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[novacc]

Hi there, just wanted to introduce myself to the forums. I'm in my early twenties and am just now starting to get involved in computers, I used to fool around with them some when I was a teenager but stopped and began concentrating on my studies in the health field -- interests have changed and I am now focusing back on computers with a particular interest in programming and network security.

I just picked up a couple of books and am now beginning my journey. The first book that I plan on concentrating on is O'Reilly's "Learning the Unix Operating System", my first step is to figure out how to install Linux and which distribution to use -- any suggestions? I saw on another post someone recommended "The Ark" for beginners.

Programming wise I plan on starting with Python then moving onto C.
I've also read a book on Kevin Mitnick "The Fugitive" and am now reading one by him "The Art of Intrusion..."

I just started reading the UNIX book tonight but stopped short because I need to figure out which and how to install a UNIX-based OS. If anyone can suggest one and help me get started I'd appreciate it:
From what I understand I need to a) download one of the distributions to CD/DVD, and b) partition my drive... I may try and find a Linux user-group in my area (yes, for those of you that didn't know, they're out there )

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and I hope to become an avid member of the board.

[brian]

Welcome to computer forum and welcome back to the exciding world of computers .

when i started w/ linux i started with fedora core. i like it and it is a all around os. it is easy to start with linux and fun. good luck

[novacc]

Thanks for the reply. Quick question, on the Linux site they tell you to download the distrib. of UNIX to CD/DVD is this strictly to create a "Live CD" or do you absolutely have to do it? It was unclear to me.
Thanks.

[brian]

no for both you do have to. you have 2 options. using 5 cd's or 1 dvd. however you do have to do it. although you can put it on a externel hd and boot from there it is harder and i do not know how to do it

[Cromewell]

Unless the download specifically says LiveCD you will be downloading ISOs of the install CDs. You just have to burn them to CD/DVD and away you go. You can use a hard drive or even install from a network location (FTP, HTTP, NFS) too but that takes a bit of work.