How to begin with linux?

I want to begin with linux but i don't know any thing about it so how to begin? and what version use for beginning?

Here is one possibility:

https://www.mepis.org/

It is free.
It can be run off the CD WITHOUT any install, so you can play with it.
You can install it if you like.
It has a graphical front end, and you can get by without learning commands.

Here are some notes I wrote up for my daughters to use Mepis off the CD, in case of hard drive failure:


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MEPIS 6.0 Cheat Sheet


MEPIS will let most recent computers run a Windows-like interface, with it’s own programs right off the CD without any install, without using the hard drive and without using the Windows that was on the computer.
Use MEPIS if your hard drive has failed, or if Windows on your computer is messed up and not working, or if your computer got a virus or if you just want to try it.
Be advised that MEPIS running off the CD forgets all settings when you power down.

Booting MEPIS 6

Put the CD in your CD drive.
Set your computer to boot from the CD drive.
On Toshiba Satellite laptops, this can be done by repeatedly pressing C on your keyboard as you power up. You will see the Toshiba screen, but no Microsoft Windows screen.
Other computers may already work, or you may need to go into the CMOS or BIOS settings and set the boot sequence to try booting from the CD before the hard drive.
This may involve pressing escape, delete, or a function key repeatedly right after boot to get into the special settings area.
If you see the Windows boot screen, you messed up. Power down and try again.
When you see a selection for Boot Normal Selection, press enter.
When you get to the sign in, choose username: root, and password: root, then log in.

Browser

Click on the globe on the bottom line, near the left.
When Firefox runs, it has no home page. You will have to enter an address on the blank line.

Gaim (Instant Messenger)

Click on the K logo on the extreme lower left.
Choose Internet then Instant Messaging then Gaim.
Click +ADD, enter your screen name, then Save.
Enter your password and sign in.

Look for files on your hard drive

Click on the K logo on the extreme lower left.
Click Find Files/Folders.
Click Browse, then Storage Media, then click on the icon with the number of gigs on your hard drive.
Navigate and select your folder of interest, then click Find to show files.
Current Win XP drives are NTFS, which MEPIS can read but not write.


Enter the password for your wireless card

Click on the K logo on the extreme lower left.
System Configuration/Utilities
System Administration then Mepis Utilities then Network Interfaces.
On Status tab, change each item as required to show Start.
On WIFI tab, enter ESS ID (such as default), check the encryption box, then ascii and your key (such as open777777777). Apply and OK.
On the Status tab, start WLAN0.
Close utilities.

Look at Windows networked computers

Click on the K logo on the extreme lower left.
Network folders
Samba shares
Navigate where you want

Word Processor

Note: Any documents you write will be lost on power down.
Email, print or save to USB thumb drive or floppy first.
To run:
Click on the K logo on the extreme lower left.
Click on Office, then Word Processor.

When done, power down.
Since you are not using the hard drive, it will be fine.
Or, you can:
Click on the K logo on the extreme lower left.
Log off and choose to turn off the computer.

As a newcomer you may run GNU/Linux from a live CD, the most popular and stable live Linux release is KNOPPIX , you can download it for free from http://www.knoppix.com/.

Then you may read the book Running Linux. http://www.rapidshared.org/Detailed/77233.html

Best regards and welcome to the Linux World!!!

first begin by **broken link removed**

i think its better to start with a Live CD Linux such as knoppix.

In a world that has no fences or walls, who needs Gates or Windows?

You should start with a live Cd, like Ubuntu 6.10 or Knoppix that's the best way without ruin your OS for a bad command or something.

another link for the book "!! oreilly.running.linux.5th.edition.dec.2005.chm "?

The link h**p://www.rapidshared.org/Detailed/77233.html inform that "This file has been deleted".

Thanks

Running Linux 5th edition

**broken link removed**

SAM's - Teach Yourself Shell Programming in 24 Hours

Great, easy, and recommended one..

Regards,
Ahmad

I think Linux bible of Christopher Negus is good

As a beginner I would say Redhat 9 is a good version for you.

The attached document is really usefull to guide you to choose between different Linux distributions..
Read it well (you may take a look at the conclusion if you're in hurry, but i recommend that you read it all, it's only 8 pages)