which linux..?

paulb100 · 11-07-2008, 04:44 AM

Im wanting to install Linux alongside my Vista64 install

which is the best version to have?
and is there anything I need to be aware of?

thanks

seriouschat · 11-07-2008, 08:44 AM

Linux FAQ

The links provided for determining which might fit you best were helpful to me and seemed to pick the right one; though I'm experimenting with a few. You might find them useful as well. The Live CD's are more than useful... definitely look for them.

**wmorri** · 11-07-2008, 09:39 AM

Hi,

Instead of the FAQ I might recommend that you take the Online Test. This is a pretty good test to see what distros you might want to check out.

The main distros that are good for a newbie to linux are Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, PCLinuxOS, Fedora. Other users will recommend some others as well, but it is all up to personal choice.

Cheers!

alderon · 11-07-2008, 11:05 AM

There are lots of versions (called distributions or distros) of Linux and the best one is the one *you* feel comfortable with and enjoy using.

How to decide? Download and burn the LiveCD's of several major distros and try 'em. Why the major distros? Their forums have lots of active users and help is readily available. Visit Distrowatch dot com to get an overview, read the reviews and find the distro homepage links.

As to the installation...

Back up any important Windows data you cannot afford to lose.

Download and burn a utility LiveCD like Knoppix or PartedMagic and partition your HD before installing. I've found its better to plan a partition scheme first, then install into it. Any Linux distro will allow you to choose where (which partition) you want to install it.

Run Disk Defragmenter at least 3 times just before resizing your Windows partition. Although not common, its possible to glitch your Windows installation, like losing XP's ability to 'see' the CD drive. Once the Windows partition is resized, though, repartitioning the rest of the HD won't affect your Windows installation.

11-07-2008, 04:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
paulb100 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 71 OS: Win XP My System	which linux..? Im wanting to install Linux alongside my Vista64 install which is the best version to have? and is there anything I need to be aware of? thanks

11-07-2008, 08:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
seriouschat Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 68 OS: Ubuntu 8.10 / Vista	Re: which linux..? Linux FAQ The links provided for determining which might fit you best were helpful to me and seemed to pick the right one; though I'm experimenting with a few. You might find them useful as well. The Live CD's are more than useful... definitely look for them.

11-07-2008, 09:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
wmorri Moderator Alt. Computing Join Date: May 2008 Location: /etc/pm Posts: 1,224 OS: Vista Basic SP1/Ubuntu 8.04/Fedora 10	Re: which linux..? Hi, Instead of the FAQ I might recommend that you take the Online Test. This is a pretty good test to see what distros you might want to check out. The main distros that are good for a newbie to linux are Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, PCLinuxOS, Fedora. Other users will recommend some others as well, but it is all up to personal choice. Cheers! __________________ If I have posted on your thread and haven't replied within 48hrs please PM me. I will try to be as prompt as possible! Linux Forever! Learning is doing, not being able to follow steps put forth by others. When posting what errors you get, please give the full message. It makes helping you much easier.

11-07-2008, 11:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
alderon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2 OS: Debian/Lenny	Re: which linux..? There are lots of versions (called distributions or distros) of Linux and the best one is the one you feel comfortable with and enjoy using. How to decide? Download and burn the LiveCD's of several major distros and try 'em. Why the major distros? Their forums have lots of active users and help is readily available. Visit Distrowatch dot com to get an overview, read the reviews and find the distro homepage links. As to the installation... Back up any important Windows data you cannot afford to lose. Download and burn a utility LiveCD like Knoppix or PartedMagic and partition your HD before installing. I've found its better to plan a partition scheme first, then install into it. Any Linux distro will allow you to choose where (which partition) you want to install it. Run Disk Defragmenter at least 3 times just before resizing your Windows partition. Although not common, its possible to glitch your Windows installation, like losing XP's ability to 'see' the CD drive. Once the Windows partition is resized, though, repartitioning the rest of the HD won't affect your Windows installation.