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The Official Linux Users of Gaia

So you want to switch to Linux? READ ME!

Annalixa
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Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 2:41 am

Awesome! We're glad to have you in the open source neighborhood. Be prepared to read--you'll probably going to be doing more of it with Linux than you were with Windows. Here's my own recommended reading list to orient you in the GNU/Linux world, in addition to good links.

The main Linux website Linux.com offers some good help, details, and information about Linux.
Linux is not Windows - Seems obvious, doesn't it? Here are some things to consider before you switch.
Welcome windows users A little welcome message to Windows users who are thinking about making the switch into Linux, and gives some ideas as to what they are to expect.

Also, you might one to try one of these suggestions before you actually switch:

PhaseBurn
Might want to check out my post on Cooperative Linux in the Distroforums, which runs linux on top of windows (Yes, at the same time).

Alternatives to coLinux (which can be a pain to set up) includes downloading and trying a LiveCD.

Popular LiveCDs include:

Knoppix (KDE Full Desktop + Application Suite)
Gnoppix (Gnome Full Desktop + Application Suite)
Gentoo (Full Desktop + Application Suite)
LinuxQuestions.org - Register here before you do anything. There's lots of helpful information to be had.
This and this - How to choose the distro that's right for you.
Linux Newbie Guide - "Linux without the technobabble!" There's a good chance at least some of your questions will be answered in here: what Linux is, how to install it, how to use it, etc.
Linux security.com A good community forum that will help you spot the dangers of using a computer no matter what.
Linux Command Directory An online list of every Linux command, same as using man, info, whatis on your Linux box but online so its great when you don't have Linux with you.
LDP HOWTO INDEX The only HOW-TO you will ever need.
LinuxDevCenter.com A good website to get articles and books about Linux and various Linux system books. (Most of their books are on sale... most the time)
HappyPenguin.org - "Where my games at?!" Great source for free-as-in-beer games for Linux, including many clones of popular Windows games (that is, assuming you can't get your old games to run in Wine).
The Simple eXperience A great free as in beer GUI for wine
Frank's Corner A website devoted to wine
Linux and Open Source Blog A blog that is all about Linux and Open Source.
Linuxgaming weblog Information to help you get started gaming in Linux
Linux Magazine Good Linux Magazine, cheep price, it also includes a dvd of a different disrto everytime. They offer their magazines and articles online as a PDF for free downloads.
Twit tvThe old cast of Techtv shows, before they lost their job with the G4 merger now do a podcast of everything computers. I suggested it for there Security Now and FLOSS weekly podcasts, they are available free to you even if you don't register.
Linux World A major Linux website, well not major but a big one
www.linuxant.com A site to load your dail-up modem or your wireless card driver. You get a free 30 trail to buy a license it is $19.95 USD for a lifetime license. So even if you uninstall Linux and reinstall it or what ever you will never have to pay for a new license.
NDISWRAPPER Setup Information A guild for using the ndiswrapper, only for SuSE if anyone knows of links for guides for other distros if they have this program please send them to me and I will make a webpage for all of the links.
Free online Linux classes for users of all experence levels Linux online (www.linux.org) maintains several free online courses for Linux users (beginner, intermediate, and advanced users).

There you go! This isn't exhaustive by any means, but it's a good starting point. Vendion, GodFly, etc--feel free to post your own suggestions. 3nodding
Edited by vendion 1/28/08

Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 7:41 am

Once you have Linux on your computer then you may want to get registered here so you can be counted
Linux Counter

P.S. Thanks for making this topic

vendion Gear
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Annalixa
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Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 5:46 pm

No problem, seems like it will be needed in the near future. Feel free to edit the top post as other sources come to you.

Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 6:10 pm

I have a ton more links, but they are on my laptop and I think my mom is using it right now... sweatdrop

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white_hared

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Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:25 am

To make sure you get the best experince with linux you should try multiple types.

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 9:50 pm

I agree some Linux distro's are more popular than others but you should still check through them to see which one works the best for your computer

white_hared

To make sure you get the best experince with linux you should try multiple types.

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUU

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vendion Gear
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Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:33 am

jmad980

I agree some Linux distro's are more popular than others but you should still check through them to see which one works the best for your computer

white_hared

To make sure you get the best experince with linux you should try multiple types.

Its not just the computer, it is also you, anyone can take an OS and use it, but to find one that fits their personality and their needs is one of the greatest things about the hundreds of distros for Linux

Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:44 am

More information can be found here

skatcat31

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icePaige

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Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:52 pm

how do i view the source code of a Linux os? is it only viewable online?

Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2008 11:09 am

It depends on what you are wanting to view, if you are wanting to view the kernel then it is usually somewhere in /boot. If you want to view a specific program the easiest way to view it is see if the program maintainers have a open Revision Control system (SVN, GIT, CVS, etc), download the tarbell that they offer (tar.gz/tar.bz2) or see if they have the code posted directly on their site. If you don't want to view it online then you can find it locally if you have it installed using commands like find, locate, which. If it is compiled code then you will have to ether decompile it or download the tarbell and view the code before you compile it. If all else fails you can email one of the authors of the program and ask him for the code. If the project is open source then the code has to be available in some way, shape or form.

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