installing linux

[crazyeightballa]

hey im totally new to linux and i got a few quick questions

1)what is the best free version of Linux?

2)what are the differences between the versions?

3)i want to dual boot, does this mean you choose everytime you start up your computer which one to boot up?

4)how do i dual boot? i found a site that helped a little bit

http://www.pcguide.com/byop/byop_SettingthePCtoBoottheLinuxCD.htm

i understand this part but when you go to page 2 on the site...it says to put in a disk...i obviously dont have a disk...what should i do?!? help plz...

5)know any good links to linux noob tutorials?

thx

 

[macdude425]

1 and 2. Opinionated question. I think Slackware is the best, but that's just me. There are lots of differences between distros.

3. Yes, it does.

4. When you install whatever distro of Linux you choose, it will let you set up either LILO or GRUB, depending on the distro. These generate a menu at startup letting you pick between Windows and Linux.

5. http://tldp.org, http://linux.org

 

[crazyeightballa]

wow thx

wut is the easiest linux distro to use and where can i download it?

 

[macdude425]

Also an opinionated question. Some say Fedora, some Ubuntu, some Mandriva. I say Mandriva.

 

[jakec]

wow thx

wut is the easiest linux distro to use and where can i download it?

A debain based distro called Ubuntu you can D/L it here:

http://www.ubuntulinux.org/download/

, Ubuntu is Easier than deban, Ubuntu enables you to get the "feel for Linux" without being overwhelmed

Hope this helps,

Jake

 

[furtivefelon]

1. mepis/ubuntu (google for them, should be the first result returned)

2. there are superfacial differences between distros, as they are all running the same basic thing, just a different feel in places such as package distribution and file organization.. aimed to make your life easier (Each has their own way), so explore some and get to know them before making a decision