New Linux User

A

Alchemist

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Hi all,

Basically, I have a spare machine lying around that I thought of installing Linux on and just playing around with. I've never touched Linux before so have no clue to where even start.

What Linux release is the best to start off with? Ubuntu? Fedora? Mandriva? Something else?

Secondly, do I need to pre-format the hard drive first, or will I be able to format the hard drive off the Live CD setup?

Thanks in advance!
 
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As a new user I would recommend Linux Mint or Ubuntu.

You will be able to format & partition the HD from the LiveCD

What are your PC specs?

Just keep in mind that Linux is not Windows and not trying to be. Things are done differently. Now go and have fun!
 
What Linux release is the best to start off with? Ubuntu? Fedora? Mandriva? Something else?
Click to expand...

If you can, try both. I know Ubuntu's popular and all, but I like Mandriva a lot better (note: I haven't used it or Ubuntu in a while). It's best in the beginning to experiment with distros and see which one you like best.

Secondly, do I need to pre-format the hard drive first, or will I be able to format the hard drive off the Live CD setup?
Click to expand...

Nope, you'll be asked to format during the install process. Most distro's have a getting started guide on their website (can't check cause I'm capped), so you look at that after installing.
 
As a 1st-timer, if you have the time and the patience to experiment a bit, I'd give Ubuntu a whirl. This will give you a feel for the OS using the Gnome interface. Then install Mandriva or FC, to try the KDE desktop.
 
Ubuntu realy easy to install and use. even I could do it :)
 
Ok, thanks all.

Ponder, it's a Core2 Duo 3.06ghz with 4 gigs of RAM
 
Remember this one thing: LINUX IS NOT WINDOWS

You WILL have to do things differently.
 
Smiley_lauf said:
and u have this machine just lying around?? Put it to good use, install Ubuntu.
S
Click to expand...

Yeah, built a new machine, so have this one not doing much, so thought I'd give Linux a try and see what everyone was going on about :D
 
Good on ya mate, I've been using Ubuntu for about 3 years now (although I still dual-boot with windows). Ubuntu is probably the best distro to start out with.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask! :)
 
Remember to get the 64bit edition of the Linux you are trying so you can see all 4 GB of RAM.

Best tip: Linux filenames and commands are case-sensitive.
 
Best tip #2: Try to NOT use spaces in directory and file names.
 
Just out of interest. See many guys on here suggest Ubuntu for 1st time users. I too started out with Ubuntu. For a 1st time user I would rather suggest Mint. Media playback works out of the box, flash and java also works out of the box.

With Ubuntu you have to still go and load repositories and GP keys etc etc. It took me a good couple of days of searching on the net etc to see how to get multimedia etc going on Ubuntu. Ubuntu is great....but for the extra convenience...specially if you a normal home user used to Windows and dont really wanna fiddle with stuff to get it working Mint might be better? What you guys think?
 
I agree with you to some extent. If I was going to suggest a Linux Distro to someone who wants as little hassle as possible I would say Mint everyday.

But I believe that if you want to try Linux you want to learn a bit about it too and become more than just a user. ubuntu is a good balance in that regard. Things work and it is extremely userfriendly but there are also some basic tricks to learn such as adding packages and installing what you would like. These basic tasks along with probably the largest support base there is makes for an excellent Distro to learn Linux on.
 
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