Can I put Linux on my computer?

I ordered the free cd which I haven't recieved yet. Do I have enough room to put it on? And if I do, would someone help me go through the cd with me to install it when the time comes.

I know nothing about computers and I don't understand computer language at all. Thanks for any help.

Here is my pc info:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
System Model Dimension 8200
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 4 GenuineIntel ~2386 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Dell Computer Corporation A08, 8/30/2002
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Total Physical Memory 256.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 46.18 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB

 

with the livecd use the guided partion option, you'll see it during the install, that will automatically calculate, resize and install new partitions so you can have a dual-boot system.. after that evrey boot will show you a choice of OS's to boot into, very handy indeed.

Be warned.. ubuntu 9.04 may lag abit with only 256mb of ram installed, and the livecd will take some time to load.

two real good links to check out are:\

http://www.osalt.com/ <-- OpenSource alternative to popular windows software for linux

http://www.linuxalt.com/ <-- similar as above

 

Hi Halo, Long time no chat.

Not sure on the disc. It said FREE and that's as far as I read LOL

I'll let you know when I get it and if I have problems with it.

We have highspeed cable connection. No problems with the cable network at all.

The boys aren't using the computer for games anymore-they are lost in texting. I had to get a new hard drive 2 months ago. Lost the files but they were not important files. I know enough to backup the important stuff.

My son uses Linux and Kubuntu and he really likes it. He's the smart one in the family. HAHA

As long as I have your attention, is there a way to increase the virtual memory or is it not necessary? I keep getting messages that vm is low. That's just places I visited online, correct?

Hope you have a great day and that's again for your help. J

 

As stated about Linux,256MB is a bit low.
And I'll lay odds that your Windows is also slow.
Both would benefit from an increase to 512MB, but 1GB would be even better.

 

I agree w/ hrlow2, you need at least 1gb of memory. Check your owners manuel in the glove compartment of your PC. The more the merrier.

 

yes should work as it did when you first bought the thing

from what i have experienced with linux distros in the last few months it seems anything will run on this system

if i were you i would take a distro chooser test to see what comes close to suiting you
http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

my favorites are
pclinuxos 2009.2 and 2009.1 also gnome edition (my most used distro)
ubuntu (most popular)
easy peasey (i know its meant for netbooks but computing couldn't be any easier with this one)

also on personal ipinion, i wouldn't suggest using opensuse when i tried it nothing worked with it and it is really demanding when it comes to system hardware and performance but should work fine on your computer (several essential programs aren't in the repositories though)