So let's assume for a second that you're thinking to yourself "Ok ok, I see where you're going and I'm interested in checking it out. I'm either sick and tired of restarting Windows every day, possibly more, or I just want to play around with this other operating system and check it out for grins. I can't remember which right now because I'm on my seventh Shiner Bock, but what should I do?" That's a great question. A great question with surprisingly unslurred speech for someone in your condition.
Well, depending on your level of Newbie-ism, I actually really would recommend the book I'm reviewing, called Linux Made Easy. Notice that it's not called for Dummies. Besides being a possible trademark infringement, the simple fact of the matter is that Linux is very easy (now) to set up and get going, but you might still have to manually adjust a couple things that you're not accustomed to having to do. Linux is infinitely tweakable, which can be a blessing in many instances and a curse in others. But it's never out of reach for someone with an open mind, a little extra time, and a handy reference book. And beer.
Stay tuned for Part 2—coming soon (and subtitled "what happens when you put down your beer long enough to load an install CD").
Edited: PC
Article comments
1 - DrPat
Pop one for me, David! Beer and Linux -- perfect match!
2 - MikeO
Compare the ease of installing SuSe Linux 9.3 pro and Win Xp pro.
With Suse after 40 minutes you end up with a fully workable system.
With XP you then have to load MS Office, Acrobat, An anti-virus a proper firewall, Adobe reader, a proper dvd/cd writer ripper, etc.
Looking for all the cds takes hours. SuSe comes with everything on the 5 cds at £2 each + p&p.
Give me SuSe linux every time
3 - Ghostboy
Mandravia Linux 2005 LE is a snap to install at comes with plenty of software. I use windows exlusively but if I had to jump ship, this would be my first choice.
4 - David R Perry
All good comments, thanks guys! I'll be giving some comments on xandras as opposed to some other major distros in part 2 (but of course, I don't want to spoil the surprise).