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General discussion

switch from xp?

by AndrewXtreme Sep 5, 2008 1:50AM PDT

Hey guys I have only recently begun to find out cool stuff to do with my computer. My question is can someone who doesn't know a whole lot about computers or command codes switch from windows to Linux? I here such good things about this operating system and the customization available. Would I be in over my head to get Linux with no real computer programming experience. Is this operating system for the pros only or can amateurs manage it? thanks guys

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2 Posts
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Dive in and try the shallow end of the pool first.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 5, 2008 1:59AM PDT

Here's how. Go to google.com and type LIVECD LINUX. Now you find Ubunta and all those others that you can boot off a CD so you can see if any make sense to you and if they work with your machine.

Since none touch your hard disk unless you install it to that, you can play and learn about Linux without risk to your machine.
Bob

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Just Another Way To Get Started
by Sport Pilot Sep 5, 2008 3:44AM PDT

The one thing that separates Linux Operating Systems from the rest, is their method of support.

Go to http://distrowatch.com/ look through the list of top one hundred distributions (Distro) and click on one. Read the reviews, goto the web site or just download the .iso file to your desktop right from the distrowatch site (this may take several hours to download). Most CD write programs will recognize the .iso file as a bootable and automatically start the CD burning program when you double click on it, just follow direction from there.

What makes linux so preferred is the support is endless and thorough..... Most every Distro has a "forum". Find the search line and type in any specific question or word referencing your question. Best example is the model of your computer if after a number of searches you don't find your computer. Register and start a new thread in the hardware category asking the friendly forum people if your computer accepts the Operating System..... You'll be amazed at how many people want to help get you started "We be a friendly and proud community over here" especially the PCLinuxOS people.

P.S. Open Source Operating System's are very much like the one you've been using.... just more options, controls and programs.

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