Just about everyone, starts with linux somehow. I started with mandrake, (becuase it could get it from my local office supply company) that was a mistake. Filled up with more stuff that anyone could use. not really a good installation at all.
then I switched to Redhat, and since then I have installed winlinux 2000 and yellow dog on a mac.

I too have read quite a few books on linux. I would start with a begining book, but also buy the one mentioned Linux in a Nutshell. its more of a dictionay of what linux can do. (while it not complete) and you might find yourself buying more indepth books on sendmail, or samba or apache. later, its really a good overview of the power of linux.

the installs these days, are not all that much harder to do than doing a windows 2000 install, but knowing what to choose becuase you are most likley not familar with the linux terms what you will need etc, will get a little confusing.

Here is a suggestion.
Install everthing. Sure the isntall takes longer that way, but you wont find yourself three monts into working with it, and no having something like pico or joe then. (two easy to use editors)

Some people like the GUI - xwindows to work with linux,. while me, I dont care for it. 'long live the command prompt' Linux gives you both. so the first big hint is once its installed, you have normally 7 sessions, or user sessions setup by default. 6 text modes, and one gui, if your install gets you to the gui by default, and you want a text mode. switch to by hitting ctrl alt f1
or ctrl alt f2,
to get back to your xwindows gui, ctrl - alt f7 or press the windows key.

Lots of reading in front of you, get a few books, and have fun with it. GREAT tool. expecally for people who like finding out new things. Your in for a good ride.
Bob Lee





>I have never seen Linux run let alone installed it. However, that being said, I am thinking about installing it on a computer and trying my luck with it.
>
>What installation package does everyong recommend?
>Any good web sites for information about installing it?
>
>TIA