Linux 1 - Getting started
1 - Choose your distribution
Distribution? A distribution is a collection of software, a kernel, setup utilities, window managers and other stuff. Most distributions are free to download, some can be bought from shops such as PC world for around 50 pounds. You may have already heard of many distributions, such as Mandrake, Red Hat, Debian etc. Go to www.linux.org for a list of links.
Different distributions have different qualities: ease of install/setup, size, etc. I choose slackware because it is not aimed at home users, and has a reputation for being compact and difficult to use.
2 - Download and install
Download the ISO image of the distribution and burn to a CD. Use nero or whatever CD burning software you use.
Turn on the boot from CD option in your BIOS, restart and boot from the CD. Follow the setup instructions and all should be well.
3 - Choosing your window manager
Window manager? The window manager is the software that controls how windows are displayed and often provides enhanced utilities and configuration for sound etc. Like distributions, there are many windows managers. Most distributions will come with the a selection of the most popular ones. These will probably be KDE, twm, Gnome, fvwm95, XFce.
I choose XFce. I find KDE, Gnome and others too slow and combersome. twm is the extreme opposite, it is too simple. XFce provides a happy medium, it has a small customisable icon bar, nice looking windows, and the best bit -it is f*cking fast!
4 - loading your window manager
The command xinit will load X windows and execute the script .xinitrc on the way. In slackware linux there are a load of ready made .xinitrc files in the /etc/X11/xinit directory. So simply create a .xinitrc file in your home directory and place the name of one of the samples on the first line, e.g. Put the line "/etc/X11/xinit/xinitrc.kde" in your .xinitrc file.
5 - Playing MP3s or music
If you're playing around with linux you'll need music to listen to! If you have a regular soundcard then the kernel should have automatically detected it and loaded support for it. If not, you will need to read one of the later sections.
To play MP3s run xmms, if it isn't on any menus, type xmms& into a terminal window or create a link to it.
Too quiet? You can change the mixer settings with rexima (a mixer spelt backwards), this has the advantage that you can use it over a terminal connection! Type rexima into a xterm window.