Almost any Window-capable computer will do. A compatible videocard is important
though, even more so for a notebook.
An incompatible video-card makes it difficult (impossible?) to run X
(Linux-windows, graphical interface) on it. 'X' often is the way to
easier (newbie) installation.
(There is a list of compatible video-cards)
Get the distribution of Linux that 'is nearest you'. I would look for a book.
Many Linux books come with a CDROM in it.
It is easy and quite cheap to change distribution. The perfect distribution
still has to be invented so dont look for it.
A possible alternative to the video-prob is to test it. Assuming CDROM-install,
do a test-install. You need minimal 1 empty partition of 200 to 300MB on the
target harddisk to comfortably install Linux.
You need a boot-floppy if you want to startup without disturbing (the
booting of)
the existing OS.
Of course you should practice the test-install beforehand. And prepare the
boot-diskette. On your own computer or on a friend's computer.
Count on 1 GB (min 500MB) space on the harddisk for Linux and you can
have a lot of fun. It can be done in a LOT less space but it will require
attention to detail if your space is a lot less than that.
Also a CDROM makes life a LOT easier. It allows no-floppy installation of
Linux if
you have a CDROM. My experience is with RedHat 5.0 (RH 6.0 is on order.)
(Thinking of a Notebook): A floppy drive CAN be important. I use the floppy a
lot for temporary storage (backup my customized files for re-installation,
have
HOWTOs and other files available for reading in WIN, keep progress-notes.)
A CDROM has LOTS of good information, usually. I found the HOWTOs the best
source
for learning.
At 07:03 PM 9/24/99 -0300, �i�h�z�r� wrote:
>Hi,
>I'm planning in purchasing a notebook to install linux sot that I can
>learn of its processes and learn more about it. I'd like to know what
>brand would best suit a beginner (I'm planning on buying a used
>notebook, mainly for its price) and what version of Linux is best for a
>beginner (Slackware, RH 5, 5.2, 6???). Any suggestions are very
>welcome.
>
>Arthur
>
---Herman Aa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>From a mountaintop on Cebu island, Philippines.
List: Direct copies (extra copy) welcome.
