Hi I am very interested in the Linux OS, but is it possible to some how try it out before I commit to the OS.

Thanx
G

yes you can.


read all about linux here

Thanx Lizard exactly what I was looking for.

Regards

Ubuntu is a good starting point me thinks Fairly easy to install and use.

I'm on Dapper and found it quite easy to set up. There are couple of good walk through guides to installing all necessary software. Can be a bugger trying to watch video at times as many sites only think of MS and Mac, so if you really want to watch something you have to find a download and watch it in an independent player. The big sites like youtube work fine. It's also taken to slowing down after a while for no apparent reason and requiring reboot, I can't work out what's triggering it. But other than that .. If you're a web user who uses other programs it's ideal. If you're a gamer forget it. If you're a software user that also uses the web you might find the choice of programs available slim but it's free and you can alter to suit yourself if you have the mind to. MS and Mac are for people who just want the computer to work, not for those who need to know why it works.

edit: If you're a gamer forget it ... or buy a cheap second hand PS2 then ignore it for months playing an online pirate game instead.

Just resurrected my old dell cpxh500gt.I've had an ubuntu 6.06 live disc for a year and not used it til now.
i'm a complete newb to this os,so it will be fun learning to use it.
One more person joining the linux revolution.

Yeh this Ubuntu everyones on about is a live cd, so pop it in an the entire os loads to memory and you just use it as though it was installed!

Ubuntu is best cause its pretty much the most popular, which means allot of help on the net, however, I prefer linux Mint, cause its ubuntu based which means loads of support as it's essentialy the same. Exept with Mint you get loads of built in codes so mp3s and that just work without installing extra.

I would opt for mint or mepis other than ubuntu, both are based on ubuntu but there are more out the box goodies with mepis and mint such as graphics drivers.Personally I use mepis.

I'm just downloading the live version of this ubuntu to try. Now do I have to burn it to a disk and boot with it or can I just extract it with isobuster or mount it with powerISO?

Burn to disk and away you go.

Cheers mate, it's just finished so I'll burn it off now. Just hope it works cos I only have 1 blank dvd left!

If you want to keep doze and use linux at the same time then download Wubi, it will install the lastest Ubuntu os into a file which allows you to boot into linux or doze
on start up. Whichever way you go use synaptic package manager to install Firestarter a free firewall, thats all i use.

Ubuntu is by far the easiest to use and is Gnome based if you want a OS thats a little more ready out the box then try Kubuntu which is KDE based.

Any of the cd's will operate from the cd, Puppy linux is specifically designed to work from a disc or data stick.

Ubuntu, from 7.04, 'Feisty Fawn' has all the 'restricted' CODECs and hardware drivers available from just 1-click away - you just have to click a disclaimer (coz it's copyrighted stuff, in a stupid way), and it will install straight away.

i run ubuntu in virtual pc - altho my kids pc has edubuntu on dual boot

Support for 64 bit AMD chipset can be a bit ropey though with Ubuntu especially wireless drivers. Anyway they do say wi-fi causes cancer so probably not such a bad thing !

Try and find one that runs 'beryl', best GUI ever.