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    Linux Question

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by DaGreek, Feb 26, 2005.

  1. DaGreek

    DaGreek Notebook Evangelist

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    Hey everyone, I am considering adding linux to my system to make it a dual boot notebook. I'd like some advice on what version of Linux that is free is most functional and maybe some info on the ones you pay for also. I am an IT major and personaly never used linux so I'd like to expose myself to it and learn more about it. Please just share your general options on it and what versions are stable and represent Linux as a whole.

    Compaq R3000T (CTO)
    P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
    2 X 1024MB RAM
    Radeon 9600 128MB
    60GB 7,200RPM HD
    AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115
     
    DaGreek, Feb 26, 2005
    #1
  2. DougK

    DougK Notebook Enthusiast

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    Probably the first thing you may want to look into is if your school supports any distro in particular, and if they have any versions available (either on disk or via FTP) Most dirstros are freely available, and most have commercial versions as well. The big benefit of commercial versions is they can include software and drivers not included in the free download versions. I personally like Mandrake, and currently run Mandrake Linux 10.1. It has a really good installer and is pretty good about being able to get things working out of the box. One thing to be aware of is that brand new hardware won't always work, as drivers have to be developed in many cases (manufacturers don't develop drivers, so users are on their own) If you aren't sure you want to commit to dual-booting, you can try a live CD such as Knoppix or MandrakeMove (I prefer Knoppix) and see what works and what needs work.
     
    DougK, Mar 8, 2005
    #2
  3. DaGreek

    DaGreek Notebook Evangelist

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    Thank you for the suggestions. Now that I have some version names to work with I can do search for them and read more about them. I'll ask around at my college but on the free software list I've seen there's no Linux.

    Compaq R3000T (CTO)
    P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
    2 X 1024MB RAM
    Radeon 9600 128MB
    60GB 7,200RPM HD
    AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115
     
    DaGreek, Mar 8, 2005
    #3