New to linux

Hello, I accidentally stumbed across linux when i accidentally posted a thread here when I didnt mean to... and the person I spoke to seemed very positive with linux and have been thinking about giving it a go ever since...
I must say though, im a real computer amature & get scared when i see a black screen with writing on it etc.

The only reason I want to see what linux is like because I dont want to be forced to have to use windows - i've no idea how to use an Apple Mac and thought that Linux would be a great place to start as its free (? i think)

But to start off with, is it possible to install it in conjunction with windows? Because I dont want to take vista off (not that i'd know how to) and realsie that i dont like linux and that i cant get on with it.

Altho I must just state, I have a USB TV tuner and its essential that this works within Linux, because I record a lot of TV onto my laptop!

Is it as simple as downloading and installing something such as itunes?

 

I suggest you first download and use a Live DVD of your favourite Linux distribution. This will let you have hands on experience without actually installing anything on the hard disk, safe and easy. However, since everything is run from a DVD, performance will be slow, and none of the changes you make to the OS will be saved. But it is a good place to start for a complete beginner.

Linux driver support is very poor especially for non critical system components, therefore I’m not sure if you can get your TV tuner to work, but give it a try.

 

^To start with your last question; No, there is a lot more to it then just installing iTunes.
Having your USB TV tuner working isn't guaranteed.
You will have to divide your hard drive into two parts called partitions. One for Vista and one for Linux.
With Vista partitioner you can make a separate partition for Linux and install it there. This guide shows how.
With a linux Live CD you can run the whole OS and apps from memory without installing it.
Download this, burn it to a CD and try it first to see if you like it.
Read this article first and the above partition guide, before you decide to install linux.
Cheers.

 

Thanks you two, I'l get onto it!

 

Did you read the stickies in this forum?

 

I don't think stickies will ever work.

It's just human nature. Folks who are new to this need some confidence-building. They often need to have someone write back and say "You can do it, I did, here's how...". I know I needed moral support at first. Plowed right past useful stickies to ask dozens - OK, OK, hundreds - of newb questions.

I respect the folks who put effort into writing good guides that earn the distinction of being "stickied". The ones who used them, well, we probably don't hear from them if the stickies worked as intended...

 

To start, I recommend you have a look at the stickies on this forum.

Secondly, I suggest you look into Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a very friendly version of Linux that is easy to set up and is a great version to use for newbies to Linux. Based upon the comments you made I think you will find Ubuntu to meet all your needs. It is designed to be easy to use and comes preloaded with a lot of software that will let you do most basic tasks with a computer.

Third, you can download Ubuntu and burn it to a "LiveCD" If you put this CD in your computer and reboot it then you should be able to boot into Ubuntu from the disc. This will let you experiment with Linux and you can see if you'll like it.

Fourth, it is possible to "dual boot" with Vista which will let you boot either operating system. It is very easy to set this up though it takes a bit of work to get rid of it.

You will have to do a bit of tinkering with your computer. Ubuntu is very easy to use and I don't mean to scare you away but installing a new operating system is a major task on a computer. You will probably need to learn to do a few things you might not have done before. It is all easy but you will need to have some patience and be willing to do a bit of reading.

To start, you will want to make sure to back up your hard drive. Second, don't be afraid to ask questions. Most people here should be willing to help though sometimes this forum can be a bit slow. If you go with Ubuntu then you can ask questions on the Ubuntu Forums and usually get good responses.

In short - it is not as easy as just downloading and installing iTunes. You will have to do a little extra work.

In regards to your question about your device I would say, "Maybe" There are a lot of devices supported in Linux but you will need to test your device out to see if it works.

 

What TV tuner do you have? Many of the higher-end TV tuners work on Linux.

 

See if you can get Ubuntu or Fedora running on a USB stick, it will give you a better experience because I know I can't stand running off a DVD... its just too slow for me.

As for black screen with text on it, those days are pretty much over with most linux distributions. I know my parents use a linux install I setup for them a while ago and they have no problems (they are far from computer literate too I might add )

The only thing I think might confuse a person who is new to linux is partitioning. Make sure you backup all your important data and walk through it slowly, thats really the only part that can break your vista install.

 

I quite like my black screen with white text in place of usplash.

 

Init 3 is where the big boys play.

 

Its a pinnacle PCTV Nano stick (thats what it says on the box)
Sorry its been so long to respond, family crysis All sorted now though, will look into Ubuntu! Thanks all

 

The best advice I can give you is to read. Read everything, and make sure you know exactly what Linux is before going forward. There are plenty of good resources out there. Another tip is once and if you do decided that Linux is right for you, do not be afraid to dive in. Don't let being scared sway you from learning something new. If you back up your data what's the worst that can possibly happen? Most people will tell you that dual booting is the way to go and I totally disagree. The main reason is that once you hit a problem in Linux, you will want to run back to windows, instead of figuring out your problem. Force yourself to stick with it, and you will learn a lot faster.


A few good links to start you off

google.com
justlinux.com
linuxquestions.com