linux

[ian60]

i would like to start where is the best place to go and wuts the best kind of linux

[mrhahn]

Depending on who you ask, you'll get a different definition of 'best kind' really. Each fills a certain need.

If you're looking to just try out Linux, I'd suggest getting a LiveCD. Basically you put the CD in and turn the computer on, and it boots into Linux. If you reboot and take the disc out, you're back in Windows. There's no messing about with installing, so it's good for playing about with Linux without committing.

A pretty popular distribution at the moment is Ubuntu since it's been designed with usability in mind. The LiveCD's available here.

[ian60]

thanks i would like to play around then move more seriously i would like to ask wut is the primary reason for linux

[mrhahn]

For some people they just don't like the way other Operating Systems (like Windows or Mac) work, look, run, etc. Others it's the ability to customise and remove everything from the system that you don't want (for example, in Linux you could completely remove wireless support if you didn't want it).

Still, the main use is in servers - for example the server that runs this site runs on Linux (RedHat to be precise). It's generally considered to be more stable, secure and efficient than the equivalent Windows products. Plus, it's free and open-source (so you can modify it in any way you like).

[ian60]

noobie is lost got cd in and u said i could run linux and windows by just switching disk in and out ok i go to linux screen when i put in disk do i want to install it or not

and ahhh how do i get it so like its permanetly on the computer as a alternetive os like wut are some cool things i can do with this i was also having a bit of trouble gettiing online from my desktop i have router and like i could not figure out how the netwrok stuff i have no idea wut i am doing please help