very interested in learning about Linux

[nooyawkah]

I'm very interested in learning about Linux. I have a few basic questions?
1. Why would someone want to use Linux as an OS?
2. Is it difficult to master? (I'm not a programmer).
3. Is there much good software available? (Not talking about games).
4. Why do all the Linux magazines I've seen on the stands seem to be for programmers and/or server users? (I don't understand a word in them).
5. Does Linux present Internet problems uncommon to Windows users?

Thanks.

[DrZaius]

Hi nooyawkah,

I'm not a Linux user, but I have played around with it for a while.

1. There are many reasons why someone would want to use Linux. First of all, it's free so you can install as many copies as you want on any computers. Second, it's very stable. And it's a good learning experience, you learn a lot just from installing and setting it up.
2. It does have a somewhat steep learning curve, but if you have basic knowledge of computers and patience, you shouldn't have any trouble figuring it out. It's definately not as easy as say Windows or MacOS to use, but it is becoming simpler and less CLI (command line) dependant.
3. There is plenty of good, free, software available for Linux for almost anything you can imagine. There are many "equivalent" programs for common Windows applications, like Mozilla or Konquerer instead of IE, and Gimp instead of PhotoShop.
4. Servers and programmers are the main users of Linux because it's so powerful and stable.
5. I can't think of any problems Linux might have with the Internet, it should work just the same as with Windows.

I would highy recommend you check out the thread in this forum with a lot of Linux links, and definately check out Mandrake and Lindows, two good beginner Linux distributions (distros). Hope that helps.

[raiderfan]

If you have a old system lying around, make a firewall out of it. Lot of good articles on setting up a firewall and IP masquerading. Easy way to get involved before really jumping into OS.

[MaXimum SMOKE]

If you understand what partitions are about and have had some exposure to dos, you would find this to be helpful. If you have a seperate hard drive (from windows)to put it on, you'll find it an easier install. It isn't too hard to set up on a machine this way for a dual-boot either OS system, especially if you use Win 98, or Me. A system with a typical Graphical user interface is pretty intuitive to run. Common misconceptions: People think that an old machine will run it well. The newer distributions require a fair amount of CPU power for good performance on the newer GUIs... (think 300mhz or better.) Figure a bare minimum of 2 Gigs of disk space for a good 'new user' install. A bare minimum firewall install will fit on a floppy disk, but, I'm talking about a realistic alternate OS install. WinModems, for the most part will not work. Some sound cards are far better than others for support. USB support, is there, but it isn't as good as windows support for some devices, yet. Generally, you will find this OS to be very stable. I prefer it to windows. You have very good control of the os. If you ever wondered what Unix was like... This is a good place to learn. A VERY LARGE percentage of the software for Linux is free. I think many people would benefit from the learning experience of Linux. I do recommend that you pick up a reasonable book on a recent distribution of Linux to minimize confusion. There are many well written ones that won't put you to sleep This operating system is advancing at a tremendous rate. I hope to see you join us! -MS