most noob friendly version of linux

well,

i kinda wanna try out linux.

Can someone point me in the direction of the most noob friendly, and easiest version out there.

Also, are there any that will install on a fat32 partition that is already fairly empty?

i know for a fact that dmorris knows his shit when it comes to linux.

Ubuntu (You'bin'two)

http//www.ubuntu.com[]http//www.ubuntu.com

or

Fedora Core 5

http//fedora.redhat.com[]http//fedora.redhat.com

Ubuntu has Live CD/Install CD in one CD... So you can try it out, and if you want to install it, it's as simple as double clicking Install Ubuntu on the Live CD Desktop.

Fedora in my book...

thankx hex, im installin it right now.


+karmo

For full-blown distributions, I would recommend the same two that h3x did FC5 or Ubuntu/Kubuntu (Ubuntu if you like Gnome, Kubuntu for KDE). )

There are some smaller distributions (like Damn Small Linux) and several Live distributions that boot & run from a CD/DVD without installation (great for trying things out) like Knoppix, Fedora Live, etc., and then there are those geared to transition newbies away from Windows, such as Linux XP and Xandros.

I've always wanted to have a Linux machine to learn on, but the one I did try to install the hard drive controllers on the motherboard fried (non software related problem). So if I chose Ubuntu, I wouldn't be overwriting my current operating system and it would work like program on the computer?

Ubuntu does have a Live CD that you can use. It runs totally off the CD and does not do anything to your current OS.

Hmm, does that have a built-in web browser?

[quote864d71b7d8="Tholek"]Hmm, does that have a built-in web browser?[/quote864d71b7d8]
What, Ubuntu Live? Yes, it has Firefox. And Gimp, and Evolution, and OpenOffice, and just about every other popular Linux app on it. However it will boot and run like a dog since it's running from CD/DVD media. It's good for trying things out but not for getting serious work done due to the I/O speed. It does create a RAMdisk for scratch writing and to cache stuff to help performance, but it's still painfully slow to me.

Not saying it's unuseable -- for what it's designed for, it's great. I just wouldn't want any Linux n00bs to think an installed Linux distro would run that poorly. ;)

I aksed, because I wanted something to run like WinXP PE. (I could never get that to work though)

[quoted19b6b35d0="Tholek"]I aksed, because I wanted something to run like WinXP PE. (I could never get that to work though)[/quoted19b6b35d0]
Well, I'd say it runs about as well as PE, but it's a lot more useful in the sense that it has a ton of apps outta the box. )

Nice. I might get a copy. )

I'm thinking of running Ubuntu on an old Dell just for the hell of it. Any other Linux noobs try this out?

Would it be safe to install it on a partition as opposed to a completely wiped out seperate HDD?

[quoted6286f5b38="theysayjump"]Would it be safe to install it on a partition as opposed to a completely wiped out seperate HDD?[/quoted6286f5b38]

You talking about Ubuntu? I'm just going to run the live CD over Windows XP I suppose? I got the impression you could do that to try it out but maybe I'm just a Linux nub?

[quote3bca293150="theysayjump"]Would it be safe to install it on a partition as opposed to a completely wiped out seperate HDD?[/quote3bca293150]
Yes, but you have to be careful or you'll wipe out your Windows boot record, leaving Windows unbootable. The only other problem is if this is an older system with a BIOS that only allows bootable partitions within the first 1023 cylinders (8GB), if so your Linux boot partition will have to go there unless you want to boot from a floppy. BTW you'll actually install Linux to multiple partitions, so if you've already created the additional partition, you'll delete it during the install to free it back up, then re-partition from there. Just be sure to leave your Windows partition alone!

Go here for info on dual-booting Windows + Linux using GRUB

http//www.geocities.com/epark/linux/grub-w2k-HOWTO.html

Be advised some distributions still use LILO as a boot manager, in that case you'll need to Google for a LILO dual-boot how-to. GRUB is recommended, however.

Here's a video tutorial on dual booting Windows + Ubuntu (point and laugh at the geeks!)

http//video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6104490811311898236

Keep in mind with dual booting that if you're running NTFS on Windows (as you should), you should not plan to share data between Linux and Windows filesystems. Linux NTFS support is experimental, and writing to NTFS is still risky. If you must share a filesystem, it should be FAT32.

[quote3bca293150="JKirk"]You talking about Ubuntu? I'm just going to run the live CD over Windows XP I suppose? I got the impression you could do that to try it out but maybe I'm just a Linux nub?[/quote3bca293150]
Yes, you can boot & run the Live CD without touching your Windows install. It runs strictly from the CD and a dynamic RAMdisk.

Well I was going to install it on a seperate drive from my Windows installation. I have files and stuff on it but don't want to risk losing them, so partitioning it on a storage drive keep my files safe?

If so, how much space should I allocate to Ubuntu for it to run smoothely?

Also David, in regards to your point about data sharing between Windows and Linux, what exactly do you mean? Actually using files (music, movies, games etc) that I have on Windows on my Linux install?

[quotec333ee3e92="theysayjump"]Well I was going to install it on a seperate drive from my Windows installation. I have files and stuff on it but don't want to risk losing them, so partitioning it on a storage drive keep my files safe?

If so, how much space should I allocate to Ubuntu for it to run smoothely?

Also David, in regards to your point about data sharing between Windows and Linux, what exactly do you mean? Actually using files (music, movies, games etc) that I have on Windows on my Linux install?[/quotec333ee3e92]

If you run the GUI installation of Ubuntu, it should automatically add Windows as an entry for Grub when it's at the Bootloader stage of installation. Also, Ubuntu can automatically set up partitions and their sizes for you (only if you're going to erase the whole disk or install it on a seperate HDD).

You want at least 1 (ext3) partition and 1 (swap). For the swap partition, a good rule of thumb is make it 2x the amount of RAM that's in the machine... So lets say you have 512 MB of ram, make the swap partition 1,024 MB (1 gig). But it should [bc333ee3e92]at least[/bc333ee3e92] be the size of the RAM... I would just double it for safe measure.

As for data sharing... I would only use your NTFS (Windows) partition for read-only if you absolutely need to use it. But don't write to the partition or you can screw things up pretty badly... I don't even think Write access to NTFS is enabled by default, you usually have to change that in the kernel to do that...

You can install to a separate drive (ideally) or on separate partions(s) on your existing Windows drive. If you already partitioned 100% of the drive for Windows, you'll have to use something like Partition Magic to resize your Windows partition, leaving enough free space for Linux. When Linux installs, you can either choose your partition scheme, or let the installer choose a default scheme (I recommend the latter if you're just starting out, but later if you use Linux long-term you'll probably want to make adjustments).

Space requirements depend on how much you choose to install. A full Ubuntu Breezy install will probably take 6-8GB, plus you need space for your own files and any additional software you install. Unless you intend to move over a multi-gig music or video library, you can get by with a 10-15GB partition to start with. If you have the space, I'd recommend a minimum 30GB.

Yes, when I mention sharing data, I mean sharing one set of files between Windows and Linux on the local system, when using NTFS. Linux does not natively read (nor safely write) NTFS volumes currently -- NTFS support is experimental and writing could lead to data loss, so I wouldn't use it for accessing critical Windows drives/partitions. Now if you have a separate machine with a drive/folder shared across the network, that's fine -- nearly all Linux distributions (including Ubuntu) come with Samba to access Windows networks.

But on the same physical box in a dual-boot configuration, it's not a good idea to share local filesystems unless your Windows filesystem is FAT32 (which is natively supported under Linux).

Well I have Windows on one drive, a seperate 40gb drive with private, non shared files (porn) on, and another seperate 250gb storage drive with all my music, movies, games, pictures etc on.

I planned to install Ubuntu onto the 40gb drive. It currently has 26.3gb's left.

[quote3b935bb693="theysayjump"]Well I have Windows on one drive, a seperate 40gb drive with private, non shared files (porn) on, and another seperate 250gb storage drive with all my music, movies, games, pictures etc on.

I planned to install Ubuntu onto the 40gb drive. It currently has 26.3gb's left.[/quote3b935bb693]

13.7 gigs of porn? Damn, you're a serious horndog.

If I were you, I'd just backup your porn to 4 DVDs and just start fresh on the seperate 40 gig and let Ubuntu installer assign partitions and their sizes for you... Then when installation is complete you'll have the GRUB bootloader with Linux and Windows... Then check out http//www.ubuntuguide.org for guides to just about everything (including setting Windows as the default OS to boot in case you just want to fool around with Linux and still use Windows as the primary OS).

Wow, seriously, Linux is damn fast. I'm just running the Live CD and I'm loading this site really fast. I'm using the same Internet and doing the same stuff I do when I'm using Windows it's loading really fast. I'm really liking the interface as well.shock

EDIT Anyone know where a real easy-to-use guide is that can help me set up my laptop to dual boat Windows and Linux? I know h3x posted a link above but I don't know where to start honestly and I looked for the term "dual boot" but I couldn't find it. +KMA

I'm downloading the Live CD (Ithink) right now of Ubuntu. I hope I don't screw up lol

[quote53ac07c8f5="johnjimjones"]I'm downloading the Live CD (Ithink) right now of Ubuntu. I hope I don't screw up lol[/quote53ac07c8f5]

It's easy. They have a guide on the install page for Ubuntu on how to burn a ISO using MacOSX. (You are on a Mac, right?) Then, you just insert, restart your computer then on the first page just press 1. It takes a while for everything to set up but then it's really cool. Anyone know any good guides for dualbooting Linux with XP if that's even possible? )

[quote41fdd7ca72="JKirk"][quote41fdd7ca72="johnjimjones"]I'm downloading the Live CD (Ithink) right now of Ubuntu. I hope I don't screw up lol[/quote41fdd7ca72]

It's easy. They have a guide on the install page for Ubuntu on how to burn a ISO using MacOSX. (You are on a Mac, right?) Then, you just insert, restart your computer then on the first page just press 1. It takes a while for everything to set up but then it's really cool. Anyone know any good guides for dualbooting Linux with XP if that's even possible? )[/quote41fdd7ca72]

Mac? lol no. I know how to burn to an ISO since I have DAEMON Tools to do it so that shouldn't be a problem.

I actually installed Ubuntu a few hours ago on a seperate drive of it's own.

It's pretty sweet, however I can't get my network to work. I'm surprised it doesn't come packaged with VLC though.

No time atm, but I'll be taking another crack at a Linux install in the near future too. The bootable disk-based version I was interested in was purely for use on other PCs I had access too.

[quotea724939ae7="dmorris68"]Space requirements depend on how much you choose to install. A full Ubuntu Breezy install will probably take 6-8GB, plus you need space for your own files and any additional software you install. Unless you intend to move over a multi-gig music or video library, you can get by with a 10-15GB partition to start with. If you have the space, I'd recommend a minimum 30GB.[/quotea724939ae7]

Of all the varieties of Linux, would you say that has the lowest disk space usage of them? I once tried to do an install years ago to a 2GB Jaz disk, and that had really gone pear shaped. ;)

[quote915a84175a="Tholek"]Of all the varieties of Linux, would you say that has the lowest disk space usage of them? I once tried to do an install years ago to a 2GB Jaz disk, and that had really gone pear shaped. ;)[/quote915a84175a]
There are many small-footprint distros. Damn Small Linux is a popular one, and is lireallyli small (50MB).

http//www.damnsmalllinux.org

Actually, just about any distro -- including Fedora and Ubuntu -- can be minimally installed as well, although the real beauty and functionality of those distros come from their completeness.

If you're the patient type, Gentoo is also an option because you basically build your own distribution yourself from the kernel up.

BTW Fedora Core 6 was just released today. ;)

Thanks. +KMA

ugh still downloading Ubuntu, stupid server speed.

the torrent went pretty quick for me.

[quote01f1697de6="johnjimjones"]ugh still downloading Ubuntu, stupid server speed.[/quote01f1697de6]

It was slow for me too, just pause it and enjoy fast loading times and then resume when you go to sleep.

wtf, I mounted the image and rebooted, but nothing happened.

[quote287ac89035="johnjimjones"]wtf, I mounted the image and rebooted, but nothing happened.[/quote287ac89035]
Make sure your BIOS is set to boot from optical drive?

[quotefd72187bf4="dmorris68"][quotefd72187bf4="johnjimjones"]wtf, I mounted the image and rebooted, but nothing happened.[/quotefd72187bf4]
Make sure your BIOS is set to boot from optical drive?[/quotefd72187bf4]

heh yeah, I didn't tell it to boot from disc.

that didn't work, when I restarted, I hit F12 to access the boot menu and then told it to boot from the CD Drive and after I did that Windows XP loaded....

I've used Ubuntu, Kubuntu and SuSE linux. They were all very easy to install and I like all three. I would reccomend Kubuntu or SuSE though, because I prefer the KDE desktop enviroment over GNOME, which Ubuntu runs on. It's all a matter of preference though.

[quoteb40eafe4eb="johnjimjones"]that didn't work, when I restarted, I hit F12 to access the boot menu and then told it to boot from the CD Drive and after I did that Windows XP loaded....[/quoteb40eafe4eb]

oh.....so I have to actually have to burn a CD for this to work? I would have thought that I could just mount the image.....

ok i gots a few questions.

Well 1st of all,

I think i got the nvidia driver for my card installed,

now how do i get it to render via the hardware instead of openGL (like directX but linux style)

and how do i mount my other HDs, so that I can view the files on Ubuntu.

[quote651eb2f6ef="johnjimjones"][quote651eb2f6ef="johnjimjones"]that didn't work, when I restarted, I hit F12 to access the boot menu and then told it to boot from the CD Drive and after I did that Windows XP loaded....[/quote651eb2f6ef]

oh.....so I have to actually have to burn a CD for this to work? I would have thought that I could just mount the image.....[/quote651eb2f6ef]
LOL. lol

Of course you have to burn a CD, how do you think you're going to boot from a "mounted" image file? n00b. P

And I was wondering when you said "mounted the image." I figured you just meant you loaded the CD/DVD. )

I used MS VPC 2004 to try to install it first, but the window was too small. However, now that I have it installed, I can't change any of the options under Administration or Administrator.

crap.....this won't work then, where the hell am I going to get a blank CD lol

[quoteb88f8b03fb="johnjimjones"]crap.....this won't work then, where the hell am I going to get a blank CD lol[/quoteb88f8b03fb]
Umm... from the store? P

TSJ brings up a good point, which is funny that it escaped me since I do it all the time. oops

Download MS VirtualPC 2004 or VMWare Server (both are now free) and fire it up in a VM. Then you can mount an ISO image and "boot" from that. It will also allow you to install and run inside Windows, although performance will suffer unless you're running on a beefy box. However it will give you an easy way to try a distro without dual booting or running a Live version.