Babbys First GNU/Linux

==Baby's First GNU/Linux OS==
Being a technology board, talk of different operating systems and distributions is common. You may desire to try a new OS after reading about them. For users looking to make the switch from Windows or Mac to a Linux distribution, here are some recommendations.
==Recommended distributions==
===XUbuntu===
An Ubuntu fork. The main difference between them is that Xubuntu uses and is optimized around the XFCE desktop environment. XFCE is a lightweight desktop environment, and very forgiving on older hardware. Since it's an Ubuntu fork, it means you can also take use of Ubuntu's big and beginner friendly community -- and most beginner questions has already been asked if you google around when you get stuck. XUbuntu ISO can be found here.
but anon, why not just ubuntu?
Ubuntu does not follow /g/'s fundamental guidelines of a good operating system.
*It's considered spyware.http://www.fsf.org/blogs/rms/ubuntu-spyware-what-to-do
*It's bloated. (unless you decide to go with Ubuntu Minimal - but that's not very beginner friendly.)
*It refrains you from becoming a terminal wizard.
===Linux Mint===
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==Installing an OS==
It is recommended that you test out an OS in a Virtual Machine such as VirtualBox or run it from a Live CD/USB before installing it. This lets you test out the operating system without any permanant change to your system. You should also consider booting as a live CD to ensure good hardware compatability.
However, if you've decided to dedicate yourself to GNU/Linux -- getting it up and running isn't as daunting as one might think. First of all: you have to figure out what distribution you want, and what architecture your CPU has, and download the corresponding ISO. Do download it with torrent, or check the checksum after it has finished downloading. It will save you a lot of hassle if you get a corrupted ISO. There are multiple tools available for creating a GNU/Linux bootable USB from this ISO, Lili is great if you're on a Windows system. Boot from the USB, follow instructions. Problems? Official distribution manual, or just make a thread on /g/ once you have searched exhaustively on google.
==Creating a Server==
A friendly website tutorial, which utilizes Ubuntu 8.04 Server Edition, the tutorial on doing so Dedicated Server.
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Category:Guides