linux beginner

[frenchfried]

I want to start using linux but i do not know anything about it...I remember reading somewhere that linux will not work with amd processors is this true and if not can u guys give me some advice on how to get started using linux, and where i can download a good beginner version of linux to get started using .

[mairving]

You can't believe everything that you read. Linux works fine with any processor, Intel, AMD, PowerPC, etc.

Go over to Linux Iso and download an ISO image. You can then burn this image on a CD that is bootable. Mandrake is probably the best to cut your teeth on.

[grasshopperbe]

if you want to get a feel on how linux works, you can try knoppix. its a demo linux os, that runs entirely from cd, the only thing you have to do is set cdrom first in boot order.
(www.knoppix.com)
if you want a normal linux installed, i agree with frenchfried, mandrake is the best to begin with, it has graphic installation, i found quite easy when i first installed mandrake.

[Dangermouse1]

If you have some space on your hard drive why not put something like Mandrake on (dual boot) and give it a try. I got Mandrake free with a comp mag and did just that. It was easy boot with Mandrake cd and everything is taken care of for you.

[sdkfz]

I was just in Barnes and Noble (Boston area) buying a tea at Starbucks (we have freezing rain, sleet and snow - gotta love spring!) and I saw a British mag with two different distributions and a linux that runs from the cd, costs 14.00 US but if you are not on broadband this might be worth the money to avoid the download time.

I am kinda tempted myself, if I have xp home already installed, can I set a partition and install or does linux have to be installed first (kinda like with windows needing the oldest os installed first?

linux curious

[Dangermouse1]

I am almost sure that should be fine. As they are different operating systems on different partitions it should not matter. I have seen other posts here about dual boot systems and they recomended putting windows on first then which ever linux distro you decide. Mandrake (and others i think) will boot from cd and take care of setting up any partitions you need. I found this out after buying patition magic D`oh. Give it ago linux does not need much space and its worth a try.

[sdkfz]

thanks, I think I will, I am at work again so I will swing by and get the mag I mentioned. I still have 20 gigs free and the cd comes with office, dvd player cd burner etc software so I will be able to do soemthing with it once installed.