How can I get started with Linux?

I'm very excited to start using Linux, as it is claimed to be very stable and the best solution for internet security. I've never used Linux before. What would be the best way to get started? I want to try it out on one of my laptops. However, I will need to go back to Windows afterwards. I don't want to loose my Windows files and I don't want to reinstall Windows again. How can I accomplish all this? Thanks a lot.





PS By the way, is Ubuntu OK to get started?

How can I get started with Linux?
Hi,





Check out these two websites which have fairly detailed tutorials on Installing %26amp; Using Linux.


http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/to...


http://tldp.org/LDP/gs/node4.html#SECTIO...





Ubuntu, I tried it a few days back. It's very very light and fast. But somehow I think I am too addicted to Windows and cannot satand any other OS...
Reply:You can just buy another hard drive for that laptop and physically replace the hard drive to switch between Linux and Windows. That would be the easiest and safest since you have more than one laptop.





You will need to read about dual-boot software that allows you to have multiple bootable partitions on the same PC. You will also need sufficient space on a hard drive to install a second operating system. This will allow you to change operating systems by shutting down one and booting the other with no hardware adjustments.





I have experience with Suse and Redhat Linux so I cannot comment on Ubuntu. Look on some of the Linux blogs and forums for user experiences in installing and maintaining.
Reply:A good way to test Linux is to get a "live cd". These versions of Linux run directly from the cd and don't make any changes to the hard drive. Ubuntu would be a good way to get started. From the site I listed below, you will want to download the "PC (Intel x86) desktop CD" image (it will take a while to download) and burn it to CD using a program like Nero or Roxio using the "Burn CD Image" option or similar.





Once you have the burned CD, reboot your computer with the CD in the drive and if the PC is set to boot from CD, it should load Ubuntu. When you reboot and remove the CD, all of the Windows files will still be there.





If you don't like it at first, you may want to try another distribution, such as Kubuntu, which also has a live cd version.
Reply:Ubuntu is fine. Ubuntu comes in both install and live CD forms. If you can, get the DVD which is both of them. Otherwise, try out the live CD. The live CD doesn't install anything to your computer, so it's effectively a No-Risk demo. While you can't really customise and warp it to your needs, it gives you a taste of what Linux is about.





If you're going for Ubuntu, definitely go onto the Ubuntu forums (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/ ). They are extremely helpful, especially towards the new people.

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