UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

i need help running Knoppix on my comp (which is windows). I have the cd with the iso on it and it works on my moms computer but not mine this is what it says to do

How do I run KNOPPIX?
In order to start the CD, first adjust the boot list in the BIOS Setup of your computer to boot from CD (before the hard drive). Put the CD in and restart the computer.

my computer dosent boot from cd first how do i fix this?

When your computer begins to POST look carefully and it should tell you a button to press to access the BIOS. It usually calls it 'SETUP'

The button will likely be [Del] although it could be [Ins] or [F1].
One into the bios look for the section that contains the boot order and set CDROM to the primary boot device.
You may want to set it up as follow if you ever boot floppies:
1) CD-ROM
2) Floppy
3) IDE-0 (it may say HDD)

what do you mean by post?

heres how my computer starts up
1. i press power
2. it flashes Dell really really fast
3 Windows XP pro loading screen shows
4. automaticly goes into my side of the computer (only side)

when do i press f1 to bring up the settings?

This is the problem with a lot of pre-built machines, they have fast POST sequences, normally hidden by some kind of corporate logo that stops you seeing the actual post sequence.

You'll need to try and hit Del (or F1, F10, whatever) almost immediately after you hit the power switch (i.e. whilst the "Dell" screen is present"). Just keep hammering Del (or F1, F10 whatever) and the BIOS config util will appear.

Cheers
ZB

thanks a bunch guys finaly got it workin just had to pound delete, F1, and F10. not sure which one actualy worked lol now im useing linux for the first time yay c ya