please help me i am a newbie

[Maketty]

hello, i would like to get a linux distribution that is a REAL distribution that requires partitioning. i tried phat linux and it was ok, i got kde KINDA running but i couldn't get my video card configured right, so whatever, i would like to get started with either mandrake, redhat, suse, or any other of the popular distributions. the problem i continually run into is i find that the files on the ftps need to be copied to a cd =( aww i'm gettin sad because i do not have a cd burner and i really want to install a good distribution, and i don't want to order a cd... =( is there anything i can do? i REALLY appreciate any help, linux is cool, screw microshaft winbloze, i'm gonna hook it up if i can...

[Evil Jeff]

You can always try debian or slackware. They both have floppy installs. Most of the others can be mounted on nfs or another partition to install from there.

[CP]

Why not try an FTP install. That is if you have broadband. If not, there are heaps of people out there who will send you free CDs. I think most distros have FTP install, but the only one I've done is Debian.

[Maketty]

isn't slackware like the most difficult linux to get installed and configured? i heard it was for advanced users... i might try debian if it can install from a floppy, i'm new so maybe someone could point me to some info on how to do a FTP install... thanks for the prompt help!

[CP]

Go to the Debian web site. You have to download 4 disks, I think, then you boot off those, set up some drivers, and choose FTP install. You need to set up your network drivers and that first thought, but that is done through the disks. It is easier than it sounds. Go to debian.org and look at the docs. It is a really good distro.

[Maketty]

yeah thanks, i think debian might be the distro for me! i have been to their site, and i read a little bit of the installation guide, i am downloading the files for debian from their ftp right now!

[Sawz]

naw slackware aint so tough. I actually likr it. so far anyway - I just installed slackware 8 tonight. - then i recompiled my kernel to 2.4.7 - now i am updating my glibc so i can install nmap - damn - this glibs crap takes ages to compile and install - my god - i did a make check about 10 minutes ago and its still running

muah hahahah

[CP]

BTW, when you first boot into Debian, you will be in the CLI. Don't be worried, if you have selected X, it will be there, just need configuring.

[Maketty]

okay, i can configure x, i had to do that for phat linux too. i hope that i will only have to configure x and not too much hardware, because i am a newbie... =)