In response to many emails, all which basically started with:
"How the heck do I..?"
Here is a collection of links to get you where you need to be.
If anyone (how 'bout some help here) has a better link or suggestion for inclusion, please email me and
I'll post it here with your suggestion and even give you a credit -- how can you beat a deal like that?
If this helped, how about letting us know by using the FeedBack button, thanks!

Try the manufacturer's website first and save yourself some grief!
I get many questions that are hardware specific, asking for fixes. In the dim dark Linux past, hunting for solutions was part of the fun and most of the frustration associated with Linux use. Today, (some may say the fun is gone) you need only to go to the manufacturer's website and you can download all the drivers you need.

Buy Linux Here, most releases available right from this website!

ZDNET's Quick Start

Installing Linux

I know you've heard this a hundred times already, but read the manual. Here's the best place to start for general info on your first install, but remember different releases do require different procedures.
The best place to start is Linux.org . We recommend Red Hat because of it's RPM feature which makes installing programs easier for newbies. There are many different releases and each has it's own good points. Try to match the release you choose to your needs.

This might be written in a more easily understood manner, from P C Computer Online"s How to Install Linux
One good source is CNET Linux Help with many software and hardware resources.
ZDNET.COM (the publisher of PC Computing Magazine and ZDTV) has recently has discovered Linux, you'll find some good stuff for newbies plus you can email or chat them with questions -- check out their ZDTV Tips & FAQ.

Finding the Drivers you need.

Finding drivers is probably the single biggest headache you'll have. Remember that as strange as it sounds, installing Linux on an older box will probably be much easier than on a bleeding edge machine. 486 boxes have shown to perform as fast as pentium based machines, so you will probably do just as well starting with an older dedicated box than trying to add Linux to your newer Windows box. Red Hat's dedicated install is fully automated and a breeze, while trying to add it to you Winbloze box requires much more configuration on your part. Check with your release's home page first and if you cannot find the driver you need, try The Linux Hardware Database which may have what you need. It's free to register and let's you add comments which helps others.

GIMP is a top flight paint program that rivals Adobe's PhotoShop

Here's where to find the latest version of GIMP! Many releases, like Red Hat, include The Gimp, so be sure to look on your install CD's.


Get and installing plug-ins for the GIMP?
This is where to find all the plug-ins you need.

Running Linux and NT

How the heck do I install Linux on a box already running WindowsNT?
This is site has an answer for you, Linux and NT.

Browsers

Netscape has been ported to Linux and like The Gimp can be found on most installation CD's. Here a link to get the latest version: Netscape