Why not buy a copy of Linux (choose your own flavor, any of the 3 you mentioned would be fine), and go through the install yourself. Red hat is arguably the easiest, but I wouldn't call it the best. It is definately the most common here in North America, so it MIGHT be the best choice to start with. (Red Hat RPMs are available everywhere.) I'd suggest Gentoo once you're more comfortable.
You'll learn WAY more then (especially, you'll learn that it's easier than you think...) Then pick each task, one by one, and try to install it. Give it a serious go yourself, and if you hit a snag, ask the group here for advice. We're all happy to help. And this way, you'll also see everyone's different perspectives. (Expect someone to disagree with me suggesting Red Hat 7.3 as a starting point). You'll learn more, and you'll have more of a sense of accomplishment when you're done. And more cash in your pocket. If you need to blow that cash later, invite us all over, and supply beer :) Kev. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barclay Hambrook ApecTec" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 4:22 PM Subject: (clug-talk) Help Wanted Linux and SOffice Setup in home (Hobby) > > Person knowledgeable, excited and enthusiastic in various versions of Linux > (Suse, Mandrake, Red Hat) to assist me in setting up in my home (located in > SW near WestHills area) a network, for hobby. I would like to buy a used > Pent 500MHz, install Linux and start using StarOffice, Xibian, and network > to Win PC, printer, etc. I would be pleased to discuss payment > (reasonable, please at this time its more of a hobby) for your > services. Maybe (longer term) potential for business opportunity, but no > promises at this stage. (I hope to do some very interesting things with > OSS that may be exciting to the right person(s). > > Contact Barclay Hambrook, P. Eng., MBA ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) 685 1888 > (days) or maybe discuss at BBQ > > > >
