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bigbadsad   01-13-2009 at 07:59:15 PM

Im looking to dual boot my PC with Linux. Im new to Linux so Im looking for a friendly environment I can learn on.

I have a cd here with Ubuntu 8.10 on. Is this a good start or are there better available?

Thanks.

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Bronze Linux badge linux_0   01-13-2009 at 08:11:45 PM
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Try both Fedora and Ubuntu, both are very good :)

The latest versions are Fedora 10 and Ubuntu 8.10.

http://fedoraproject.org/en/get-fedora

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

If you have an x86_64 capable system make sure you download the x86_64 / amd64 version.

The amd64 version also works on x86_64 capable Intel CPUs.

Make sure you have Ubuntu-desktop-amd64 8.10 if you have a 64bit CPU.

Good luck :)

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Bronze Linux badge linux_0   01-13-2009 at 08:13:01 PM
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Both have LiveCDs if you want to test drive them first.

The Ubuntu desktop CD is a live CD.

Fedora has a Live CD and a 4GB DVD for installing to your hard drive.

:)

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bigbadsad   01-13-2009 at 08:18:36 PM
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I have the x86_64 / amd64 version. Im thinking of upgrading to a Quad core CPU, but Im guessing the 64 version will still work with that?

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Bronze Linux badge linux_0   01-13-2009 at 08:26:19 PM
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Definitely :)

Virtually all AMD CPUs Single, Dual, Triple and Quad Core are 64bit ( except for the low power Geode and some old Semprons and Athlon XP and below ).

Most Intel CPUs are also 64bit capable ( except for some Pentium Ms and anything P4 and below - 775 P4s were 64bit capable but they were really bad ).

Please give us your full specs and we'll make sure you're good to go :)

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bigbadsad   01-13-2009 at 08:46:43 PM
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Im hoping to upgrade soon to AMD Phenom II, HD 4850, 4GB RAM. I'll probably dual boot it with Vista.

Theres another thread with the full specs.

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Bronze Linux badge linux_0   01-13-2009 at 09:28:47 PM
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Yup you're good :) You should definitely use x86_64 / amd64.

AMD invented it and Intel "borrowed it" ;) :D

Your existing AMD 4200+ 939 will run x86_64 very nicely too :)

Also AMD has released all kinds of information on their GPUs so the open source community and AMD are working together on the drivers.


Message edited by linux_0 on 01-13-2009 at 09:31:23 PM
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sabot00   01-18-2009 at 05:11:40 AM
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Wait isn't the new Radeon cards blacklisted by Ubuntu or something? I read a lot of "4850, no driver; 4870 won't work; need driver for ati card" threads in the ubuntuforums.

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amdfangirl   01-19-2009 at 02:40:33 AM
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No, its fine, just enable the propitiatory drivers.

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sabot00   01-19-2009 at 04:37:59 AM
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Good that cleared a lot of questions.

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