Unix \ Linux; Gonna take a plunge could use some advice.

[Basscyst]

Hello,

So I've been a die hard windows fan for years. I just set up an old PII yesterday and just for kicks I think I'll install Linux on it and do some learnin'. Can anyone recommend a good place for some step by step instruction, both on the install and the use of Linux? I will probably install Red Hat as this is what most seem to recommend. Some other options would be nice as well.

Also, (let me note that I've never even seen a linux machine) what kind of compatability issues will I see, both with software and hardware. Can I run games as normal? Mostly I'm just concerned about Red Faction, since the whole reason I set it up was to be my DS. I also read that modems can have compatability problems with linux, I have cable so I think I should be in the clear, unless it applies to LAN cards as well.

Thanks,

Basscyst

[Unit]

Linux distributions have improved a lot and the installations are much friendly now. The installation itself should be pretty self explanatory if you go with the defaults. Also, since you are setting this up on a spare computer, partitioning the disk and such is not a problem.

About red faction, google for "red faction on linux".

Red hat has decent support for LAN cards now.

I found that Mandrake supports hardware better than red hat and the installation is quite a bit simple. so, you may want to give that a try too.

[dswimboy]

in the past i found http://www.control-escape.com/ to be a good Linux resource for beginners.

[whackaxe]

mandrake linux has a very easy installation.

[Basscyst]

Thanks for the replies. It was my understanding that some Linux versions are free. I went to the Mandrake website and it asks for a fee. Not really worth it to me to spend the cash just for experimentation. Is there another version that is more cost effective for my needs?

Basscyst

[Basscyst]

Bah! Suppose I should have done a bit of research before my last question. Case anyone else is looking in the future.

This place (http://www.linuxiso.org/) should find you what you need.

Thanks Again,
Basscyst

[Spookster]

http://www.justlinux.com/

[Jason]

if you love windows and such I would suggest fedora, its redhats new version and is really simple. Though the instalation is simple, it does have greater requirements for installing with a gui and such. Its free and Im running it on a p2 with 128mb RAM right now. Similar to windows it does an auto detect for hardware and will install most all drivers on detection.
http://www.fedora.redhat.com/

Jason

[liorean]

Fedora isn't RedHats "new" version. Rather, it's RedHats recently forked user level version, a project of making a linux distribution where all parts are covered under one of the GNU licences. The development of the RedHat Enterprise Linux continues to be RedHats main line.

[dswimboy]

check out Xandros, i've heard good things...
http://www.xandros.com/