[EMAIL PROTECTED]: > > I have never used Linux before, but I've always wanted to learn.
That's the right attitude for starting with Debian. When I started to experiment with linux, I was told to start with Debian, not because it's easier but because in the long run I would end up using it anyway. I don't regret it. :) > I want to use Debian Linux, but I don't know which to use. I am > wanting to dual boot it in my laptop with my Windows. My laptop is > made by eMachines and uses a AMD Sempron 3200+ processor. Please let > me know what version to install. Thank you very much!!! Although I generally don't give new users the advice to run anything but Debian stable, with your new laptop you should probably begin with the installer for Debian etch, which will become Debian's stable release in the next few months. You can get it at <http://www.debian.org/devel/debian-installer/>. Use one of the download links for "i386". If your Sempron is a 64 Bit CPU you might try the "amd64" version, but then it will be quite difficult to run proprietary software like the Adobe Flash player. If you have a fast internet connection, you should use the "netinst" image. This is the smallest one and install only the most basic system from CD, the rest is downloaded from a mirror server near to your location. If you prefer to install (almost) everything from CD/DVD, download the first of the "full" CD/DVD sets, either directly via HTTP or via Bittorrent, if you prefer that. Ignore the "jigdo" links, because jigdo sucks and doesn't gain you anything in your situation. To get an overview over your new system, you should at least skim over <http://www.debian.org/doc/user-manuals#quick-reference>. This should answer most of your questions about the different flavours of Debian, package management software, the install process (although this topic might not be strictly up to date) and basic shell usage (which you will probably need even if you install one of the all-singing, all-dancing dekstop environments). If you scroll down the download page for the installer, you will find links to even more documentation. Don't worry if you don't understand most of it, that's quite normal in the beginning. You will learn very quickly. If you have any questions, you are welcome to ask here or on more specialised mailing lists. Just try to make it easy to help you by giving relevant details and a concise description of your actual problem. :) Oh, and to answer your first implicit question: the Debian installer will automatically detect your Windows partition and will try to make some space for linux. After installation, your bootloader should offer to boot any of your existing operating systems. Have fun, J. -- I start many things but I have yet to finish a single one. [Agree] [Disagree] <http://www.slowlydownward.com/NODATA/data_enter2.html>
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