Is Linux for you? It is not as difficult as you may have heard.
The Linux kernel is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds with the assistance of developers around the world.
The source code for Linux is free software.
Here are some links that can help you decide if Linux is right for you.
Reasons to Choose or Not Choose Linux
The Linux Guide for Windows Users
get GNU/Linux!
Deciding if Linux is Right for You
A Beginner's Guide to Choosing a (Linux) Distribution
List of Linux distributions
History of Linux
Will your hardware work?
Linux Compatible Hardware List
A comparison of Linux and Windows
Linux Works Even for Total Newbies
The Linux FAQ
How to use and learn Linux.
A little tip: learning to really use the power of Linux involves reading, trial and error. Keep at it until you get things to work they way you want them to. Tweaking is half the fun.
Linux is not Windows. Please get that part firmly embedded in your mind right away.
Once you come to accept that simple fact it becomes much easier to learn how to use Linux.
From DOS/Windows to Linux HOWTO
Google is your friend. There are some very good books available for learning, although anything you need to learn can be found on the net.
Some things to think about before jumping into Linux:
* Why do you want to try Linux?
* What experience do you have with computers?
* Do you like to tinker with your system and its OS or do you just want it to work?
* What access do you have to the internet : dialup or broadband
* Does the thought of using the Command Line intimidate you?
Now if you really want to learn Linux, here's a little advice:
1. Start off with a LIVECD like PCLinuxOS to get a feel for things.
2. When you are ready, install a reasonably newbie friendly distro.
PCLinuxOS, Mandriva, SuSe, Ubuntu and Fedora are good choices.
3. Set up a dual-boot. That way you can boot into Windows when you want and use Linux when you want.
Ext2 Installable File System for Windows Read your Linux partition from Windows.
4. Forget everything you ever thought you knew about Windows.
5. Start with a clean slate and an open mind.
6. Accept the fact that the CLI is far more flexible and powerful than a GUI. Learn how to use it. LinuxCommand.org: Learn the Linux command line. Write shell scripts.
7. Read the man pages for the various programs.
8. Read ALL of the documentation available for the distro you choose.
9. Accept the fact that it takes time to learn a new system.
10. When trying to address a problem or figure something out:
11. Stick with a distro for a while until you've actually learned how to use it.
12. Do not get discouraged if things don't always work. If something isn't working correctly learn WHY it isn't.
13. Always remember Linux doesn't assume you're stupid, unlike windows.
14. Read RUTE
15. Go to your local LUG (Linux Users Group) for help.
Find a LUG near you: Linux Online - User Groups
Learning Linux Links
LinuxQuestions.org - Where Linux users come for help
Pen Drive Linux » Boot and run Linux from a USB flash memory stick.
Coasterless CD Burning
What is a Linux distribution
What is the difference between Linux distros?
The One Page Linux Manual
First discover Linux without installation
Linux Memory Management
Introduction to Linux A Hands on Guide
A Short Guide to Partitioning a Hard Drive for a Linux System
Linux For Beginners
Linux command line tutorials for newbies
UNIX Filesystems
The Linux Wikipedia
Linux For Newbies
Linux for Everyone
The Ultimate Guide On Linux For Beginners
Linux Knowledge Base and Tutorial
List of beginner links
Linux Dictionary
Online Linux Courses
Linux-Compendium - Wikibooks
Best Free Linux Training Materials & Books
Introduction to Linux A Hands on Guide
The Linux Documentation Project
Newbiedoc BY newbies FOR newbies
LinuxNovice.org
Linux Basics Tutorial Guide - About Debian Linux Guides
tuXfiles - the Linux newbie help files, tutorials, and tips
User Guide to Using the Linux Desktop
A Beginner's Guide to using Linux
lottalinuxlinks: Nerd News and Linux Portals
Beginner Website for Linux Beginners
UsingLinux.org
The Linux Reading List HOWTO
UNIX Manuals and Help Files
Comparison of Linux distributions
Distribution Support
Mandriva/Mandrake
Mandriva Linux (formerly Mandrakelinux)
Mandriva Linux official documentation
urpmi
Penguin Liberation Front
*Most Mandrake/Mandriva "newbie" problems can be resolved by going to Easy URPMI and following the directions to set up your sources. Instead of resorting to tarballs and "wild" rpms, just "urpmi NAMEOFPACKAGE" on the command line. Urpmi also has an easy-to-use graphical front-end called RPMdrake which is integrated into the Mandrake Control Center.
Although web sources for urpmi are not added on the installation of Mandriva Linux, they are available at EasyUrpmi or through an option in the Software Sources Manager in versions above 2005LE (10.2).
PCLinuxOS
PCLinuxOS is one of the world's up and coming providers of a Linux Desktop Solution. With a small but dedicated development team, PClinuxOS delivers Desktop Ready Software that harnesses the power of the Open Source Community.
PCLinuxOS - Radically Simple If you think all Linux distributions are made the same... think again
The PCLinuxOS New User Guide Wiki
The PCLinuxOS Hardware Database - Home
LORTAL | find your Linux
My.PCLinuxOS
PCLinuxOS Forum
Debian and Debian based Distros
Debian
Debian -- Support
Debian Tutorial
Debian Wikiverse
Debian Reference
Knoppix
Knoppix Wikiverse
Knoppix Forum
Knoppix Documentation Wiki
Dreamlinux
dreamlinux
Dreamlinux Forums
Dreamlinux wiki
Mepis
MEPIS | Now Shipping Version 7.0
MEPIS 8.0 USER'S MANUAL
MEPISlovers Forums - Powered by vBulletin
Mepis Community
MEPIS Community - MEPIS Documentation Wiki
Ubuntu and *buntu derivatives
Debian/Ubuntu Tips & Tricks
Community Ubuntu Documentation
Ubuntu Unofficial Guide
Official Ubuntu Wiki
Ubuntu Forums - Official Community & Forums
Ubuntu Linux | a community for beginners
Wubi - Ubuntu Installer for Windows
Appnr - Get Ubuntu Applications!
GetDeb - Software for Ubuntu Linux
Kubuntu Forums
KUDOS Unofficial Kubuntu FAQ
Linsire/Freespire
Freespire
Freespire Forums
Freespire Community Wiki
Linspire Community Forums
LinspireGuide
CNR.comThe one place to find,click and run Linux software
Mint Linux
Main Page - Linux Mint
Linux Mint Forums
The Linux Mint Wiki
For help with Debian see Debian Tips
Reasons to Choose Debian-
Includes Ubuntu, Kanotix, MEPIS, Knoppix, Xandros, and of course "vanilla" Debian.
Take a look at all the Linux distributions based on Debian
Other Popular distros
Arch
Arch Linux
ArchWiki :: Official Arch Linux Install Guide - ArchWiki
ArchWiki :: Beginners Guide - ArchWiki
Arch Linux Forums
The Chakra Project - Welcome
Arch Linux Downloads
Novell SuSE and SuSE OSS(OpenSuSE)
SUSE LINUX Installation Support
OpenSUSE
NOVELL: Cool Solutions: System Upgrade How-To
Unofficial Community SuSE Forum
SuSE Linux Forums
Fedora Core Project
Maximum RPM
RPM Package Manager
Fedora Project Homepage
Fedora Apt/Yum Repositories list
Fedora Multimedia Installation HOWTO
Fedora Solved
Fedora Project Wiki
The Unofficial Fedora FAQ
Fedora Official Forums
[freshrpms.net] - Fedora Package management
Slackware
The Revised Slackware Book Project
The Slackware Linux Project
Slackware Handbook
Slackware Linux Basics
SlackFAQ - unofficial Slackware Linux Support Database
LinuxPackages: Slackware Packages
LinuxPackages - Slackware Forum
A package build system for Slackware.
swaret :: The Essential SlackWARE Tool
slackpkg - util to help package management in Slackware
The Slaktool Project
Portpkg - a Slackware portsystem
VectorLinux - VectorLinux.com
VectorLinux Wiki
VectorLinux Documentation
When you are ready to become a Master of Linux try
Linux From Scratch
GoboLinux Knowledge Base
Sorcerer
Source Mage GNU/Linux | Linux so advanced, it may as well be magic.
Gentoo Linux
The Gentoo Handbook Effort
BSD
PC-BSD - Personal Computing, served up BSD Style!
pbiDIR - Your PC-BSD software
The FreeBSD Project
BSDWiki
OpenBSD
The FreeBSD LiveCD Project
Latest BSD News
Berkeley Software Distribution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
My favorite Linux/BSD distros are
1. Debian
2. PCLinuxOS
3. Puppy
4. PC-BSD
5. DSL
There are many other links on GNU/Linux on the internet.
Try using Google Search:Linux to search. Remember Google is your friend.
Other Support Issues
HowTo: Create a DVD, with menus, Complete steps
Mapping Extras Function Keys with XFree 4.0
Getting Tor to proxy connections from inside the VMWare Browser Appliance
GRUB Manual
Bluetooth and Linux
Linux.ie :: Linux and Bluetooth Headset howto (AKA, Fedora, BTSCO, Bluez, Jabra and Skype)
Linux IP Masquerade HOWTO
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
Sudo Setup Guide
BitTorrent FAQ and Guide
How to Get the NumLock Key to Stay On
Window Managers for X
Get-E.org Enlightenment DR 17
Fluxbox Documentation
KDE Documentation
LXDE - Lightweight X11 Desktops Environment
IceWM Control Center(A must have)
My IceWM settings
Xfce - Desktop Environment
The ROX Desktop
ROX-Filer User Manual
Optimal Use of Fonts on Linux
XTERM - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
xchm xCHM - Graphical CHM viewer for *NIX
Linux on Laptops
Linux Tools and Programs Including media players, Open Office, GIMP , browsers, IRC, webtools and more.
LinuxMail.org
Basic Linux security and virus info
The Virus Writing HOWTO
Should I get anti-virus software for my Linux box?
Unusual network activity? chkrootkit is a tool to locally check for signs of a rootkit
Security Help Files
Linux Administrator's Security Guide
Security Focus
Linux Security
Firewalls and Security
Bastille Linux
The Bastille Hardening program "locks down" an operating system, proactively configuring the system for increased security and decreasing its susceptibility to compromise.
Linux-Forensics.com
Webmin
LinuxGuruz Netfilter IPTABLES Firewall Page
Running Windows viruses with Wine
Securing Debian Manual
How to get Linux
Do I buy a boxed source, download off the internet or buy some cheap CDs?
You can even buy a pc with Linux preinstalled. Computer vendors that pre-install Debian
Companies that sell Linux pre-installed on computer systems ranging from laptops to desktop models to servers and clusters.
VMWare Images: Community Virtual Appliances
If you have a broadband connection the easiest way is to download the iso.
If you download, make sure to check
the md5sums on the Linux ISO Images
Make sure you know how
to burn ISOs in Windows
Download Linux
Linux distros via bittorrent
LinuxTracker :: Linux BitTorrents
LinuxISO.org - A place to learn about, download, and discuss Linux.
DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing.
Say goodbye to Microsoft today ...
dd for windows
BitTorrent Linux Mirror
Order cd's and have them shipped to you
Linux Central
TuxCDs
CheapISO
OSDisc.com
Vendors of Debian CDs
Instalinux - Create a Custom Linux Network Install Image
The System Designer allows you to design a Linux system profile
which can be downloaded onto a single network install image.
When inserted into a target system, the boot image will automatically
build the system per your design -- all hands free, all via the
network, no additional media required.
Instlux: Upgrade your windows
Upgrade your windows to a Linux system the easiest possible way: running an installer on your Windows.
Installing Software
Package management systems
Useful thread and information about installing programs. - LinuxQuestions.org
How to install Linux autopackages in 4 easy steps
Installing new software - Linux Introduction
Compiling Programs from Source -
GNU Graphical Source Installer
Software Installation: Windows or Linux?
Find Free Software here
Google Linux Software Repositories
CNR.comThe one place to find,click and run Linux software
Autopackage
klik - point-and-klik software
The Zero Install system
Freshmeat
Sourceforge
rpmfind
RPM.pbone Search
[freshrpms.net]
apt4rpm -apt for rpm based distros
Easy Urpmi
apt-get.org: Unofficial APT repositories
Linux Online - Applications
ibiblio linux archive
GnomeFiles GNOME/GTK+ Software Repository
KDE-Apps.org Applications for the KDE-Desktop
Common Plugins for Mozilla Firefox and Mozilla Suite
Slackware Packages
IceWalkers.com
DebianLinux.Net
The DockApp Warehouse
LinuxSoftware.org
Tucows Linux Downloads
Running Windows Programs/Games in Linux
Crossover Office
Cedega - TransGaming Technologies
Win4Lin allows you to run your favorite Windows applications on the Linux.
Wine HQ
Frank's Corner, Running Windows applications and games on Linux using Wine
WineTools
IEs 4 Linux - Internet Explorers for Linux
"VMware Player lets you evaluate new or pre-release software contained in virtual machines, without any installation or configuration hassles. You can also share existing virtual machines with colleagues or friends. Just use VMware Player to run any virtual machine."
Running Microsoft Windows inside Debian: qemu
QEMU Users Forum
QEMU
is a generic and open source processor emulator.
Linux Standards Projects
Linux Standard Base Project
Filesystem Hierarchy Standard
freedesktop.org
Free Standards Group
Free Software and Open Source Projects
Get the Facts on Linux and Windows
Freedom Toaster Burn Free
Software in the Public Interest, Inc.
Open Source Initiative OSI
The Freenet Project
ourproject.org Free Software and Free Knowledge for a Free Society
OpenAntiVirus Project - Mission Statement
LinuxBIOS
"LinuxBIOS is a Free Software project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS (firmware) you can find in most of today's computers."
ReactOS
OpenTextBook
EFF
FreeDOS | The FreeDOS Project
UNDP-APDIP International Open Source Network
Software Freedom Day
TheOpenCD.org
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