Wireless help for a newbie

[Zardoc54]

I am a newbie :cool: at Linux and as usual I havs a ton of questions and not a lot of answers.At the moment there are a few things that I think would help me get a good start on my way to being a Linux user.

First, I have Windows XP on a 80 gig HD and FC4 on a 60 gig HD. Is it possible to install both HDs in my computer and setup a dual boot process as they are now or will I have to scrub one HD and re-install one OS or the other.

Second, what is the best Linux distro to use for a home computer. I have heard some people prefer Mandrake. I looked into downloading Mandrake but even with cable it's slower than molasses in winter. Can this be bought locally?

Third, can anyone help me setup a WG111 usb wireless internet antenna or recommend a good pci card that sets up easily and not too expensive.

I also need help with lots of simple things like how do I get FC4 to play CDs, DVDs and MP3s? I would have thought this would work "right out of the box" but this is not the case. :(

Someone who would be willing to volenteer some time perhaps on the phone who could walk me through some simple things or explain how some things work in Linix would be more help than anything.

Remember that installing and compiling something to Linux might be a natural thing for you, but to a person who is new to Linux and programming in general, it's like speaking a foreign language so please keep explanations as simple and detailed as possible.

Richard McGlothlin
Dayton, Ohio 45439

MSN IM zardoc54@hotmail.com

[axelseap]

for basic fedora configuration check out this site http://stanton-finley.net/fedora_core_4_installation_notes.html

and for your wg111 check this thread http://forums.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71848

the best linux distro is whatever you want it to be but for me i like fedora.

and yes it's possible to dual boot, many people do it all the time. it's easiest if u lhave xp installed and working and then install fedora on the other drive because then it's set up for you

[Xalu]

i use partition magic for the dual boot im also new lol i had a bit of trouble and still am but i love linux its great. the partition magic has a majic boot or something and when u start ur pc it lets u pick between xp or linux. download it with bittorent on xp. its mad easy. have fun. peace

[imdeemvp]

First, I have Windows XP on a 80 gig HD and FC4 on a 60 gig HD. Is it possible to install both HDs in my computer and setup a dual boot process as they are now or will I have to scrub one HD and re-install one OS or the otherI would make fedora primary and xp slave. By doing this fedora will never touch xp mbr or bootloader. To access xp from fedora you will need to do this simple grub editing explained here. (http://www.fedoraforum.org/forum/showpost.php?p=145715&postcount=6)

I also need help with lots of simple things like how do I get FC4 to play CDs, DVDs and MP3s? I would have thought this would work "right out of the box" but this is not the case.this covers all your multimedia needs. (http://www.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?t=28153)

Third, can anyone help me setup a WG111 usb wireless internet antenna or recommend a good pci card that sets up easily and not too expensive.I am not sure if this will cover your wirless device. (http://fedoranews.org/mediawiki/index.php/How_To_Install_Your_Broadcom_BCM4318_Using_Ndiswra pper)