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Red Hat, Suse, Mandrake and others are just starting to bless us with a new round of desktop-oriented distributions – aka "distros". If you're finally considering Linux as a desktop OS, congratulations! And don't fret, we're here to help.

We review the new distros themselves over the next few weeks, but for now lets start with some answers to questions that you probably have.

We've tried to cover the basics, but if we missed anything, don't despair! Simply head over to our forum, and ask any additional questions you have. We'll continue to update this article with more questions and answers as time goes on. Just remember as you enter the wonderful world of Linux that you're not alone. We're here to help!

We've organized this article into the following sections. You can either read through them sequentially, or go right to the area of interest: Should I Switch From Windows: Making the choice, and weighing your options. Installing Linux & Linux Software: We help you pick the right distribution, and get you started. Your Hardware & Linux: Help on figuring out if Linux supports all your individual cards, motherboards, etc. Linux and Games: Yes, Linux can be fun. We show you how to get your games working. Linux and Security: It's not bulletproof, but we help you build some tough walls around your new system. Linux Applications: Where to find the best applications for your new OS. Using the Linux Desktop: Getting comfortable in your new home.

Should I switch from Windows to Linux? There are two right answers to this question. Here they are, take them as you will.

Answer 1: No way! Does Windows do everything you need it to do right now? Are you totally happy with your Windows computing experience? If the answers are yes then you should stick to Windows. Why bother with Linux if you are completely happy with what you have now? Go to the beach, watch a movie or read a book. Do anything but sit in front of a computer screen messing around with another operating system.

Answer 2: Yes definitely! Does product activation bother you? Do you distrust Microsoft? Has Windows been unreliable for your uses? Do you want more control over your computing experience? If so then it's worth looking into Linux, even if you don't switch to it completely. You can always run a dual boot system and then make up your mind over time.

If you haven't already gone to the beach, congratulations, you're entering a wild, wild world, full of great benefits, but not without its pitfalls. But we're here to make it easier. Lets begin – and remember, if we don't answer your questions here, head over to our forum!

Which distribution is right for me? If you are totally new to Linux then Suse, Mandrake, Lindows or Lycoris are probably your best bet. The newly released version 8 of Red Hat might also be an option since Red Hat is working hard to make its Linux distro desktop-oriented. For more information on various distributions visit Distro Watch.

Q:  Is Linux really free? A:  Yes, you can download Linux for free all over the Net and burn your own installation CDs. However, if you are brand new to Linux then you are better off buying a copy so you can get the documentation and CDs. Paying for a distro also entitles you to some support. Plus if you buy a copy then you are helping to financially support the company that makes the distribution. That helps to insure that we continue to have choice computer operating system choices. So buy a copy as often as you can! For release dates and download links try visiting DistroWatch.

Q:  How hard is it to install Linux? A:  This is one area where Linux is about as easy Windows, and in some cases, even easier. As with any OS install though, problems do come up – none of them are bullet-proof. If you're new, stick with one of the distros mentioned above. Most of them have had their installation routines fine-tuned over time to make it quick and easy.

Q:  How hard is it to install or remove software? A:  This has always been Linux' Achilles heel. Fortunately the new distros like Red Hat and Suse have upgraded package (software) managers that help make it significantly easier to install or remove software. It's still not quite as easy as Windows but it's getting better and better.

Q:  Can I run Windows and Linux on the same computer? A:  Yes, most distros let you keep your Windows partition and provide an easy dual boot option so you can use Windows or Linux whenever you want.

Your Hardware and Linux

Q:  How do I know if my machine will support Linux? A:  Check the hardware requirements on the back of the box before buying a distro at the store. If you're downloading then check the site of the distro you are downloading. There should be a listing of hardware requirements. If both of those options fail then try posting a message in our forum, be sure to include your hardware specs and the distro that you are interested in installing.

Q:  Will Linux support all of my peripherals? A:  Linux has gotten much better in terms of driver support for devices but sometimes it's still possible to bump into a piece of unsupported hardware. If that happens you should check the manufacturer's site to see if they have a Linux driver available.

Q:  Will Linux support my modem? A:  Some modems bundled with PCs are called "winmodems." Winmodems are designed to offload some of the functions that a regular modem would handle to your computer's CPU via Windows. This makes them cheaper for the manufacturer but also makes them a problem for Linux. However, there are some Linux-based Winmodem drivers, so you might not be out of luck. For a more in-depth explanation read Ralph Glanz's excellent primer on Winmodems and Linux. For help finding a driver if you have a Winmodem, visit LinModem.org.

Linux and Games

Q:  Will Linux run my Windows games? A:  Linux won't run most Windows games without some additional software. You can try using WINE to run the game (WINE implements the Win32 and Win16 APIs on top of Linux) or you can try Transgaming to run them. Most people that really want to run Windows games should give Transgaming's stuff a shot since it's still a pain to configure and install things by hand in WINE.

Q:  What kind of games are available for Linux? A:  While Windows is still king of the hill when it comes to games, there are some fun Linux games out there in a variety of genres. You'll find card games, puzzle games, arcade and action games. Quality varies by game but since most are free it's hard to complain too much. There are also high quality retail games available for Linux, see below for purchasing information.

Q:  Where can I get Linux games? A:  Most distros include a healthy selection of games on the installation CDs. Check your distro first. For news and information (including download links for freebies) about Linux games, try visiting Linux Games or the Linux Game Tome.

You can also buy games like Tribes 2,Unreal Tournament, Quake 3, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and the upcoming Doom 3 online at Tux Games.

Linux and Security

Q:  Is Linux more secure than Windows? A:  Yes and no. No operating system is bullet-proof, they all require you to keep installing security patches over time to keep them up-to-date.

Unlike Windows, however, most Linux distros don't default to running the system as an administrator (called Root in Linux). Typically you set up an Admin and a regular user account during installation, but it defaults to the regular user account. This makes it a little bit more secure than the default Windows installation. Remember, though, that you can also separate Admin accounts from regular users in Windows as well.

Linux, when properly maintained, can be as secure an OS as you'll find. But it's not perfect and you'll still have to keep it up-to-date for maximum protection.

Q:  Do I need anti-virus software for Linux? A:  No. There aren't very many viruses around for Linux. Windows, since it has the biggest desktop market share, is the target for most viruses. Linux has the virtue of being a much smaller target than Windows.