[ILUG] Newbie

[Rick Moen]

Quoting Stephen McCune (stephen_mccune at hotmail.com):

> Ok, i am a complete newbie to linux and Wouldnt mind a bit of help. I am
> trying to use linux because i wanna start programming, want more control,
> sick of windows etc.
> 1) I have got DragonLinux and Corel Linux. Which should i install?

Distributions are very much a matter of individual taste.  But, since
you're asking, I'd say neither.  Here's why:

DragonLinux:  This small Linux distribution (based on a mainstream one
named Slackware) is one of a class of dostributions that don't install
on their own partitions, but instead hides all their files inside a
single huge file on an MS-Windows system (what we call a "loopback
filesystem").  While this setup has its fans among those who balk at
repartitioning, the amount of performance overhead (and system
fragility) tends to put off us old-timers.  

When I say "small", I mean that it's not as full-featured as most Linux
distributions, although it seems to have a decent cross-section (and you
can supplement it with packages from Slackware).  In fairness, I've not 
tried the thing, and am speaking only on the basis of the Web pages at 
http://dragonlinux.sourceforge.net/ .

Corel Linux:  It was one of the earliest attempts to develop and sell an 
enhanced, "friendly" superset of the mainstream Debian distribution.
That is a good idea in the abstract, but Corel did it badly, introducing 
some fragile and incompatible components that made it a dead-end.  One
more-modern and better-executed version of the same idea is Libranet, 
http://www.libranet.com/ , which I _do_ recommend.

As general information, you should be aware that choice of distribution
is about the most contentious one you can ask in the Linux-using
community, as there is no consensus but a very wide range of conflicting
views.  However, among the distributions most often recommended for
beginners are SuSE, Linux-Mandrake, Lycoris Desktop/LX, and Libranet:
http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/#distro

> 2) What should i read? (Online books, faq's etc)

This mailing list. ;->

Here's a recommendation of an excellent tutorial book, and an excellent
reference book, to get you started:

http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/#cheaplinux

> 3) Have you got any advice for me?

Keep reading this mailing list.  ;->

> 4) Should i get linux drivers for all my hardware before installing?

As a general rule, the hardware drivers you get integral to your
distribution's own kernel and graphics software is not only what you
need but is the best you'll find anywhere for that purpose.  There are
rare exceptions.  Your choice of distribution will have an online list
of known-OK hardware components.  Consider reading that -- and those of
other popular distributions such as Red Hat Software -- for details.

In general, we do NOT look to hardware manufacturers for Linux drivers,
for time-tested reasons:
http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/#hardwaresupport

> 5) Are there any good gui's or should i learn to use commands? (I loved dos)

If you loved DOS, then you have a big advantage in coming to Linux (over
people who bought into the central lie of MS-Windows, that you didn't
need to understand DOS to use it effectively).  

The answer to your question is yes and yes.  ;->

But you may find this field guide of interest:
http://www.plig.org/xwinman/

-- 
Cheers,     "Learning Java has been a slow and tortuous process for me.  Every 
Rick Moen   few minutes, I start screaming 'No, you fools!' and have to go
rick at linuxmafia.com       read something from _Structure and Interpretation of
            Computer Programs_ to de-stress."   -- The Cube, www.forum3000.org