advice needed on linux fot a total newbie

[Jabberwocky]

my two cents:

don't worry about security, all your hardware, or even being productive with linux for a while. you need to learn the basics first. Oblivious had the best idea, buy a beginners book, learn the commands, install something like suse or mandrake, and just learn how to use it. you have plenty of time to play with word processors and security later.

and remember not to be shy asking for help, it's not easy to begin with. good luck!

[pak]

If you have a broadband connection you may want to download the ISO images for the specific distro for free. you can find those here, although you won't recieve the very helpful book that comes with the boxed set.

Pak

[techtech]

Thanks Waterboy for posting this thread. I too have been wanting to cut the window's apron strings, and go for something more powerful, and reliable. Now with these links that the other members have provided, I too will strike out on my own and discover the new world that is Linux.

Also. . .again. . thanks to all the other members who have provided great links. .

We can do it together Waterboy!

[bimmer]

as all members know, i've turned my system from WinXP Pro to mandrake Linux 8.0
but the only mistake i've done was, not to leave a dual boot , what i did is , i deleted the windows totaly from my machine.
i think i'll get windows back with a dual boot for linux as well, till i get used to linux then.
suck the windowz sh1+ outta ma baby toshiba