I want to try linux....

[PsychoDad]

I have no Idea what I'm doing... I need something very user friendly
What version should I try?

Thanks in advance :)

[david_vincent]

1. Unfortunately, you need to be more specific

about how knowledgeable you are - or care to be.
You need "very" user friendly? Lindows gets good
reviews.
Xandros, Lycoris, and Ark Linux are also good choices
for a novice.

[PsychoDad]

5. I know a little...

I can install, format a hard drive and install a windows OS :silly: Been tinkering with computers for a few years now... I'm not adverse to learning more.

I guess what I want to know is how easy is installation compared to installing win 95 or xp? And I guess I want a balance between ease of use and best functionality.

I'm completly new to the Linux world, so I have no idea what to expect. Sorry if I sound completly stupid :silly:

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. Go for it!

Linux frickin' ROCKS!

But if you don't know what you're doing, I'd suggest you install it on an older machine first, and keep a Windows (or mac, whatever you use) computer still functional.

And linux doesn't need a mega-bitchin' computer to work incredibly well, so even an old 486 will thrive.

[PsychoDad]

6. an old 486

Cool, I have a couple of those gathering dust along with an old pentium pro. Would like to play around with it first, and if it breathes new life into the 486's that would be great :)

[4morewars]

3. I started with Mandrake

and it went well for me, but I don't know how much experience you have with 'puters in general, also I spent weeks (literally) reading and talking with other techies.

but here's a good place to start:
www.linux.org/

Redhat is also very popular, good luck !!!
:argh:

[mhr]

4. Linux Mandrake Is The Easiest To Install And Use

I am typing this on Linux using the Mandrake ditribution.

Link here

www.mandrakelinux.com/en-us/

Distribution information here

www.distrowatch.org

[POed_Ex_Repub]

7. Careful, it's a gateway OS

Before you know you'll be a hardcore open source user. ;)

[Rabrrrrrr]

8. and the next step after that is plastic pocket protectors

and cases of Coke being delivered late at night. Along with PALLETS of Cheeze Doodlez.