I want to install Linux on a computer but have no idea where to start

lonesome killer

Banhammered
I've been interested in this "Linux" thing for some years. There are way too many variations that I have no idea where to start. I mainly want to install it on this netbook
Eee PC 1005HAB
Intel Atom N270 1.60GHz Processor
1GB DDR2 RAM
160GB HDD
Windows 7 starter

but would like to mess around with other computers maybe. I see there are tons of options and you can try them on a bootable CD first without committing to an install. What do you suggest for this particular computer or others?

I'm used to Windows so I am used to having just a plain OS with adding/buying your own programs. It seems a lot of Linux OS's come with free apps? Or is it a store like on your smart phone where you download apps?
 
Maybe for a start this thread will offer some insight: http://www.vaultf4.com/threads/suggestions-for-ubuntu-switch.2189

Regarding Linux software... all distributions come with some form of "package manager" software that lets you search for things and install them. Most distributions will come with basic things like an office suite, web browser, media players, etc. and a lot of additional things can be found via those package managers. Usually there's a free alternative for most things, but it may differ in features/compatibility. Depends what you want to do.

There isn't really a "linux software store" though. Any paid-for programs are usually obtained from the developer's website (or Steam, as of last year, for games)

I'd definitely suggest giving the bootable CD a try. I know some of them (openSuSE for sure) can be put on a USB key and booted from that quite easily, if your netbook doesn't have a CD drive.
 
Basically like Google Play Store on Android devices? Hence my app store analogy.
Sort of, though there is no "one" central repository of things for all linux distributions. There are any number of repositories (collections of packages) for each distro. Perhaps Steam/Origin/Desura/GG might be a better analogy. All sell games, but you can't "get" a game from desura and install it on Steam) Usually the distro will have it's own "base" repository with all the standard stuff they include (and for updates to the distro itself), and then there are other people that maintain additional repositories of software which you can also enable/select to get things that might not be included with the "main" repo. For example, Packman is a popular one with a wide range of additional software and a good source for some things like dvd playback (the DeCSS code to remove the copy protection on DVDs can't be legally shipped with most distributions, for example)
 
I'd tell you to wait a few months and try SteamOS at this point :-D
 
I have a strict policy of not using new OS's for the 1st Year of their debut.
And besides Steam is geared more for gamers. I want a productivity system.
 

Funding Progress To Date

VaultF4 on Steam


48189 Members
(6549 Online 432 In-Game)
Join the group
Back
Top Bottom