Considering Linux but a couple questions first...

First of all, I am a complete noob to linux. I want to install it on my HP Pavilion a6235x, but before I do so I just want to ask a couple things. First of all, where would I look to find the drivers, or would they come with the linux installation? And also, what would be a good linux OS to start with (a friend recommended Ubuntu).

Motherboard: MCP61PM-HM
Video Card: Radeon HD 2400

Thanks in advance!

 

most flavours of linux come pre-installed with most of the things you will need and will automatically detect your hardware,

best way of testing linux is the live cd way, it runs from cd via your memory with no install

couple of sites to look through

http://distrowatch.com/

http://www.livecdlist.com/?pick=All&showonly=Desktop


ubuntu is probably a good starter as it seems to have the most users, personaly i would recommend mandriva - both have live cd options

 

Good system, here is info from NewEgg

You can try Ubuntu as a Live Session. Make sure you have the 8.10 Version, and boot with CD in the drive. If you like it, click on install on the desktop and Ubuntu will in 6 easy steps even move windows to one side for you to have dual boot.

Let us know if you encounter any difficulty.

I have not used Mandriva in a few years, but Hawklord is right, their live CD is available also. If you have a friend using Ubuntu, he would more easily help if you install Ubuntu.

 

As a Windows convert I would say go with a KDE version for starters, as it is similar to the Windows XP graphic user interface. Personally have tried at least 25 distros, probably closer to 50. Kubuntu is well supported and definitely worth a try. My preference is PCLinuxOS, am using the 2008MiniMe version after updating its kernel. I like this disto due to it ease of use, and mainly its ease of set up to access the internet via a wireless router using the wireless cards Windows driver. There is also a TinyME version of PCLOS similar to Puppy Linux in size and ease of use on older systems. If you are going to use a dual boot configuration with Windows do a bit of reading first, and backup Windows if at all possible. Above all don't get discouraged, there is a lot of help available on line, and it is well worth the hassles once the ball starts rolling. Happy Hunting :major
Bug

 

Hey thanks for the answers everyone. I decided to go with Ubuntu 8.10 and have been loving it so far. Had a couple problems so far but thanks to google everything is working perfectly atm. I think I've had more fun simply making linux do things that windows just does for you than actually utilizing them (Time spent installing/updating/configuring WoW.... atleast 6 hours (not counting the updates that happened while I went to work)... Time spent playing wow.... maybe and hour, lol). Looking forward to seeing what all this can do!

 

Post the errors and maybe we can help you find a solution.

Glad you found the fun quotient can be exceeded!