Linux for beginner?

[bigbadsad]

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.

 

[linux_0]

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

 

[linux_0]

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.

 

[bigbadsad]

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?

 

[linux_0]

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

 

[bigbadsad]

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.

 

[linux_0]

Yup you're good You should definitely use x86_64 / amd64.

AMD invented it and Intel "borrowed it"

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.

 

[sabot00]

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.

 

[amdfangirl]

No, its fine, just enable the propitiatory drivers.

 

[sabot00]

Good that cleared a lot of questions.