Linux distributions
The primary problem faced in installing GNU/Linux is choosing between distributions.
Of the many variants of GNU/Linux, Fedora, SuSE, and Ubuntu are
generally recommended, as they are updated regularly and compatible with a
broad range of hardware:
• Fedora, currently at version 7. Used to be the de facto-standard GNU/Linux.
• SuSE, currently at version 10.2.
• Ubuntu, currently at version 7.04. Increasingly gaining popularity as an
easy to use desktop GNU/Linux.
Some GNU/Linux variants may support hardware that these do not. If you
have obscure or old hardware, you may want to search bulletin board sites for
various GNU/Linux variants to ensure compatibility.
For example, lets consider Ubuntu. It’s a variant of Debian, and is the
current standard for easy-to-use GNU/Linux distributions. One can download
the .iso image or order a CD set (containing the installation CD and LiveCD)
from its website. Most distros are available in these two ways. An .iso is
nothing more than a special file format that your CD drive burning software
uses to create a copy of the software, in this case a copy of Ubuntu GNU/Linux.
The installation of GNU/Linux is relatively easy. Push the button on the
front of the PC, put the CD-ROM in your optical drive, and follow the on-screen
instructions. By default, the installation version of Ubuntu will erase all files on
the hard drive and partition 1.8 GB for the OS. If you want to customize, follow
the on-screen instructions carefully. The LiveCd version does not erase your
hard drive and is intended solely for a user to test drive Ubuntu GNU/Linux.
When installing a GNU/Linux distro, you may be asked to choose between
alternatives whether to run KDE or Gnome, for instance, or to install vi or
Emacs. If the terms are unfamiliar a quick Google will usually bring enlightenment.
Also, as in these two examples, most such choices are a matter of
preference and either choice will work.