wiping away the evil simplified by psychiccyberfreak AKA B.J.
Ok, so in here, we will cover ALOT of things.
Linux is a command based OS with HUGE possibilities. In this tutorial, we will cover things that will get you familiarized with linux, seince you are switching from windows. It's ok, you can still have a window system. It's pretty much downhill from there. The best part is that it's free.
:::::::::::Table of Contents::::::::::::::::::::::
:: 1. Is it right for you? ::
:: 2. Why bother? ::
:: 3. Step 1: getting a distribution ::
:: 4. Step 2: getting a Window environment ::
:: 5. Step 3: getting program replacements ::
:: 6. Step 4: Bringing over your old files ::
:: 7. Getting used to your new OS ::
:: 8. Oh no! I can't find drivers for my ??? ! ::
:: 9. End notes ::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::1: Is it right for you?:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
If you have a slow running computer with windows, yes.
If you are tired of having to buy software, yes.
If you want a cool new look, yes. If your computer is really screwed up, yes.
If you have problems with 'the blue screen of death', yes.
If you are a developer, HELL YEAH!!!
If you have a HUGE number of apps and hate the start menu, yes.
etc.
Basically, if you have problems with windows, get it. If you are secure, and bug free, skip it (for now anyways... lol)
Ok? ok.
:: 2. Why bother? ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You may want to skip this part...
Ok, so basically, it's alot more stable then windows. Then again, isen't everything?
No patches. Simpilly upgrade the OS, for FREE. Most of the programs are free or under the GNU licence. It in my oppinion runs smoother on computers. It supports almost every processor imaginable. Basically, Get it.
::3. Step1: getting a distribution::::::::::::::::::::::
There are a huge number of distributions. Get a free one. The most popular are:
Debian
Gentoo
Lindows
Lycoris
Mandrake
Red Hat
Slackware
SuSE
Xandros
Some are easyer than others to setup, I reccomend Slackware.
Instalation varies, so check on the support site for details. DO NOT INSTALL UNTILL YOU HAVE FINNISHED THIS TUTORIAL!!!!!!!!![SIZE=14]
::4. Step 2: Getting a window environment::::::::::::::
Some distros come with something like KDE. These are the ones that are most popular.
Xwindow
KDE
I would reccomend KDE. It's the one I use. Installation of this varies, if you have only one computer, this may be tough. See your distro's manual for info.
::5. Step 3: Getting Program Replacements:::::::::::::::
Ok, make a list of the programs you NEED. Then download the replacements. I reccomend linux.softpedia.com for this. Remember- you can get emulators for win32 programs which will run most programs. (ex: wine, dosbox, etc.) So if you have GNU programs, you WILL find linux distros for them. If not, build it with linux! Here is just some stuff on my list:
1. Trillan ----> kopete
2. Gimp 2.2 --> Gimp 2.2
3. ZipGenius -> ZipAnywere
::6. Step 4: Bringing over your old files:::::::::::::::::::
Find the stuff that you want to keep and put it on a flash drive, or a CD/DVD. Floppy???(lol) If you have a bunch of word files, save them as a different format that will work in linux, depending on your programs. (ex: open a word doc with abiword freeware edition, save as a abiword file, then open it and convert it in Kword.) You can open .ppt in Kpresenter, do some research.
::7. Getting used to your new OS:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ok, so now you're done. It's easy with KDE. You have the big K icon for your start menu. Get used to the new programs and OS. There is no worse situation where you are typing up something and you can't print it. When in doubt, read the manual for your distro!
::8. Oh no! I can't find drivers for my Whatever!!!::::::::
Don't panic. This is a common problem. It happened to me when I had to get a new Wi-fi card for my laptop. Look around online. Still nothing? contact the hardware company and ask around. If not, get a major brand. For wi-fi, (this is a huge problem) get 'wi-fi manager'. I think it comes with slackware. I don't know. It's for KDE. So if you don't have KDE, consider a switch...
::9. End notes:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
If you want to get a new program, I recomend linux.softpedia.com. They have a nice selecton of programs from many publishers, most under the GNU licence.
There are linux support forums everywhere. Go find it.
KDE is great, it comes with a great programs suite, runs smoothly, and has great functionality. It's 'start' menu clone is actually sorted by topic! YAY! Now you don't have to sift through a sea of programs. Plus, most programs on linus are good quality.
There are viruses for linux!!! Get antivirus programs RIGHT AWAY!!! Also, get a FIREWALL, and SPYWARE PROTECTION.
You can put this on your site, as long as you let me know via E-MAIL ONLY! You also need to mention me and my site in the end or something. My e-mail is bj[at]psychdesigns[dot]net
my site is www.psychdesigns.net, and you can put 'psychiccyberfreak AKA B.J.' as my name.
This was all put togeter on what I did to my super slow laptop that took 10 mnuites to boot every time! So have fun with linux. I helped so many people this way.
Remember: EVERY DISTRO IS DIFFERENT!!! so get a manual right away!
Good luck and have fun!!!
But hey! You havent mensioned ubantu in your list of linux Os's? 
I mean come on ubantu is the best Linux Os to come out and it even ships you the free cd'd for free!
