Linux: Where to get started?

[phantomdesign]

So, I just spent about $1500 on a new computer and it should be arriving early next week. I'm planning on installing Vista, XP, and some version of Linux on individual partitions.

Only problem is there seems to be numerous version of Linux & I'm not exactly sure where to get started & what sort of preparation I need to be doing. The main ways I use my computer are video gaming & 3D modeling / rendering.

Well, I'll let you experts educate me

 

[DevgruSeal]

I don't have a lot of advanced linux experience or anything, but Ubuntu would be a good place to start.

That's what I started off with, IIRC.

I personally like Sabayon. Maybe its the 3d interface, maybe it's the KDE. I'm not sure

But again, I don't have a lot of experience with linux, so I don't know if it has less advantage over another distro, etc, because I haven't learned a lot many linux terminal commands. :x

I do know that Ubuntu is among the top newbie-friendly linux distros.

 

[Hazar]

I would recommend ubuntu as well for getting started. It's easy to install and use.

The best way to gain familiarity with distributions is to just try them.

 

[Xune]

This is a good read. Ubuntu seems to be the place to start, I'll be giving it a try sometime soon too.

 

[Geogaddi]

Ubuntu is super easy to install and has excellent support. I dual boot Ubuntu/Kubuntu and XP. I use XP for some gaming, Linux for everything else.

 

[Nemesis6]

Well, it is going to be impractical to run Linux because, well, let me give you an example:

Windows performs best at room temperature. All you need to run it at this temperature is to put it in any room of the house.

Linux performs best in your mom's basement, so you would have to move it down there each time you boot Linux up, and that's provided that you still live with your parents and they have a basement. That is going to be impractical, there's no denying it.

 

[Link]

I assume that was humour..?

 

[Zeus]

Get Ubuntu

 

[Nemesis6]

I assume that was humour..?

I don't know...? I tell myself that it is, but every fiber of my body tells me I'm right. Anyway, Linux just for 3d-modelling and rendering? What programs do you use? That's all it really comes down to; if they're compatible. Anyway, Ubuntu does indeed seem to be all the rage these days.

 

[phantomdesign]

Seems 3DS MAx isn't available for Linux (natively); oh well. I'll have to check on Rhino 3D and Maya compatibility.

Well, it is going to be impractical to run Linux because, well, let me give you an example:

Windows performs best at room temperature. All you need to run it at this temperature is to put it in any room of the house.

Linux performs best in your mom's basement, so you would have to move it down there each time you boot Linux up, and that's provided that you still live with your parents and they have a basement. That is going to be impractical, there's no denying it.

Hmmmm.... Yea, might be a bit impractical for me. Moved out over a year ago; don't have access to a Mom's basement . . . . or even a Garage.

 

[-Psy-]

Linux is only really useful for general stuff like surfing t'internet and using OpenOffice.

It's an unfortunate, but well known, truth.

 

[Kyorisu]

Linux is only really useful for general stuff like surfing t'internet and using OpenOffice.

It's an unfortunate, but well known, truth.

Is that all you use your computer for?