hi everyone my friends and i,fed up of windows,want to try use linux!But,we're simple computer users,and know nothing about codes..I have a pentium4,2.8 ghz,512 ram pc..is it possible for me to use linux?may i have a helping hand on procedures? by the way,what are the risks of linux?for instance,iv been told that once installed,it cannot be removed....further more,how is linux superior to windows or whatsoever? thanks in advanced!

1)Yes you can use Linux. It is probably best to try different LiveCDs first. A list of LiveCDs is at http://www.livecdlist.com/ . A LiveCD will boot and run from the CD-Rom and leave the Hard Drive totally untouched - as though it had never been there. Alternatively try a USB stick version - as at http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ 2) You CAN remove Linux. You just need to remember to "fix the MBR" (Master Boot Record) 3) People can't really tell you how Linux is superior. How is an orange superior to an apple? Have a look at http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/

thanks a lot I tried to download DSL, but invain..so im downloading slax.. and what about the codes,etc...??

What codes? Do you mean codecs, for audio and video? Are you worried about having to type commands into a terminal? For your other concerns, you can remove linux same as windows, install a different operating system over it, or otherwise format the partition or harddrive. But no, there's no uninstall button that removes linux and restores windows. It's not an application, it's an operating system. Fixing the MBR assumes you still have windows installed on a partition on your harddrive, which is an option - google "dual booting". Aside from techincal issues, linux, at least insofar as it is open source, is superior to windows or mac because of 4 basic freedoms: 1) The freedom to run the program, for any purpose. 2) The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs. 3) The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor. 4) The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits. See more here: http://www.gnu.org/

A lite distro %% (Just a taste what linux is) - - - - - - You always can try Puppy Linux with it many puplets to chose from. - - - - - each puplet is another version of puppy with different setup - - - - - Can save a file in windows without deleting windows and run and boot it from cd - - - - - - - - - - Linux can always be removed. - - - - - Linux has many windows and desktop manger - - - - - Common two are (Gnome and Kde) - - - - - others are %% icewm , Fluxbox , Lxde , Xfce , fvwm-crystal , and many more %% - - - - - windows has one , it self - - - - - Linux is free , Most Linux use a packagement system for easy install and removal . Linux contains free software . - - - - - - cons .. Linux is not made to run windows file (.exe) . Instant messenger wont be the same. Like yahoo messenger have to us something like pidgin to chat. But skype has been ported over. Linux doesnt support all hardware . Linux support most with autosetup - - - - - - - - - - Don't expect linux to run like windows . Best thing to do is post questions - - - - - If you like to tinker linux is good for that. - - - - - Nice Full Distro - - - - - easy to install distro ubuntu , Simplymepis , OpenSuse - - - - - Somewhat easy Debian-5.0 [Modified by: Drake on May 08, 2009 04:45 PM]

i have downloaded,burnt....slax live cd boot from cd...its asking for A>....i tried E:\BOOT\DOS\slax.... and many other similar commands...non worked!!!i the extracted the cd,re burnt,and followed same procedures....in vain!!!its stuck with something like wrong specified directory,and otherwise,non recognised command....something like that...so,can anyone,please help me out!!for every second,my computer's speed is declining...before i need to re install windows,help me out!!!please!!!thanks in advanced

You have not properly "burnt an iso". You have created a DOS bootable disk instead. Burning an iso will create a Linux bootable disk. You might get some help from https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto

no,its not working.. its not booting..i tried with the bios settings,nothing....anyway,may i know how,where to get damn small linux?i haven't found a way to download it!and if i already have two partitions(1st containing blackmoon,2nd sp2 xp pro),and given that both are damaged,what would be the procedures to follow,to get dsl on my pc?

he he he!!!thanks loads!!!its working!!!im from slax right now!!that linux was 'imposible' to be used by 'simple' users was total rubish!!i find it cool!!im gonna fall in love with a code..:-)

Cheers!

from where,and how,can i download damn small linux??please..

http://ftp.heanet.ie/mirrors/damnsmalllinux.org/current/dsl-4.4.10.iso

I am also fed up with Windows XP and all the bugs it has. I am not really sure if I should go with Vista or Linux. I always wanted to try Linux but I am a bit reluctant to change. However, after I've got many user recommendations I think I'll have to give Linux a try... Anyway, thanks a lot for the link above Reed. That's very helpful!