I want to setup Linux on my computer, just for a test run. I have no idea where to start. KaGez said he custom compiled his Linux, which is kind of the direction I'm leaning towards. Please help me! [addsig]

ok, if you never installed linux before, or even never used it, _do not_ compile it from scratch. For "newbies" it is a pain in the ass, even some parts of it are challenges for experienced linux users.
If you use Linux for the first time, I'd say that you go download the 2 Mandrake ISOs and install Mandrake. It's userfriendly, and easy to use.
[addsig]

Um... I don't really have the time or connection to download a couple of 650MB isos. I don't feel like spending money on it in case I hate it either. Any other suggestions? [addsig]

Sourcemage linux, 80mb distro
(-:

Umm... Okay, all I want is a simple kernel with a setup program. Something less 16MB would be nice. Otherwise I have Linux kernel 1.0 and I think I'll play with that for a while if there is nothing else. [addsig]

There are many distros that fit on a floppy their under 16mb
(-:

hardoce distro, but then you should go with gentoo:
16MB ISO, burn it on a CD, compile the base system, then you can get the rest you need from the net throught the pkg system.
[addsig]

dxprog: If you want to find out about Linux you should try a newer kernel. One of the 2.4 series. Trying 1.0...heh, maybe I'll find out about windows. I think I'll take a look at 3.1 [addsig]

I meant play around with the code. If I want to use Linux I am going to go with anything newer than 2.4. [addsig]

ah, ok. Looks like I simply misunderstood. [addsig]

I don't have a CD burner either. Another thing I need to get for my system once I have an Athlon in there. [addsig]

if you don't have a burner, why don't you tell us in the beginning?
the only thing I could tell you now is to go to http://www.linux-mandrake.com and look for a vandor near you. I will cost a bit more than DLin and burning a CD tho
[addsig]

Actually I can buy Mandrake Linux at Wal-Mart (or almost any other store) for about 25$. But I have to upgrade my computer first and save up for a car. I'll fiddle with my Linux kernel and maybe I can learn enough to compile my own. [addsig]

Well, it might be lots of fun, but you won't really see what a current Linux distro has to offer. I'd recommend spending the 25 bucks. See, 25 bucks won't buy you a car, will they? [addsig]

Maybe one of those little clown cars...

I know, I know. I'll probably end up doing that. But right now I am out of cash from buying my HDD. [addsig]

then you will need to Download
I think debian, grntoo and source mage are the best in cast you DL. For debian you DL a 80MB installer, and then DL the additionally needed packages only from the internet.
Gentoo you download a minimal boot environment in a ISO, partition your harddrive etc., then DL the needed source from the net and compile. Will take heck long with a P133 tho....
Source Mage should be about the same as gentoo. Never used it, so I dunno tho.
[addsig]

Yeah, SourceMage will take hell long, too. With a 133 you should stick with binary distros, I think. [addsig]

but especially on slow systems compiling everything from source will definitely pay out, I can promise that
It's even makin a huge difference with a 1GHz PC.
[addsig]

I don't have a P133 anymore. I put my K6 back in and underclocked it to 166. It's still slow but I have MMX at least. [addsig]

wvwn with 166MHz it will pay out to compile everything from source. it will take about 3 or 4 days (maybe even 5) until you have X and stuff, but you will have a rock stable, and heck fast system.
[addsig]

I downloaded XFree86 last week so all I need is a kernel. Can you compile the kernel with any ANSI compliant C compiler? [addsig]

I think you won't get the linux kernel to compile under windows.... dunno tho, never tried it, and I will never try to
but it should work with any ANSI C compiler in linux, maybe even almost every UNIX.
[addsig]

I have a windows based ANSI C compiler. I tried to compile oneof my Linux 1 files last night, but it didn't work. [addsig]

I think even if you would make to _compile_ it, the kernel would be almost useless.... since you'll have to configure the kernel somehow, and be able to use these makefiles. OK, you could configure the kernel in that flat file, but I think not many people like to do that
[addsig]

I don't know much about make files and compiling big C programs. With VB it's easy. You have one main project file which loads all the other files. [addsig]

VB, bah!
We're in a non-windows focum here!
anyways, I don't know any program that will load a whole C project.... And makefiles are easy to use (if properly written). Just type "make" in the console
[addsig]

That's what I've read in the documentation for Linux 1, but I never thought of looking for an executable by that name. Thanks! Maybe it'll work now. [addsig]

I'll pray with you! good luck!
[addsig]