If you're reading this, then you're definitely interested in looking at Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) not only for end-user applications, but as an operating system for your own, or perhaps your clients', computers. Take heed, however.

Installing Linux is a true task, though not necessarily Herculean in scope. For a proper Linux installation, you will need to have deep knowledge of the hardware in your system. If you're a layperson, you may want to have a more knowledgeable individual lead you through the fits and starts. If, however, you're the type of person who delves into hardware for its own sake, you should feel right at home in installing Linux.

The first question you must ask yourself is which distribution you will use. There are several, however three come to mind immediately: Fedora Core (RedHat's non-commercial distribution), Slackware (possibly the oldest on the market), and Gentoo. Other flavors exist. It is up to you, the end-user, to determine which distribution suits your needs best. Do the research before you make the leap.

Next, you must prepare your computer system. If you have purchased a machine off-the-shelf, it is strongly encouraged that you create/obtain the system restore disc(s) before proceeding. Doing this will allow you to return your machine to its original state should things go awry, and also allow you to more effectively resell your system should you decide to part with it at a later time. If, however, you are building your system from component parts, you need not be concerned with recovery disc(s).

With any Linux installation, you will need to (re)partition your hard drive. Although there are many partitioning tools which allow for non-destructive repartitioning, you should be prepared to lose any and all data on the hard drive when you partition it. Be sure and have backups of any data you do not wish to lose. In general, you will need to make three partitions: A boot partition, a root partition, and a swap partition. In some distributions, the sizes and creation of these partitions may be handled automatically. In others, you may need to determine the requisite sizes yourself.

Once the drive has been (re)partitioned, it is time to go through the installation sequence. With many distributions, this is simply a matter of selecting which packages you wish to have installed. With others, it may be a more complex sequence. Slackware, for instance, may take less than two hours to

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