This site is created specifically for those of you that are contemplating a change to Linux from Windows and/or Mac and want to do or try out Linux in the easiest way possible. Many people have tried Linux and gave up due to a variety of reasons when they really didn't have to. Also, some people become discouraged before they even really start.
A simple step by step guide written by someone with experience would have saved them a lot of aggravation and made their Linux experience a whole lot more fun. Is Linux for everyone? Unfortunately, the answer is no, especially if a new user expects a different type of operating system with a different file structure to behave like Windows.
Linux is the name of an operating system file structure derived from the old UNIX platform and developed by Linus Torvalds. It is obtainable in the form of distributions. What defines these distributions is the package management system that they are derived from and used to install and maintain a Linux operating system. While Windows users are used to installing whole programs with a CD or downloads, the package management systems used for putting together a program in a Linux distribution is different but is also rather easy after you get used to it.
Your next step should be to evaluate your computing needs. In other words, what Windows applications do you use? Linux distributions come with a ton of free software that could suit most of your needs but you may have that one favorite financial program such as Quicken that will only work with a Windows emulator such as Crossover.
Next is planning on where to install your new Linux operating system. At this point you will certainly still want to keep your Windows install. You might want to consider installing a second hard drive. Unless you have at least 50 gigabytes of free space next to your Windows install, it may be the best option. In fact,
having a separate drive for each operating system is a good idea. If one drive fails as they can and do, you will still have the other one to use.
Maybe you have an older Win XP computer no longer in use. Many Linux distributions will run quite well on it.
A little more on dual booting two operating systems vs. changing hard drive boot order in the CMOS utility to switch between operating systems will be in anther article.
Right now you might just be itching to try out a Linux distribution before making any changes to your computer to see what it is all about. You will only have to change your boot order on startup, to boot from your CD drive, usually by pressing your Delete or F2 button a few times when you are prompted at the startup screen. From there, you can make your changes inside of the utility.
One of the best things about trying out Open Source software such as Linux is that it can cost very little or next to nothing to try out. You can even get live CD/DVDs to test on your computer, without altering anything on your computer. All that is required is a good internet connection and a CD burner capable of burning a CD or DVD in ISO format. Burning your download as an ISO image is important. Otherwise, you have just created a new coaster for your coffee table. You can get a free CD/DVD ISO burning utility here.
You may have to spend a little time to find a distribution that offers a live CD or maybe even want to try out a fresh install
of a Linux distribution.
For anyone new to Linux, I would highly suggest a new user friendly distro such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu which are the most popular and use the Debian packaging system.
You will find it all here at Distrowatch.com
NOTE:You may find that one distribution won't be compatible with some your
hardware, but another will run quite well. There will be a lot more on
this later.Have fun!
