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General discussion

Using Linux for the first time.......

Oct 15, 2005 11:47PM PDT

Hello,

I have a dell dimension desktop that is currently not working. The specs are:

Intel p4 1.8ghz
256 mb ram
40gb hdd
windows xp home
cdrom
floppy
It is made by the worst brand, DELL!

I can load windows but then comes to a black screen. My Bios says that there is an error on the hdd. Can I still install Linux on this system? If so,
how would I get into the bios of a Dell Desktop. I tried "del" but It didn't work. I would like to try linux, just to try something different and to see if it has better potenital than Windows. Also, I have heard that you can use both Mac and Windows Software on Linux. Is this true?
What would be a good Linux to use for a beginner and to be able to be a master for all Linux?

I have looked at Linsipre 5.0, but is something like Xandros better?

Thank you very much.

Cluchetti

Discussion is locked

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Re: Using Linux for the first time.......
Oct 16, 2005 2:22AM PDT

Hello !
Try pressing F2 during the boot time (a few secs after turning on the PC power while is loading setup)

About Linux, if you like to try a real one (not Xandros, Lindows or similar) try this links:

first choice: http://www.ubuntu.com/newsitems/release510
Based on Debian, best hardware detection results

second: http://fedora.redhat.com/
nice and easy to install and update, very good support, not as good as ubuntu in hardware detection (yust try)

third: http://www.opensuse.org/Released_Version
very good hardware detection and user friendly config tools, I would choose this if i were a Kde fan.

Best regards

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Try a version that will help you migrate.
Oct 17, 2005 1:30PM PDT

QUOTE:Re: Using Linux for the first time.......

Hello !
Try pressing F2 during the boot time (a few secs after turning on the PC power while is loading setup)

About Linux, if you like to try a real one (not Xandros, Lindows or similar) try this links:

first choice: http://www.ubuntu.com/newsitems/release510
Based on Debian, best hardware detection results

second: http://fedora.redhat.com/
nice and easy to install and update, very good support, not as good as ubuntu in hardware detection (yust try)

third: http://www.opensuse.org/Released_Version
very good hardware detection and user friendly config tools, I would choose this if i were a Kde fan.

Best regards

REPLY: Xandros is debian based, has a control center very similiar to windoze control panel, has a windoze look to it, is capable of running your favorite windoze applications (if you purchase the full version and I recommend the Business Ed Ver 3) to help the migration. Loading Xandros is not hard and neither is Ubuntu. I personally think Redhat Fedora sux, but opinions are just that. Xandros is just a click away, as is windoze, fedora, etc., for software updates. Knoppix can be run from a CD without loading any software on your computer. I'm running Xandros OCE (free version) on my 433MHz Celeron, 96mb, 6gig hd, and it runs better than my Windoze XP and reboots are few and far in between. Linux can be as hard or easy as you make it out to be. But, some distros make it just hard! Good Luck with your decision!

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What is windose?
Oct 17, 2005 1:41PM PDT

I usually read that term from malcontents but you seem to be a Linux advocate. But then again maybe not.

If you want to be taken seriously, I'd consider noting what OS you are writing about.

Bob