I'm a windows user looking to free myself of the motherland. What is the easiest Linux Environment to ease myself away from windows with? I already use firefox, openoffice, and trillian. Programs which I have been told would work on linux and will help my transition. So, Which version/build/whatever(preferably free) of linux do you guys think is the easiest for someone who is mostly oblivious to use when coming from a windows environment?
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Anonymous2005-07-26 14:18
I always recommend Ubuntu to new users. Comes with OOo, Firefox, Gaim and a bunch of other essentials out of the box. It's easy to install more packages as you need.
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Anonymous2005-07-26 15:30
>>1 If you have >256 megs of ram, you might want to look at using knoppix. it's a full-fledged linux installation, complete with web browers, media player(s), a couple of games and a graphical user interface.
Best of all, it all runs from CD so any time you get frustrated with it you can simply log out, pull the cd out of the tray after it ejects and then reboot back into windows.
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Anonymous2005-07-26 16:28
I want to start using bootable Linux, but I use wireless net (Pavilion zd7000 laptop); how can I get the driver for the card?
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Anonymous2005-07-26 17:39
Thanks alot guys, I think I'll install Ubuntu on the spare computer i have lying around and use knoppix when im at work on my laptop to help me get more used to it. The help is very appreciated.
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Anonymous2005-07-26 21:21
Yes, Debian packages are even easier than RPM's. [K]Ubuntu, Knoptix, and Debian (a little dated) are great solutions. I sudjest staying away from unstable packages right now. There is a major conflict between two versions of a spelling library that can affectivly break Kde and other programs.
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Anonymous2005-07-26 22:29
I wish there was a device hooked to the computer that'd kick a user in the nards every time they used marketspeak.
In this case, "solutions".
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Anonymous2005-07-27 2:42
I use Gentoo, but you might not want to try it if you're a brand-new Linux user. Still, if you want to try it, you can't beat it for choice and speed (and 64-bit support).
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Anonymous2005-07-27 6:16
>>4
There may or may not be a Linux driver for your wireless card. Google will help you find out. If not, all is not lost as ndiswrapper is able to use Windows drivers for wireless cards. That's about all the info I can give since I've tried it myself.