Thinking about switching to linux

[Blazer06]

But im gonig to need help pretty much every step of the way!

First off, System Specification:
Current O/S: Windows XP (would like to keep installed... or reinstall)
HDD1: 15GB
HDD2: 7GB
CD-ROM1: Generic
CD-ROM2: DVD-RW Drive.
Speakers/Sound Card: USB, Link
PROC: AMD Athlon 750mhz
RAM: 256MB
Keyboard: IBM USB HUB
Mouse: Logitech Optical USB
Printer: Lexmark i3

Software that I would like to keep / be able to use (in Linux)
Microsoft Office 2000: Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Access, Publisher*
Windows Media Player (or equivilant)*
IMesh*
Flash MX
All of MP3 Explorer
NetBeans IDE 3.5.1*
Eclipse*
Visual Studio 6.0*
Quicken 2001 Basic
AOL Instant Messanger
Pop-Up Stopper Free Edition
Pov-Ray for Windows
Triple Play Plus Japanese

GAMES:
Ghost Recon
Morrowind
Stepmania
Ivalice (online MUD)
Need for Speed Hot Pursiut 2

*Programs with a star I am willing to be able to use in a windows enviroment, or use an equivilant program

My overview plan: I want to be able to play games, develop software, code html and xml, watch movies, render graphics and animations.

I know there are several versions of Linux avalible and mabye from what I've told you you can help me pick one. Eventually I would like to completely get rid of Windows. Also... if everys things kosher, then I would like to do the switch within 6 days... because my version of Windows is running out.

I will need pretty much step by step instuctions on how to do this.

Thanks in advance,


Blaze

[eagle1]

First of, you will NOT BE ABLE TO QUIT WINDOWS COMPLETELY if you really like to play a lot of games and if you use Microsoft made applications like: Microsoft Office and Visual Studio.

Linux does have a couple of very good Office suites that are pretty good and are compatible with MS formats but about running the games and Visual ... not a chance.

You can always Dual-Boot your computer so that you have the best of both worlds. I have heard a lot of wonderful things about Suse9 but I've been using Red Hat all of these years so I would recommend Red Hat 9.

you will not be able to switch over in 6 days. there is over a jillion commands and even with a GUI there is still a learning curve.

I reccomend getting suse 9 to start off with tho or Mandrake

along with that to get all the software working there is no step by step instruction. linux doesnt really per say have an offical website for support.

[Blazer06]

okay well since im upgraded this week it does really matter how long it takes since ill ave 2 other computers to test it on.


Blaze

[herura]

The single best answer to your question is to join a local user group. Most LUG's (linux user group) have "installfests" where newbies bring their hardware to the meeting and a linux geek will install the OS for you. They will also be able to provide support as well, but understand that it is a two way street. Once you have become proficent at Linux you will be expected to pass it on. To locate a LUG go to any linux distro web site and there should be links for local LUG's. Red Hat probably has the best list, so try there first.

Good Luck!

[SKYLINEGTR33MWJ]

dude, being a newbie really isn't that bad! you're talking to one!!

i started off with anger towards windows cuz it would always fail and twice deleted my entire collection of music and video, took me years to build. for windows to make it dissapear in a split second.

point is that, linux really sin't that hard. i admit it, im a linux newbie.... the only commands i know of the jillion mentioned here are.. REBOOT... HALT.... "CD into a Directory" hahahah

oh well, the real problem(s) i have with linux is "compatibility" a real example of this is... I bought a printer today and its gonna be a bit**** to get to work on linux.

another problem with linux is..... i have no problem with linux other than that. OH yeah
one program that i really want... but wine wont make it work for me... "tracktor dj"

my oppinion.... go for it !... linux is great, its fun*






*if you like complicated things