Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu is an African word meaning 'Humanity to others', or 'I am what I am because of who we all are'.

This is one of the easiest Linux-_base_d operating systems out free to download and use, it can be run live from one CD and has the option to install if you choose this as your OS or as dual boot. Ubuntu has a web browser "Firefox 2.0" , Word processor, media p_layer_ called Rhythmbox and much more, you can discover more and download in the _link_ below "full instructions are provided".

_link_ > Ubuntu Linux also Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Xubuntu - related.

The fastest way for most people to get Ubuntu is by downloading the CD Installer. The CD Installer is nearly 700MB = one (1) CD-R

Ubuntu is also available for PC, 64-Bit and Mac architectures. CDs require at least 256 MB of RAM. Install requires at least 4 GB of disk space.

I have been meaning to try this one as one of my guest OSes. It seems to be one of the more popular linuxes as of late.

You can also try, probably less popular though, Fedora which is updated regularly and always includes lots of new features with every release. Fedora can be downloaded at: http://fedoraproject.org/index.html

Just FYI, the Fedora download can be a large one but the servers are reliable so if you don't have a fast Internet connection don't worry just be patient. Also, if you do have cable, dsl or better Internet and the computer you want to install Fedora on has a DVD drive than I enthusiastically recommend you download the DVD distribution of Fedora saves you from all kinds of annoying disc swapping and if I remember correctly it also contains additional content.

Note: Fedora is for x86 computers only, there used to be a distribution built for PPC processors but I am not sure its updated anymore for computers, meaning desktop hardware, but it is now being used in interesting ways with Playstation 3. You can check out the PPC Fedora version at: http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/tss_home.shtml

I have not run a dual boot for some time now "my last was Linux Mandriver" my main and second PC has HDD X 2 so I'm going to look at the latest versions of Linux and give one a run

I actually don't dual boot anything on my main computer, which is a Macintosh, instead I use Parallels Desktop for Mac which is great for what I do because with no performance hit I can simultaneously run multiple operating systems at the same time. Ya, I know I sound like a Parallels ad but this is really great software, it sure beats rebooting and all the complexity of messing with boot options. Not to mention you can easily compact and backup all your Guest Operating Systems and deploy them where ever you need them.

There is a Windows version as well as a Mac version of this software but unless you have an Intel or other processor with VT technology you won't enjoy your experience as much. So the rule of thumb is that if you have an Intel processor newer than and including an Intel Core Duo, and at least 2GB of RAM, then your good to go as for AMD I don't know what their VT technology offerings are but last I checked they where about to produce something along those lines.

You can test drive and buy Parallels for Windows at: http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/
You can test drive and buy Parallels for Macintosh at: http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/