Linux

[dgdave]

How difficult would it be to learn with a decent amount of computer knowledge, but no knowledge on developing?

I've recently had an urge to try and learn to develop ROMs using Linux kernals. I watched a pretty interesting doc on Linux and open source this morning and it made me want to start even more.

[jubuttib]

Depends on what you're trying to do, but you can get by with Linux if you have decent amount of computer knowledge. If you're going to be learning developing, it's as good a starting point as any. =)

[tgm]

You don't need to be a developer to learn Linux. I moved my father and brother over to it and neither of them are really computer people.

I'm not sure what sort of ROMs you're referring to (emulator games?), but that will likely take a bit more effort than simply learning the operating system. But honestly, if you're fairly bright, a few months and you should be doing alright. There's a ton of information available out there and the Linux community is all about helping out.

[jubuttib]

There's a ton of information available out there and the Linux community is all about helping out.

Nah, it's all about the Windows bashing. But they are helpful.

[keltik]

I've been using Ubuntu Linux since 2007 and the only thing really holding the rest of my family back from using it is the wireless issues. but most releases of Ubuntu and it's derivatives are easy to learn and get going with. I suggest Mint Linux as a good starter. It comes preloaded with all the necessary video codecs etc.

[JohnnyB]

There's a ton of information available out there and the Linux community is all about helping out.

Nah, it's all about the Windows bashing. But they are helpful.

This is true. It's important to phrase your question correctly.
Something like "I'm having issues getting my video card drivers to work properly in ubuntu." Will be ignored while
"Man linux sucks. Windows automatically finds my hardware and drivers and works perfectly. Ubuntu just bitches and throws out artifacts all over the place."
Will be answered with at least a dozen different solutions.

[BLURR]

This is true. It's important to phrase your question correctly.
Something like "I'm having issues getting my video card drivers to work properly in ubuntu." Will be ignored while
"Man linux sucks. Windows automatically finds my hardware and drivers and works perfectly. Ubuntu just bitches and throws out artifacts all over the place."
Will be answered with at least a dozen different solutions.

Ha ha ha...so true.

Ubuntu or KUbuntu are both good choices for a first time linux install. Very easy to install for the most part. I have encountered a few hang ups with NVidia based graphics cards, but all in all it is very easy to do. It also gives you access to one of the best email programs on the planet in Evolution.

[biodarwin]

It also gives you access to one of the best email programs on the planet in Evolution.

Unless you use IMAP and then it freezes, A LOT.