Want to know a few things about Linux?

Question

Hey guys! I wanted help with linux.. I have only heard of it.. Wanted to know what it exactly is.. Is it like anyother OS such as XP? Do we need programming skills to use it? Is it easy to learn? :p

Answer 1

What is Linux

http://www.linux.org/info/index.html



Why Linux is Better

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 8 Main Edition which is built upon Ubuntu 9.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 8 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=44



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 8 (Helena)

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-8-helena



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 8 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation



Linux Mint 8 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive



INSTALL LINUX MINT WITHIN WINDOWS



To install Linux Mint within windows you will need the earlier release Linux Mint 7 which is built upon Ubuntu 9.04



Linux Mint 7 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38



Linux Mint 7 has a feature called mint4win based on the Wubi installer (Ubuntu) which enables you to install Linux Mint within windows (Windows 7 run Wubi/mint4win in vista compatability mode)



Mint4Win – A Wubi based Installer for Linux Mint

http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-a-wubi-based-installer-of-linux-mint/



Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



You keep Windows as it is, mint4win only adds an extra option to boot into Linux Mint. mint4win does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



mint4win like Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the LiveCD you have just created and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where mint4win comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Linux Mint (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Linux Mint 7 is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Linux Mint



The mint4win feature is not currently available for Linux Mint 8



CURRENT SESSION



Linux Mint 8 ext4 with switchable Beryl 0.2.1* and Compiz 0.8.4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl_(window_manager)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiz

*Beryl 0.2.1 sourced from Ubuntu 7.04 repositories





LUg.

Answer 2

It's an individual OS, not Windows.



here's a blog post I wrote about it --> http://viperamped.com/wordpress/?p=195 it doesn't have all the information you need to know, but it answers some common questions. You usually need NO programming skills whatsoever to use the main distributions of it (such as Ubuntu, and Linux Mint)



And yes, it is very easy to learn, you'll love it!



Happy Linuxing =)

Answer 3

Try Ubuntu 9.10 it is fairly easy to switch to just follow the instructions.



It is an OS based off of Unix, just like how Windows is an OS and keep in mind that Mac OSX is almost the exact same as Linux except you pay for Mac's.



Some basic Linux command would help but you can easily figure this out through google.



Yes, it is way better than Windows but why choose install both.



I recommend:

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Answer 4

I suggest you to go for live CD. Go for Fedora 12 Download the ISO image and boot from CD.

This will give you the idea of linux. Later you can install the full version of Ubuntu that will be good enough for you being a beginer.





You will get all stuff free of cost. But it is not easy to install / remove custom softwares as in windows.



Go for dual Boot and enjoy both linux & windows.

Answer 5

I don't use Linux but as far as I know, it isn't a complete product like Windows or Mac OS.



They do sell some good versions of it(or for free,I think) But basically it is for people that want an OS for free or really cheap and customize it like no Windows or Mac OS can.

It's not for people that have low or average level computer knowledge.

Answer 6

East to use and learn also no programming required. When you install it say you want to use a dual boot system. Get Ubuntu linux. http://www.ubuntu.com/