unsure as to which problem you're having.

One piece of advice I'd give you though, if you're struggling with this part though is leave learning Gentoo until later. You'll get very frustrated with it right now. It's not something appropriate for someone new to Linux.

[Karnevil9]

You don't want to burn a boot disk if you downloaded the Linux flavor. You want to burn an Image disk, or ISO disk, depending on what your CD burner calls it.