Fedora / Linux Newbie !

[Theberge43]

Hi, I've just installed Fedora Core 5 and I'm a total newbie.
I guess I'm an ok computer guy, wouldn't qualify myself as an expert, but I know how to find my way around support forums and documentation.

I'd like to have input from experts as to where I should start my Linux experience ...

For exemple, I have the Gnome desktop ... is it better than KDE ? How do I switch ?
What are the best applications to have !?

Or we could just talk about what you like about Fedora / Linux in general. I know it's suppose to be great for networks, I'll probably try to configure one at home in the near future.

Anyways, thanks for your answers ... we'll talk soon I hope.

[tomcat]

Most answers you seek are based on peronal preferences. Some prefer Gnome, some KDE, some fluxbox, XFCE or no desktop at all. It depends on your needs and wishes. For me, Gnome is the best solution.

Same goes for apps, but the most widely used apps are:
OpenOffice → MSOffice
Gimp → Photoshop
Inkscape → Illustrator
MPlayer / Totem → Windows Media Player
XMMS → Winamp
Evolution / Thunderbird → Outlook
Firefox → IE

http://www.fedorafaq.org/ is always a good start. :)

And welcome to the Linux world. Don't be shy to ask any question. There are not stupid questions, only stupid answers. ;)

edit: I forgot: 1. In order to switch between KDE and Gnome, you will first need to install KDE. Then, the login manager will allow you to choose which Desktop you want to run for that session.
2. I use Linux for a lot of reasons. One being that I distrust Microsoft and don't like their overpriced product. Then there is "flexibility" and security and there were hardware problems I had in Windows that were unbearable. They were fixed with a migration to Linux. (weird, eh?). And then there is the linux community of course. I had never encountered such a helpful bunch of people as linux users on any Mac or Windows forum.

[sailor]

Welcome to the jungle!...:p
I would have to agree with Tomcat's answer except for videos I like xine media player......I am a longtime KDE user, however I do have both KDE and Gnome installed. You can switch between the two at the login screen "session" dialog or use "switchdesk" command in a terminal.

IMO linux is great for the general desktop...browsing, email, html, word processing, graphics, music...

[Flounder]

This may be of good use to you.

http://stanton-finley.net/fedora_core_5_installation_notes.html

And welcome to the land of the penguins.

[Theberge43]

Nice answers thanks ... I too am trying to stay away from Microsoft, I already uses a couple of alternatives, like Firefox.

Strange that your hardware problems were worst on Windows ... I know when I tried Ubuntu earlier this week, it took me one day to make my wireless card work. I kinda understand why Linux has trouble fighting with Windows. Still, I'd like to learn it better and maybe make the full switch later at home. I'm currently Dual Booting with XP on my desktop.

Windows-free since 2002
Congradulations on that !

[JN4OldSchool]

Welcome to the jungle!...:p
I would have to agree with Tomcat's answer except for videos I like xine media player......I am a longtime KDE user, however I do have both KDE and Gnome installed. You can switch between the two at the login screen "session" dialog or use "switchdesk" command in a terminal.

IMO linux is great for the general desktop...browsing, email, html, word processing, graphics, music...

I believe in FC5 you will need to install switchdesk from Pirut or Yumex. At any rate, I am also a KDE man but I also have Gnome, Fluxbox and XFCE installed. I have also used Enlightnment in FC4. Why not try them all and decide which is for you?

Anyway, welcome aboard and dont be shy about still using that "other" OS, most of us still do too. You wont get flamed too much bringing up Windows problems in here as long as Linux is involved in some way, such as dual booting or Samba shares.

[Theberge43]

Oh, I won't be shy about Windows ... but for what I do with my desktop maybe Fedora can be enough.

About gaming ? Is it poissble in Linux ?

[tomcat]

Sure. There are quite a lot of Linux games available. Bzflag, Quake, Wesnoth, tuxracer, supertux, clanbomber, ... a long, long list actually. I am not a gamer, but this link might be interesting for you: http://mandrivausers.org/index.php?showtopic=22519

[Firewing1]

About gaming ? Is it poissble in Linux ?
Of course! You must have missed my gaming howto (http://www.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?t=93025) - I have a enourmous list of good free games :D
FIrewing1

[Theberge43]

Ok ... free games, but how about Windows games ? Like real big games ... Half Life 2 for example.

I have another question, I'm trying to do this (http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showthread.php?t=102697) for wireless connection, but the HOW TO says I need

If you haven't already done so, update to the 2.6.16-1.2071_FC5 or later
kernel.

I checked while booting, and I have 2.15 something ... how do I update ?
I'll look around later, but if someone has a quick answer ...

Also, just realize that I can't boot Windows anymore ... not fun ;)

[Firewing1]

For Windows, if you really want it back just start a new thread, when I see it I'll try to help out... I would here but I don't want to go too off topic...
Anyways, I wouldn't worry too much about the kernel. But, you can always update your kernel:yum update
Firewing1

[Theberge43]

I started a topic for Windows : http://forums.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?t=106018
I responded to a topic for my Wireless connection : http://forums.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?t=102697