Linux Newbie FAQ

For the content of this Wikipage, the rough definition of a Linux Newbie has been:
 * "Someone who has recently been introduced to, has started using, or has yet to use, Linux".

The question/answer process of this page is designed toward the goal of "How do I DO stuff in Linux?", Not "What is Linux?". If you have a question that you think is common and should be added to the page, please plunge forward.

= How can I dualboot different Operating Systems on my computer? = You should check guides specific to your distribution first, to see if they have instructions that may better suit your system.
 * install Linux on a USB disk
 * Dual booting

Dual Booting Macs
 * Linux for Macintosh
 * http://www.mactel-linux.org/wiki/Dual_Booting

= Which distro should I use? = See Choosing a Linux distribution.

= Where can I find Linux software to replace my Microsoft software? = See Linux software equivalent to Windows software.

= What Antivirus/Firewall software should I use for my system? = See Linux software equivalent to Windows software.

= How do I get/install Multimedia Codecs? = See Installing Codecs.

= How do I defragment my filesystem on Linux? = Fragmentation is less a problem with Linux filesystems

= Where can I get books or guides to learn more about using Linux in general ? =
 * Linux for newbies (en.wikibooks.org)
 * www.linuxnewbieguide.org
 * Introduction to Linux, a hands on guide (www.tldp.org)
 * Loads of unsorted links for beginners (loll.sourceforge.net)
 * List of Linux books, beginners section (en.wikipedia.org)
 * Where to find documentation
 * LinuxIntro
 * Sectioned guide on learning to do specific tasks with Linux.

= Where can I get more information regarding a specific distribution? =

You can find more information on a respective distro here:
 * Ubuntu
 * Fedora
 * Knoppix
 * Suse

= See also =
 * Linuxintro - What Linux can do for you and how to accomplish it.
 * Common Questions and misconceptions - A page explaining many random topics.
 * Liveliest and most useful GNU/Linux places - You are new to the GNU/Linux world and want to have a feel for what it's all about ? Search no more !

= External links =
 * Ideal Linux System for Newbies?
 * A slashdot Discussion dated Tue Dec 26 2006