hello all. I have never even seen a linux os before nor know how one functions, so i decided that i would get my hands into it. So far ive downloaded the gparted live cd for partitioning, open suse 10.2, and i am debating on ubuntu. (not sure which would be best for a biginner linux user) im using xp pro currently and already have that partitioned so i can easily create a new partition to put the linux on.

However, i need to know a few things off the get go.
1). which linux would be best for a beginner to understand and catch onto.(im not illeterate with computers, but i have no knowledge on linux period)
2). how big should i make the partition for linux (i only want to play around with it, i wont really need storage space except for other programs that i may instal to try with it)
3). what file system should i format the partition. (i heard that it is vfat or something?)

Any other tips or important info that i should know before installing would be fantastic...thanks in advance

Hi

The procedure for Dual booting a Linux distro with XP is quite easy but difficult for someone whose not done it before.

The key is much reading beforehand.

The best Linux distro (flavor aka type) to get for a beginner is Ubuntu Dapper Drake (6.06) or even Edgy Eft (6.10), Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Fedora Core 5 or Mandriva 2007 IMO.

I would bank with Ubuntu as of my experiences its one of the easiest and best designed. Its the one I installed first to learn about Linux.

Linux systems need two partitions at minimum:

One of them is the Swap File or Pagefile partition you need. This should be twice the size of your RAM but no more than 1.5GB at max.

Second one will be for your install and where the programs etc will be installed. This could be any size but since Linux sofwtare is very small, having about 70 programs will not take anywhere near 15GB space. 10GB is more than enough and 20GB is what I would say max for a Linux install.

The file format for the Swap is already decided and chosen as "swap".
The file format for your install is Ext3 -- thats the default file format for Linux.

Download, burn, and run a Live CD or Desktop CD of one you prefer. Run this by booting your system off your CD (no need to install anything). It will give you the Linux distro working pretty full without having to install it, to test it out.
If your want to then install it as you like what you see, there will be an "Install" desktop icon to click which will start the installation process. GNOME Parted is also on there which will let you resize/create/delete your partitions.

You can download Ubuntu releases from here: http://www.ubuntu.com/products/GetUb...irect=download

I have 5 Linux distro's myself on one HDD. Had these for 2 months now and they're fab -- although if your looking for a Windows replacement, then you'll not find much similarity here. Also the software is totally different apart from some major ones. Because of it being Open Source, endless programs are available and being developed daily for it -- all free.

Here's a good read for a start (few pages): http://www.informit.com/articles/art...?p=414291&rl=1

Wow, thanks...You seem to kwow a bit about my situation. Do you mind replying back and forth to help? If thats cool then i need more of your opinion. I am currently downloading ubuntu 6.10, but would like to try out a live cd like you mentioned to try before installing. i dont want another windows, but something that looks nice and well designed. kind of a windows replacement but in a way something different...ya know what i mean, (i want a good look, with a different functioning style)

i think these are live cd's:

http://www.livecdlist.com/?pick=Linu...All&sort=&sm=1

couold you please look over them and let me know what you think are the top 2? Thanks so much for your help.

p.s. Just to confirm, i am using xp pro and plan on setting my drive up as a duel boot os....thanks again for your help

The LiveCD's for Ubuntu are in the link I gave before.

If you want Ubuntu Dapper Drake 6.06 LTS (Long Term Support), choose the Country, then under Desktop CD choose "PC (Intel x86) desktop CD". You will need at least 192MB of RAM to install from this CD.

See the release notes for known issues installing from this CD.

PC (Intel x86) desktop CD (direct Desktop CD download for Ubuntu 6.006)

Dual booting can cause many odd issues and for a beginner its fairly difficult and risky. I would suggest checking them out this way first and then installing on a spare HDD to get to grips with for about a month before actually Dual booting with an XP system. bear in mind, standard diagnostics (esp for Windows) are different and much more complicated on a dual boots system than on a standard.

The ISO image file will be about 698.4MB IIRC.

Sure go head and ask If I'm online I'll reply ASAP.