New to Linux

First the download is free and takes a while to download over modem line which will seems like forever,get a box of floppies and save to disk,this way if the connection breaks off you will be able to start where you left,it would be better with a DSL connection
TechRepublic has a section on LINUX and then you can find Tutorials on LINUX from the net.
Ref:www.redhat.com
www.linux.com
www.lunixlinks.com
www.xnet.com/~blatura/linux.shtml

If you have a very fast Internet connection, you can go to a site like RedHat.com and download the CD images. For version 7.1, there are two CD (*.iso) images and once you have received them, you can just burn them to CD. Once you've done so, if your computer supports booting from CD, you can just put disk 1 in the drive and reboot. However, I'm on a fairly fast cable modem connection and it still took over a day to download both disks (the images are roughly 600 meg each).

On the other hand, a local retailer had the 2-disk set for $19.95 so that is another option that might be a whole lot less aggravation.

paul

If you don't want to take the time to download and make your own CDs, you can buy the CDs for less than $2 each at http://www.lsl.com/
Even including shipping costs, for that kind of money, it's hardly worth the time or trouble to make your own.

Personally, I'd suggest first going to a good Linux site (e.g., Redhat.com, to name just one), then PRINT OUT and READ the Getting Started Guide:

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/linux/RHL-7.1-Manual/getting-started-guide/

and the Installation Guide for the release of Linux you want to download (and eventually install -- the link above is for 7.1).

There's pretty steep learning curve involved -- so don't get frustrated -- but some solid "pre-preparation" reading/research will help you out enormously.

Best of luck!

- Mark

Katey --
I started using Linux successfully after I bought a copy of "Linux for Dummies," which included a CD of Red Hat Linux 6.0. Athe time, the book+CD was $25. Since then I have upgraded to RH Linux 7.1 by buying a used copy of it off eBay for$12. I have it running successfully on two computers at work and one at home. I agree with the other respondents -- downloading it may be free, but it's not a job for a newbie without a broadband connection.
Let me know if you need any help.
John Wheaton
Network Administrator
St. Francis High School
Louisville, KY 40202

Katey, Try going to your public library. They more than likely have the "Linux for Dummies" or something like it available for check-out AND have the CD to install it from. If you don't have access to a CD-ROM, try using Peanut Linux - It's the only one I could get installed on my Compaq Laptop (Armada 4100D) since my CD quit working. Just be sure to read the documentation if you need help - I spent quite a while trying to track down a PCMCIA problem that was already documented

Best of luck.
Harold.

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