GNU/ LINUX...

[//siddhartha//]

HI! I am new to the world of open source and probably, this is my first question..... I am an expert at WINDOWS and so can I easily learn GNU/Linux O.S.s ? Moreover, which LINUX is the best to start with?
Above questions may seem foolish but I would surely like to learn and be adept at using open source...
Thanks,
Regards, Siddhartha

 

[tuxfan]

I would suggest you start with Fedora. Fedora because it is one of the most widely used distro and RPM (software installation files) will be easily available for it. Secondly, you will get maximum number of articles (on net and in print) and books on Fedora.

Alternatively start with Knoppix or Gnoppix. You don't have to install anything. Just boot from the CD and voila!! You will have fully working "Linux"

 

[daj123]

Umm...linux is one but there are many distros I think Knoppix would be a better place to start.

 

[nsbuttar]

Well //siddhartha// depends on what you call as "EXPERT". In which context u are talking. Did u meant that u are a Power User od windows or are u good in know the windows Inside Out.

So if u are from the first category, go for any nice distro (Mandrake, Knoppix, Ubantu, Fedora anhything). But if you are from the second category probably u will love to see the lin working in action alongwith how thye things work inside out. Go for "gentoo" and move on to LFS and other stuff

 

[ujjwal]

I agree with nsbuttar ...

If by expert, you mean that you are very comfortable with windows, and can use it very well, you should try an easier to use a simpler distro with the XWindows GUI, as linux is quite radically different from windows.

If you know the functioning of operating systems in general, windows in particular, and you are not afraid of command line interface, head for Gentoo or Slackware, and then LFS.

 

[tuxfan]

If by expert, you mean that you are very comfortable with windows, and can use it very well, you should try an easier to use a simpler distro with the XWindows GUI, as linux is quite radically different from windows.

Radically different in terms of designs and if you go a level deep. If you keep using GUI, you will be able to learn it quite easily. At least basics can be learnt easily. Troubleshooting may require some more skills.

If you know the functioning of operating systems in general, windows in particular, and you are not afraid of command line interface, head for Gentoo or Slackware, and then LFS.

You need not always use CLI (Command Line Interface) for lots of task. Of course, unlike Windoze, CLI in all GNU/Linux distros is quite powerful. But now for almost all applications now there are GUI frontends. But with GUI you may not be able to be a true power user