Linux OS

[skaterguy452288]

I have got a couple of questions about the Linux Operatiing system. I recently started to play around with the beta of Lornhorn, and I wanted to check out Linux because I have heard good things about it. Here are some of my main questions.

1.) Are most Windows based programs, games, and file extentions compatible with Linux?
2.) What is the latest version of Linux?
3.) Is it free? Trial?...
4.) I would partition my hard drive to install Linux, how big of a partition is recommended? (I have a 200gb hd, so no worries really.)
5.) Why are there so many different 'names' that I have heard of...
6.) As far as knowledge goes, would you recommend me trying Linux? Or should I just not deal with it unless I am totally interested into it?

-thanks in advanced, and I am sorry if these questions have already been answered recently, I could not find any results.

[s7p9a2m4]

Some window's programs and games can be compatible with linux with the use of "wine".
Many linux distros and read/write windows file systems including ntsf. Windows can not deal with linux file types.
Linux is free. Some distributions have a pro, business, or special edition they will charge for.
5 to 10 gigabytes is plenty and many distros could be installed on 1 gig or less.
There are a multitude of different linux flavours.
Mandrake 10.1 is a current and very popular distro. Very easy to install and dual boot with windows. In fact the install is mostly automatic.
I would certainly recommend downloading and installing it. You do not really need any special Knowledge to get started. You may want to read over the installation literature first, however.
You can find all the popular distros below.

www.distrowatch.com

[skaterguy452288]

That pretty much covered up everything I needed. Thanks alot I will definately look into. I am downloading Mandrake 10.1 right now off bittorrent.