i got a old computer from a friend and i need a free os cuz it had win 98 and i dont like that and it has a boot sector virus and all the computer will be used for is to go online. any ideas? i was thinking linux but i dont get the whole iso file thing.

you burn an iso file to a cd.... It'* easy with Nero.


I've used peanut linux and RedHat, You should try Lindows, It'* built for people converting from windows to linux. It labels stuff like windows and linux so you can get used to the terms and all.

do i have to use nero? and will i still have this boot sector virus?

linux depends a lot on your hardware... and your knowledge of your operating environment. If you have 56k, forget about *nix [linux, unix, etc..]. If you have wireless internet, it better be a common card.. if you have a printer.. it better be common. Things like that. There is a hardware compatabily list for the 2.4 kernal.. just go to the respective distro'* site, and you should see a link for "hardware compatability" If your system is slow [like a lot of mine, blackbox, and clolesteral free [sp?] environments are the best]. If you have any other questions just ask.


-justin

you will always have that boot sector virus, until you format the harddrive with something like autoclave [google it, first result is it]. The instructions are a little sketchy.. but its fairly easy.


-justin