Unix/Linux Where to start?

Ultra-Newb here and wondering where I should start if I want to mess around with Unix/linux. RIght now I am using a shell? that an online pal set me up with using putty. Did some basic Unix commands using a begginers tutorial http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Teaching/Unix/ through it but my actions are restricted so I decided I needed my own copy of something. not sure where to start I am a fast learner and would appreciate any help on where to go next.

Also on a dial up here so any online ordering links would be nice, preferably under $20.00 usd.

Less than $20 USD may be hard to accomplish. If you can't download a copy for free, you may have to fork over a little more cash to buy a shink-wrapped distribution.

I assume you are already on a UNIX/Linux system that is connected to the Internet. Why not ask the system administrator (many are happy to help people convert to Linux) if they would be kind enough to download/burn the installation CDs.

Your choice of distribution doesn't really matter, but it would be helpful to choose one that is commonly used by people you can turn to for help.

Try to get a computer you can use solely for the purpose of experimenting with Linux. Dual-booting can be a little bit of a nightmare (when things go wrong) for a newbie.

Good luck and enjoy!

I have found Linux CDs in Linux magazines. Bounce into the magazine section of your fav. bookstore and look for the freebie CDs. Shouldn't be more than $5.00

Go to google, search for Linux. You'll be able to find diff flavors of Linux that offer free downloads.

Magazines...never thought of that! Which brings up books... a distribution and manual all in one.

http://cart.cheapbytes.com/cgi-bin/cart ... d=GmXsufSa

you may want to order more than one distro. get the latest version if possible.

get dsl, cable or starband as soon as you can afford it, then download all you want! if i had to go back to dialup, i would put my computer in a box and cancel my internet account.


scarecrow

hey thanks alot scarecrow! orderin soon as I get my new debit card. Yeah I can't deal with dial up much longer, I have a hammer ready for my 56k internal when the time comes......

if you can get redhat that would be good since you get a very big reference book that tells you everything. Once you read it you should be a very smart linux man.

Check this link...it is awsome and contains all major linux distro...

http://www.linuxiso.org

you just have to burn

Lest we forget,

http://www.freebsd.org



Cheers.

The best thing for a newbie would be to use Knoppix which just boots of the CD so you don't have to install anything.

here is some info and download link:
http://linuxiso.org/distro.php?distro=44

or buy an old computer and just install linux/unix on it.