Linux

[str34m3r]

I've also heard that yellow-dog linux makes a good distro, though I don't have a Mac to try it out on.

[Valor]

I would definitely say to give Linux a try. Take preacherman's advice and go with Mandrake, it's very simple, and you should have no problems with it. If you've used Windows for a long time, I think you'll find the change as refreshing. I, personally, think it looks 10 times nicer than Windows, even in the command prompt mode. :-P

If you don't think you'll want to use a form of Linux consistently, again I'd say to at least give it a try so that you can know what we're all talking about, and have a little bit of experience running it.

[alittlebitnumb]

I think I may try it with dual boot. How easy is it to remove just incase say I dont like it or find it hard to use or some other reason? And how stable is it?

To uninstall Linux, it is like uninstalling any other OS. When you are on a dual-boot config, boot with a Win9x floppy and type from a command prompt: c:\>fdisk /mbr and should knock out the choices menu. Next, you should repartition with FDISK, and reformat back to whatever filesystem you were using before.

As for the stability, I have seen programs crash in KDE, but not in GNOME or Enightenment. The Preacher posted some cool shots, so I don't need to do that

Utimately, the choice to switch is going to be up to you. But take it from us: It's sweet

[kitain]

Hi,
Using this chance i would like to extend the question about linux.
I want to install a server running it, for DNS, e-mail and FTP.
Does linux support all of it right? How easy is to setup? mandrake should be the option for begginers?
Also regarding Apache, i understood that it runs under linux, is it correct?
Can the win and linux machines see each other over IP with no inconveniences? Does it use some similar concept as "microsoft domain"?

Thanks in advance,

[blackdragon]

Ok, thanks for the info on macs. I know about the OsX Unix base, but I am not running X. Good to know that Linux may be available for macs to.

[Phat_Penguin]

Mandrake rocks Very easy to set up and get running ....

I use it as a firewall/gateway on my home network.

Basically, it fetches my email and allows me to surf the Net when the Windows box is used by other members of the family.

Before I would set up any email, DNS, FTP, or web-server I would scour the Net and read up on security issues associated with running this services.

A swap to Linux from Windows means you have full control of the machine but along with that comes the responsibility of securing it - Mandrake (and some others) offer Bastille Firewall in the distribution which is a good start to locking the box down ... but by no means is it the be all and end all of the security process.

Good luck with which ever Linux you choose - you will be on a sharp, but enjoyable, learning curve. Try http://www.google.com/linux ..... Googles own linux related search engine, all the answers are out there

[Pandabean]

Well I think I will try it tonight when I come in from school.

Rewandythal I did a search for your tutorial but it didnt come up, I will look again manually later.

Thanx for the help


Just one final question. I have a partition already, if i uninstall linux will my files still be there (i take it they will) as alittlebitnumb said "and reformat back to whatever filesystem you were using before."

[alittlebitnumb]

Just one final question. I have a partition already, if i uninstall linux will my files still be there (i take it they will) as alittlebitnumb said "and reformat back to whatever filesystem you were using before."

Yes, your files will still be there, but as a word of caution, always, always, always make BACKUPS! It will really suck to have all your data gone cuz of a mistake... trust me, I have made my share of mistakes with Linux where I did stupid things thinking I knew what I was doing. Don't be like me ... haha.

Lastly, if you are going to be experimenting with OS's, I suggest investing in Partition Magic. It is very, very handy, and is not too expensive. Also, check out these how-to's if you have any more questions: Linux+Windows HOWTO and the Linux FAQ

I wish you the best of luck.

[frednirk]

- There are many different GUI interfaces
- It is better because more companies are using Linux and it is more recognized, plus its security and stability
- Security is really good
- not all but most work if you use WINE

[Pandabean]

ARGH! Never knew there were so many to choose from to download!!


What one do I download and do i write it to CD once its down?


Mandrake Linux 8.2 for i586 and higher
Mandrake Linux 8.2 ISO images mirrors for i586 and higher
Linux-Mandrake ISO image for IA64, Sparc, UltraSparc, Alpha, i486 processors
Mandrake Linux 8.2 ISO image for PPC.
MandrakeSecurity SNF for i586 and more.