What video card do you have? There are drivers available for just about every card out there but some aren't included due to proprietary issues.

When you boot into the Ubuntu LiveCD, look at the bottom of the screen. You'll see a video resolution and an F key associated with it. Change that setting to "vesa" and it will boot into X for you. It's a pretty safe video setting and should work on any modern machine regardless of video card.

Once you have it installed you can deal with the video driver issue and getting X set up properly.

One note: If you're going to try Linux you need to go into with an open mind. It isn't Windows, doesn't work like Windows, and if you're looking for something "just like Windows" you're going to be frustrated and disappointed. Things are done differently and you need to commit yourself to a learning curve.

You can find some great info and assistance at linuxquestions.org, I've been a member there for several years. Just make sure to search the forums before asking a question as it's probably been asked a few (hundred) times before. If you don't find your answer, ask away. Just be sure to include as much pertinent info in your question as possible as it makes it far easier to answer it. There is a "Linux Newbie" section that contains quite a bit of useful info.

Jafo reaches over for his propeller hat....to look knowledgeable....."yes, bin there....dun that", he drawls, toking on a weed.....

Here are my specs, or at least the ones I think matter:

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+
RAM: 3GB OCZ Platinum Series
HDD's: 3 X 320GB SATA-II in a RAID 5
Vid Card: Leadtek PX7950 GX2 TDH Geforce 7950GX2
Sound Card: Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum

I think that's all that might matter, it I need to tell anything else lemme know.

One note: If you're going to try Linux you need to go into with an open mind. It isn't Windows, doesn't work like Windows, and if you're looking for something "just like Windows" you're going to be frustrated and disappointed. Things are done differently and you need to commit yourself to a learning curve.

This I am definitely aware of. Had a college class that used Red Hat Linux so I do have some experience with it but that was a while ago and I'm sure things have gotten much better. Like I said, this is just to give me some exposure in case I decide to give MS the giant finger!!

is it 6.10? Edgy Eft ? Really the only thing it didn't recognize was my mtp device (Zen Micro mp3 player). It thinks it's a camera.

If you can successfully boot up the liveCD, you shouldn't have a problem with the install. You might get an error about something broken and themes won't work, don't worry about that one, it goes away on install.

Well, what do you want to DO with your system?  That's the most important question when evaluating platforms.

Well, what do you want to DO with your system?

I'm really only planning on installing it at this point to get familiar with it. Nothing more, I guess I need to quell my nerdish need for new tech toys.. I'm not trying to replace XP..

I think the best thing then would be to run a Live cd, such as knoppix. Several distros have Live cd's that you can just run off the cd, and you won't have to touch your HD.

Well, what do you want to DO with your system?

I want two...so I have matching bookends...

If you need any other help shoot me email. Thanks.

thanks guys for all the tips and info!! I'll probably try and get something going over the weekend. I haven't felt much like sitting at a computer after getting home this week so we'll see how it goes! I'll post my results over the weekend or on Monday! Thanks again!

With a 64 bit proc, I'd give a serious look to 7.04 (Feisty Fawn). I just installed it, it's slick, and they DO have a 64 bit version.

This is definitely not your granddaddy's Linux. I had a seriously failed attempt at Red Hat some years back (wasn't that committed to a learning curve at the time), and I am amazed at the developments that have been made with Linux. This is a "ready for prime time" O/S, in my opinion.

Ubuntu runs live, and, unlike knoppix, doesn't have a default language of German! LOL!

Hey Gid, check the dates.

haircat

Go to this link,lots of help here http://ubuntuforums.org/

I duel boot between WindowsXp and Ubuntu Feisty Fawn 7.04

I have been running Ubuntu for about 2 months and I love it.
Hardly boot into Windows anymore.

He he...sorry.