Linux Noob !!!

[magicz69]

Can i install linux straight or do i needa uninstall xp den install linux... and do i needa partition my hd for linux ? and wads the diff between linux and win ... which is more user frenly ?

[thronka]

you can install linux with xp installed. Linux isnt the best user friendly because you need some command line "brotherhood" experience. But the friendliness is getting better with the development of KDE and GNOME (2 desktops you can use; examples) The best place to start is get an older pc for around 40 bucks that can run the GUI and get a book that helps you with commands and how to use it.

Obviously the best thing to do is crash it a few times to understand it and also... RTHT (Read the How To's)

[krohnjw]

Leave HD space unpartitioned and the linux installer will pick it up.
You will want to install linux AFTER you isntall XP so that XP will not overwrite the bot loader.
There are lot's of differences between linux and windows, you will see that as you use it more. The filesystem is completely different, structure wise. That will take a bit of getting used to. However, IMO it makes much more sense and is easier to work with than windows.
I would NOT suggest getting a cheap computer to use linux on when you can easily dual boot or boot a Live eval CD and get a real working desktop instead of some machine with 32Mb of ram that runs KDE like a crippled dog.

My suggestion is to download Mandrake 10.0. It is by far the most user friendly distro I have used. The Mandrake Control Center (ie control panel and more) allows administration of the system and software management. Urpmi allows internet retriveval of software, and the install is a breeze.
KDE 3.2 is fast and very friendly. If my girlfriend can use it without even knowing how to manage a windows machine, anyone can get used to it.
Ask a lot of questions and dont let yourself get frustrated. There is a bit of a learning curve, but once you get past that it really becomes quite simple. There are lots of internet resources and resources in print that will help you learn how you use your machine well, outside of the GUI tools.

[HeadBand]

the boot loader (for mandrake atleast) will let you create partitions for linux in your free disk space if you don't have any extra unpartitioned space

[krohnjw]

No, LILO or Grub is the boot loader, it merely allows you to decide which OS to boot POST-installation.

The installer will allow you to create partitions.

[paul9]

think headband may mean the installer.