need instructions for setup of linux

[eminem_rh25]

i have XP on my laptop and i built a new system.

i dont wanna buy another XP or pirate it.

i was looking at linux but ive never really used it before. i found XPde that makes linux look like windows xp or longhorn. how would i install linux (which is the best destrubution of it) then install XPde so i have the look of Windows XP.

this is new to me cause ive used windows since 95 came out so thanks for the help in advance

another question: can linux play MP3s?

[Shabow]

I am not a linux guy.... but Linux can play MP3's.

Linux Operating Systems: Lindows, Redhat, there are many and I think one of them is a bootable OS so you can load it on a CD and not install a thing so you can try Linux out and see if you like it..... can't remember what it's called though.

But, just be prepared becuase you might need to study up on Linux commands a little because you will need them.

[eminem_rh25]

i have tried the linux on cd its called knoppix. it was ok but i want the XPde on my desktop

[Shabow]

Well then just get a hard drive based linux OS like the two I listed which both are pretty respectable.

[teengeek88]

http://linuxiso.org/distro.php?distro=2

you would want the 9.0 live-eval

[StealthyV]

the Linux forum at Techimo holds a wealth of knowledge from our informed TechIMO user base. you can search the archives within this forum on topics such as the most user-friendly distro of Linux, and help with networking using Linux, etc.

knoppix is great, especially if you just want a taste of what Linux can offer, without committing your machine to permanent changes. it runs entirely from cd-rom, and uses your available system memory as a virtual hard drive. of course, you'll want a fast cd-rom drive and more than 64mb system RAM to run Knoppix.

XMMS is a popular Linux-based mp3/Ogg Vorbis media player.

I originally came to Techimo one year ago because I specifically had trouble with Linux...Red Hat 8.0 to be exact. after much troubleshooting and suggestions from readers, it was determined that Bad RAM was the source of my problems. I digress...

I hope I have been of some assistance!

~Branson