The best Linux distro for beginners is ...

[ConsAreLiars]

What???

I am now running XP-home and just recently got full broadband, so I can download whatever I need. The BIOS will let me choose boot disks, and/or choose among various OS's on the same drive, but I've seen widows turn to crap under so many circumstances that I really don't want to kill off my current system by messing around in my usual trial-and-error style after installing Linux.

Any suggestions or advice?

[qnr]

1. Lot of people like Libranet, and the standards like Mandrake

are relatively easy.

Generally, with a dual boot system, you are not going too have to much of a conflict with your Windows setup (although your mileage may vary).

While you are waiting for replies, try visiting http://www.distrowatch.com and looking to see if any of them interest you.

[ConsAreLiars]

2. thanks

Distrowatch is now down but I am downloading Libranet and will try it out. Most of the programs I use are open source and available in Linux, but a few are not, so I hope to migrate completely thru something like lindows. In the meantime, dual boot will be half step.

[Briarius]

3. I used Mandrake when I switched

it seemed to be pretty straight forward and easy to use. I've played some with RedHat too and it looks like it would be ok too, I'm sure having almost everything in RPMs would help too. Good luck!

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. I suggest Knoppix -- it's a Live CD

It means you can run it without installing. (and install later if you want)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=240x26

[ConsAreLiars]

6. Knoppix wouldn't boot

It hung on "searching scsi disks" or something, probably because the motherboard has empty RAID controllers that appear as scsi devices. The readme with Libranet convinced me I'd be wise to start with a unused hard disk, so I'll wait until I plug in a spare.

So far, I've done no damage, however.

[qnr]

5. No! My mistake! You want Linux From Scratch!

I'll be sitting over there in the corner if you need me.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

7. BOFH? Is that you? (nt)

[aePrime]

8. Mandrake.

Hell, I've been using Linux for years, and I still use Mandrake as my primary distribution, although I'm rather fond of Suse as well.

[Lithos]

9. For starting out?

Mandrake for sure as the install process is very clean and easy for a beginner. Debian can be good as well.

My recommendation is find yourself a Linux User Group (LUG) in your area. Most LUG's have an installfest during each meeting where they can help you install Linux on your machine and help with any driver issues. I'm sure they would be glad to help.

L-

[papau]

10. Is there a LUG in BOSTON/CAMBRIDGE/ or Newton area of Mass?

I need to install !

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

11. Go whole hog:

Get Mandrakelinux 10.1 Powerpack. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING you need is on that disk. Easy as hell to install as either the primary OS or dual-boot.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

13. Has Mandrake made their install better? I had a really tough

time a few years back.
I have an older computer I am having a hard time installing to... Knoppix fails to install an X environment, Red Hat and Debian do too.

Might as well try another one... just more bytes across the wires, huh?

[SKKY]

12. If you just want a "feel" for it, sure, Knoppix, Gnoppix, etc are good...

...but assuming we talking about a full distro here, I'd have to recommend Suse or FC3. Their just so easy and stable, I really can't imagine the average user having any problems. Mandrake is also good I'm told, but I've never personally used it.