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Mandriva is a user friendly operating system based on KDE, the K Desktop Environment. Mandriva is the Linux distribution for starters very easy to use and supports lots of hardware.
The K Desktop Environment, a powerful graphical desktop environment, it is very easy to migrate to from Windows, it combines the ease of use, contemporary functionality and outstanding graphical design..
I recommend that you start with Mandriva
Available from Linux Media For 2 pounds sterling. Plus p&p.
IS4 Linux page
Here we will cover Linux and dual booting with windows.
Microsoft Windows is much more vulnerable to attack than other common operating systems such as MAC or Linux. One reason is that from a security point of view it simply isn't as well put together.
Linux and Windows how to dual boot
It is possible that email and browser-based viruses, Trojans and worms are the source of the myth that Windows is attacked more often than Linux. Clearly there are more desktop installations of Windows than Linux. It is certainly possible, if not probable, that Windows desktop software is attacked more often because Windows dominates the desktop. But this leaves an important question unanswered. Do the attacks so often succeed on Windows because the attacks are so numerous, or because there are inherent design flaws and poor design decisions in Windows?
Linux facts
Fewer viruses
More stable
Less restarts after installing updates
Security designed from the ground up
Open Source, no costly programs to install
Better file system, no waiting for de fragmentation of the hard drive
Linux is suited to a Ethernet modem connector (RJ45) this is found on the back of a Surfboard 5100 modem for example. The other end plugs into your network connection or card on the back of your case/laptop.
The modem came with two cables one RJ45 and one USB.
Ethernet Routers versus USB Modems
If you have a broadband connection and use a USB modem to connect with, the risks are much greater than if you use an Ethernet router. Unfortunately, most people do use USB modems as they are cheaper to buy, and many ISP's even give them away free to new customers.
So what's the difference? Well with a USB modem your computer is directly connected to the internet and can be seen by ' port scanners' looking for vulnerable PCs to attack. Unless you have a Firewall for protection then your PC is wide open and will soon become infected with different pieces of malicious software.
Routers on the other hand give increased security as they use NAT (Network Address Translation). With NAT your computer connects only to the router, and it is the router that connects to the internet, hiding your PC and acting as a buffer. Most routers come with a built-in firewall, providing extra security.
Routers also take the load off your PC, give a faster connection in certain instances, and can have more than one port or socket, allowing you to share the internet connection between more than one computer or other device. All-in-all they are a much better option.
Short guides available in Open Office Format
Short guides available in Adobe PDF Format
Dual booting with Linux and Windows
Linux has no technical support by Virgin Media yet it works on their cable network,
this page is written by a Linux user with a
broadband cable connection.
I first used Mandrake Linux in 1999 with Blueyonder.
I have also used
Mandrake and Mandriva
This uses KDE which is an easy learning curve for somebody that is used to Windows.
Knoppix
A live CD which means you do not have to install it. To test your system
Another live CD based on the old Mandrake Linux, again you do not have to install it to test your system.
Based on Red Hat, Fedora version 9 enables you to install an encrypted operating system to your hard drive.
Enables you to have encrypted files on your hard drive, also available on some Netbooks.
This uses KDE which is an easy learning curve for somebody that is used to Windows.
Ubuntu
This uses GNOME which is an easy learning curve for somebody that is used to an Apple Mac.
First check your system, I recommend starting with a Live Linux CD.
A Live Linux CD does not effect your hard drive and runs in RAM directly from your CD /DVD drive.
When ready this loads to your hard drive enabling you to dual boot your system with Linux and Windows with a little startup program called GRUB, allowing you to select your operating system.
