ok say I wanted to totally wipe all of windows from my hard-drive, a long with everything on my hard-drive, and do a clean install of the Linux Kernel and start again how would i do that?
Yes of coarse. That is how I like to do it. But, there is a detail that many people miss because they don't understand. Sometimes it is easier for me to recommend ordering a free CD, rather than explaining a step-by-step of how the contents of the OS must be transfered to the cd-r. You will download a file called an image with the ".iso" extension. This file contains more than just OS files, but an actual file system structure. Think about it like this: A computer needs special files that allow it to boot. These files are located on the MBR (Master Boot Record) of the booting hard disk. The MBR is always located on the first sector of the hard disk. This first sector is the only sector the computer can ""boot"" from. Similarly, a CD-R will need equivalent files to boot the computer, thusly giving the OS 'life' so to speak. The image '.iso' file will contain these special boot files needed to boot the computer. But remember that the computer can not use these special files to boot unless they are on the first sector (or equivalent) of the media (media: hard disk, CD-R, DVD-R, flash drive, etc). Unfortunately, CD burning applications can not write to the boot sector when copying files. The application will take the file, create a file system structure around it, and copy it "as-is". What you want it to do is mirror the '.iso' image to the CD-R. This requires the use of special burning software, such as Nero. So now you have to install an aftermarket CD burning application that will burn an iso, unless you have one. Then you can download any Linux distrobution you want to use. Some other distro's include: Fedora, Suse, Mint, Mandriva, Debian, Slackware, and hundreds more. Just use www.google.com to find more info. You could just ask me in this thread. -joe
that was a very nice description but sadly it wasted on me, disc rips aren't a new thing to me. I have dvd decrypter. But hopefull someone else will be able to make use of it
OK. Find a Linux/BSD distrobution you like. Download it and burn it. Reboot with the CD/DVD. Follow instructions.
Mepis or Ubuntu are good distros to start with, they tend to find all your hardware and set it up correctly with little or no help from you. I prefer Arch, which is a bit more complicated to set up in that you have to edit your control files. If you go to their excellent wiki and download and print the beginners guide and install guide before you start, and follow the directions and suggestions during the instal, it's easy. Arch is one of the few distros that operate on a "rolling release" system, rather than a numbered release using major upgrades. An Arch system is always up to date which is done in increments. Arch is also very, very quick to handle any security or functional problems that are found and get the fixed version online promptly. I don't load any of the "unstable" or "testing" programs, but you can if you want to live on the "bleeding edge". It's your choice on a program by program basis. The package management system is wonderful.
Do Gentoo. Download the minimal cd and RTFM you'll probably get about half way through. After you get frusterated and quit you'll have learned how awesome linux can be, but you realise you need to start somewhere else. Install Ubuntu or whatever noob distro looks the "best" atm. Make sure to use command line for almost everything! After about 4 months realize you've messed up your machine for being sloppy and leaving half done project all over the place, then gb2windows or pick another Unix, it's a cycle. @d4wt. i agree so much. eventually you'll want Gentoo, it's definitely the best. and have fun, of course.
I started with red hat 7 years ago and about 1 year ago i downloaded for free debian . There is not enough money in the world for me to use windoze again .
