The name of the game with Linux is to choose which distribution you want to install on your PC. The choice of distribution you install will pretty much wed you and your PC to it. The interesting thing about linux is that there are more people packaging linux for you (i.e. distributions) than you can shake a stick at. Click here for the linux distribution how-to. Its a bit out of date, but should get you started in making your linux distribution choice. Click here for a web page which has pointers to various linux distributors. Remember, choosing a distribution is almost like getting married. At first you will love the distribution you choose, then you will hate it, then you'll just give up and put up with it... The questions you should be asking when choosing a distribution are:

• Do I have a friend who has it installed so I can bug him for help?
• Is it easy to install?
• Can I get help over the web?
• How easy is it to install XFree86?
• Does it come with a well configured window manager?
• How easy is it to administrate?
• How easy is it to install Public Domain software?

At BNL, there are two linux distributions which are, for the lack of a better word, supported. These are RedHat and Debian. The Physics Department NUHEP computing facility has installed RedHat on its Pentinum Pro servers. Thus anyone who chooses to install RedHat will get support from them. The people who organize the Local Linux Users Group (LLUG) are users of Debian. They provide excellent support if you choose the debian install. Your pretty much on your own if you choose any other distribution.