Super Linux Newbie

[verbalhologram]

I am a complete Linux newbie. I have never used Linux before and would like to start getting into it. I am sick of Windows, yet have the need for it because of the applications that I use. I also still use Windows because I fear using Linux due to its supposed complexity and lack of hardware/software support. I ask you Linux users here to help me out. Please get me away from using Windows. I use my computer for the following: 1. Playing Counter-Strike 2. Burning .cdi/.iso/.bin&.cue 3. Using office applications 4. FTP serving AND 5. Simple image editing. Would Linux be a viable solution for me? Also, which Linux distrobution should I use for ease? And under what desktop environment should I work in to have a configurable, aesthetic desktop? Please help me out. THANKS!

[verbalhologram]

My hardware is as follows:

- "Classic" Athlon 700
- AMD 750 Chipset
- Plextor 12/10/32
- Diamond S3 ViperII (Savage 2000) Video Card
- Diamond MX400 Sound Card
- Linksys 100TX Network Card

Would Linux be able to support this set of hardware?

[Bradmont]

Originally posted by verbalhologram:
1. Playing Counter-Strike
Of the uses you posted, this is the hardest, though it can be done. Check out www.linuxgaming.com (http://www.linuxgaming.com).

2.
Burning .cdi/.iso/.bin&.cue
Not difficult at all. I do it all the time. Check out the "Easy addition of an IDE CD-Writer NHF (if you have an IDE cd-writer... if it's SCSI, then your life will be very easy indeed ;))
3. Using office applications
There are plenty for linux. StarOffice is a (not completely horrible) option, with M$ office 97 (and some 2000) compatibility.
4. FTP serving
One of the most natural uses of the os ;)

AND 5. Simple image editing.
Plenty o' options there, check out the GIMP.

Would Linux be a viable solution for me? Also, which Linux distrobution should I use for ease? And under what desktop environment should I work in to have a configurable, aesthetic desktop? Please help me out. THANKS!
This is really a matter of personal opinion. I use Debian. I find it rocks. Mandrake is apparently easy, but bloated. Let's try and avoid a distro war here ( ;)). There are plenty of resources to look into for help choosing... nobody can tell you what to use. As for desktops, I switch window managers (you'll learn more about this if and when you get into choosing a GUI) every week or two... again, a personal choice and matter of opinion.

[ 15 March 2001: Message edited by: Bradmont ]

[JALU]

Well... I use Mandrake 7.2 with KDE, and I haven't had a lick of trouble. It is a real newbie distro, but underneath all that GUI there still lurks the same CLI just like the rest of the distro's. I like it, but I know that some people really don't. I heard SuSE is good for newbies too. If have a high speed net connection, download the ISO of a few distros burn them and give them all a try. You'll find something you like. :D

[freaker]

easiest transition is Mandrake
course

:p Slackware Rulez :p

If you have never even seen a Linux desktop, let alone enjoy one, go with mandrake - I used it once, and found it extremely easy to setup and administer..

Counter-Strike - ?? dunno, dont really play games
Burning Cd's - yes
office appz - yes - starOffice
ftp server - absolutely
image editing - the gimp -photoshop clone, I'm a photoshop man, but the gimp is definetly coming close to photoshop standards
window manager - go with either KDE or Gnome

as for your hardware, I dont feel like looking it up now, but you can
Mandrake harware support (http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/fhard.php3)

hope you enjoy linux..


freaker :cool: