Learning Linux

[GameChewer]

I would like to learn Linux i have heard wonderful things about the OS, but i have been too chicken to learn since it looked/sounded a little daunting. My questions are:

1. Where do i start?
2. Any forums that you know of?
3. Would the Purchase of Literature be too much, or would i just be better off finding a forum online?(great here we go with the never ending newbie cycle)

[sonikaccord]

Find a forum, its the quickest way to learn about linux. Tell them what your going to use it for, server, gaming, a/v editing, etc. Tell them what kind of cpu your using etc. They'll guide you in the right direction

[pwrusr]

There's also ALOT of different distrubions out there. www.linuxiso.org has lots of distros free for download
Before you even think about downloading, make sure you choose one that's right for your needs

[Accord R33]

I cant think of any place to "Start"

i guess you will want to become formiliar with at least the basic terminal functions (Linux is a much more console based OS than windows/Mac). But that doesnt mean it doesnt have a great GUI. GTK+ is really welld designed.

'ls' and 'cd' are your friends. ls is the equivilent of DOS' 'dir' command. and cd is the same as it is in windows..change directories. obviously thats only two of the HUNDREDS of commands in linux. It will honestly probably take a few YEARS to become super proficient at the bash prompt (sort of like the c:\ prompt in dos).

After you learn the basic console commands, you will want to start learning what it means to compile programs. One of Linux's stronges points is the ability to compile programs from SOURCE CODE. it keeps file size way down, and gives you complete control over your applications (Assuming you know how to edit them).

as a start in compiling, you will want to become formilliar with the 'make' command. Im not going to get into that now because its a fairly broad subject.

Once you are comfortable with the commands and compiling programs (which is easier than it sounds, its the equivilent to installing them on a windows machine). you might take a stab at installing linux. Most modern day Distros have great installers, its just as easy as installing windows. However there are some things that are different, especially if the distro you choose doesnt come with an automatic partitioner. I would use an old computer to start on, there are a lot of things you can screw up trying to dual boot linux and windows if its your first time. I would aslo suggest making sure you install it on a desktop for your first run, linux isnt all that Laptop friendly for beginners.

After all this its really your call. the best way to learn is to use it. I use it everyday at home and at work and i have learned to hate windows. The only reason i still have a windows partition on my computer is to play games.

The best part about linux is that just about everything is free of charge. So enjoy! If you need any help ill PM you my screen name.

EDIT: if you want to get started right away and dont want to risk screwing anthing up. download knoppix. www.knoppix.com

With that you can just pop the CD into your CD drive and it will boot its self up and you will have a fully functional linux OS with very little chance of messing up your Windows partition

[Clueless]

I'd tried ubuntu and like it a lot since it like using mac(desktop wise). With all linux distru, you have learn how to work "teriminal" which is like dos only cooler. But yea, only reason why I'm not using it is because I use too many window's programs that linux doesn't offer. But goto ubuntu.org to download it, I recomend it since it's user friendly(you'll need that!)...