Linux noob has questions...

I'm toying with the idea of installing Linux in a three-way boot setup on my 250gb HD with WinXP Pro SP2 (150gb), Vista Home Premium (60gb), and Linux (+/- 40gb). XP Pro will be my primary OS (obviously). I guess my questions are: which Linux do you guys suggest for a 100% Linux noob? I've used Knoppix maybe twice, so I pretty much know NOTHING about Linux. Where would I get the recommended version? Is it free? Hopefully I downloaded the Linux from a different thread, the PCLinuxOS, but haven't installed it yet. I'm waiting to get some input from folks who know Linux and can help a total noob in choosing a particular release and then maybe setting it up with drivers, internet, etc.... any links, help, ideas, or suggestions will be greatly appreciated! THANX!

hd2k

 

I've been using Fedora 6 as a Linux noob (it's free) and love it. That is one I would recommend. In another thread in this forum, this was recommended as a very friendly version http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=pclinuxos .
Haven't tried it yet but I hope to.

Edit: Here is the link to that thread http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=127062

 

Nice distro ---I give it a 2 thumbs up.

My distro of choice besides, I like there tag line (PCLinux OS The distro hopper stopper!)
Perfect for the first timer (better than ubuntu) shrinks the windows partition and installs itself to the HD or you can just use it from the live cd(noticeably slower)
This may help you
http://www.mypclinuxos.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=6


leavewindowsforever

 

Yup- that's the one I downloaded and haven't installed yet. I'm still backing up all my stuff in my XP Pro install (movies, music, misc downloads, etc) so I can wipe the HD, repartition it, and reload.
What do you mean by "it shrinks the Windows partition"??? Also, in a dual boot (or triple boot: XP, Vista, Linux), what should I install on the first partition? I've read that I should put XP on the 1st partition, Vista on the 2nd, and Linux on the 3rd....

hd2k

 

@ hopperdave2000


When you choose to install from the cd to your HD it (pclos cd)will look at the HD and find free space that windows is not currently using --shrinks or separates an area for Linux (does not delete windows data) then proceeds with the install.

Yes you should have windows installed first (as it seems to think it owns your MBR and does not like to play with other os)

I like the idea of backing up all essentials and just starting a clean install.



UnplugfromthecollectiveuseLinux