i want to use linux...

can you tell me how to install anything from pure...

[Shawn_cn]

for learning purpose, i want to use linux.
i have already had redhat 7.0 on my computer with his friend win2k...
But i find i still know nothing about linux.
when i enter the window, i just travel from one directory to another...and i really don't know how to do...
So, i think maybe i should get a pure linux, only core, vi,gcc -without a lot of unknown programs,then download what i need, configure it, make it, install it...

so here is my questions:
1.how can i create a pure linux system?
//how to diy?
//i've cd/rw, no floppy drive.
2.is there a software list?
//ok, so it won't confuse me.

[Nick_W]

Try this:
[webmasterworld.com...]

Nick

[Shawn_cn]

Thank you, Nick.
I've just visited the web [gentoo.org...]
But i still have a question:
I have Win2k in my disk.If i do follow the steps to install gentoo linux,will win2k be deleted?

[TobyDallan]

Well, I don't want to be stepping on anyone's toes here, but I'll take a stab at this one.

Dear Linux Friend;

When you install linux using the cd-roms (it'd be quite tricky to download then install and partition) it'll ask you to create a partition. (I'm not exactly sure if Gentoo has a GUI/wizard for partioning.) What I personally would suggest is the following:

*** STEP 1: Back up EVERYTHING you can to either USB Memory Sticks or to CD-Roms/DVD-Roms. BACK UP, BACK UP! :)
*** STEP 1A: If you are planning on downloading the linux disks, you have to download the iso's and then burn them to a cdrom/dvdrom. (www.distrowatch.com) is a great place to get ISOs. (www.nero.com) is a popular CD-Burning Program for Windows. (I think burning and download under windows would be easiest for you.)
*** STEP 1B: Otherwise, continue to step 2.
*** STEP 2: Insert the first cdrom
*** STEP 3: Follow all instructions that "pop up" onto your screen.
*** STEP 3A: If a monitor or video card doesn't appear that you have installed on your system, just use a "default" setting and download the drivers via the net.
*** STEP 4: If there is a GUI/Wizard for Partioning your hard drive, then follow the instructions it has beginning with a "clean or fresh" install.
*** STEP 4A: It may ask you "are you sure to delete drive(s)". THIS IS A GOOD CHANCE FOR YOU TO SIT BACK AND REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE EVERYTHING BACKED UP! (Sorry for caps :p just to stress the issue).
*** STEP 5: Perform a clean install.
*** STEP 6: It's a good thing to remember to get Wine and Winex for all those windows programs/files you have.
*** STEP6A: Also, OpenOffice.org has great software which you can download that will incorporate all of your Micro$lop Orifice filez. (ie, word, powerpoint)

I hope this helps,
Drop me a line if you get a chance
[e-mail]

[TobyDallan]

Also, if I forgot anything, PLEASE anyone post a reply. (I am currently eating some wonderful meatloaf a girlfriend of mine cooked for me. ;)

[Shawn_cn]

Thank you, TobyDallan.
You described really particularly.

I think if i follow your steps to install linux, i should plan to take one or more days...
And i must make a nice plan.

btw, i think i should also thank your girlfriend.
If she doesn't cook anything for you, you will be hungry;
If you are hungry, you've no time to answer my question.

...you make me hungry.

[Crispy_Beef]

I'm currently typing this text in from my Gentoo box. You have to install Gentoo from source i.e. you have to download a bootable CD and then compile the whole system. This results in an OS that is optimised for your hardware which is quite cool, but on the downside if you have a slow machine it could take a while to get up and running.

With Gentoo there is also no graphical installer, so you will learn a lot of Linux/Unix commands along the way, I cut my teeth managing Unix servers, but installing Gentoo has helped me too.

If this doesn't sound like it's for you then you could give Slackware a go, it has an installer from the CD and can be up and running comparatively easily.

One thing to mention too, I installed Gentoo on my Win2k box and now it's my main OS, but it's wise to make sure that Windows is installed first and then put Linux on. You can use tools like Partition Magic to resize and create new partitions under Windows, that will mean you won't have to reinstall.

Hope that helps your choice a little. :-)

--
Crispy