Any Linux advice?

Hi All,

I am looking to get up to speed on Linux as my work servers run Linux for just about everything and I need to give myself a crash course on cmd line instructions..

I started using a laptop running ubuntu but that is not really what I need.

I was thinking of building my own server...my question is can I get away with using an old pc to run as a server (just to play on, nothing serious) or am I better to try and build a dedicated server?

I also wanted to have a first post somewhere...

Hi, the easiest way is to download the free VMware server and install some linux distros on there. You can try different types and not have to go through the hassle of a whole machine reformat every thime you want to try a different version.

It also allows you to take snapshots so you can revert to a known previous state if you mess something up

If you want to dabble in Linux, then you could try running it from within a "virtual PC" instead Much easier than running it from an old server, as you can use your main PC without needing to install it as the main OS.

There's a basic guide on it here : http://blog.drscottfranklin.net/2008...in-virtualbox/

I use it myself to run Ubuntu in Vista and it works a treat

VirtualBox : http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Ubuntu : http://www.ubuntu.com/

edit: Looks like I posted this at the same time as zub , but it's the same thing.

Thanks guys, I will have a play over the weekend.

Well have had a play with Linux and to be honest I am finding it hard work. I am just so used to Windows.

Virtual box works a treat, could not get Fedora to install but ubuntu works fine.

I find it quite daunting with the number of apps and programs that are available so have not played around too much just yet.

I guess I am starting to age and just have a distinct interest in trying to learn new things these days, lol.

Thanks again.

I've had a similar experience - I like to dabble with Linux, but I don't think I could use it as my main OS. One thing I really liked about Ubuntu was the app installer tool

I agree, very clever. It is just that there are so many apps to pick, I will need to see if I can find a list of good ones.

Well, hard disk is cheap these days. Allocate 40Gb to it, you should be able to install everything. Then just try them as they come.

Virtual box does not give a real experience of Linux,
if u r using for desktop level use ubuntu,kubuntu or other kde or gnome versions
if u r going to practice for server use fedora latest one otherwise for hardcore experience use red hat 9....

Its always goo dto build a dedicated server with high end configuration.I would suggest you to take u a new PC with very good configuration