Want to try Linux?

If you haven't tried Linux yet, but are curious (and want to give it a go without the risk of having to install anything on your system) - Then I can recommend Knoppix 3.6 www.knoppix.com/

This is a version of Linux that boots from CD. You just download the ISO from the website, burn it to CD-ROM, and then reboot. When your PC is booting up, press 'F12' (may be different on other PCs), but you basically want to tell it to boot from CD instead of hard disk.

This should then start-up your system and let you play around with Linux and KDE (the GUI that comes with Knoppix)

Advantages:
- You're not installing anything to your PC, as soon as you take the CD out and reboot, everything is back to normal.
- Gives you a chance to try out things like Open Office and the various internet tools available for Linux. But also, lets you see for yourself what the fuss is about!

Disadvantages:
- Since you're running this off the CD, it might be a bit slower to do things, as it has to access the CD each time.
- Anything you change (if you change keyboard settings for example) won't get saved for the next time you boot into it.
- The download is over 600Mb, so you need to be on broadband to get it.

btw, I tried a few other 'boot from CD' distros, with these results;

- Mandrake Move 9.1 - Couldn't get it to run at 1600x1200 no matter how I tried
- Suse 9.1 - How do I mount the windows partitions? - Knoppix mounts them by default, but I just couldn't get this working
- DamnSmallLinux - Bit 'bare bones', but it is a very small download!

I'd be interested in giving it a shot but for the fact I only have dial-up at home and the connection to the pc at work isn't much faster. :roll:

Michael

John,
Will u be at Birr? Any chance I could burn a copy of the CD from you then please?
Michael

I was thinking the same thing myself this morning! - I could bring down a couple of CDs in case anyone is interested. I'm still in negotiations re: going to Birr. :lol: I'm hopefully going to make it on the Saturday.

I'll be the one wearing the red carnation with a rolled-up newspaper under my arm.

I'd be interested too John. I am currently trying to get the hang of Fedora Core 2. Its a learning process...




Seanie

I'd be interested too John. I am currently trying to get the hang of Fedora Core 2. Its a learning process...




Seanie

I use Fedora Core 2 myself so feel free to PM me with any questions.