UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi, I would say that before actually installing anything to disk, many versions of Unix/Linux are available as 'Live CDs' where you can try out the distribution. You just download the Cd image and burn to a re-writable disc. Then if you don't like it you just wipe the CD and try another. There are also distros that can be run from pen drives if you don't have a CD drive (yes some University systems don't or worse only have floppy drives yet have USB!).

This saves you time as you don't have to worry about messing things up re: installation, you have less compatibility concerns and you can take the distribution with you (for example if you get stuck on something and need to demonstrate it to someone else).

Take your time and look at what's out there. I saw a very good 'test' on a website that asked you questions and based on your answers it recommended a distro that would suit your purpose. There are distros that are tailored for different needs, for example some are geared towards server admins, others such as Ubuntu are more towards those getting started or wanting an out-of-the-box and yet more such as Debian which just seem to offer everything under the sun. I'll see if I can't dig it out.

Hope this helps.

H.

I'm having great fun with FreeBSD on my PC. It's not just a kernel; it's a complete system!