[Cell]

Hey, i have a question, Knoppix user friendly? because what if i dont know how to navigate through linux? how would i format (im gonna just install linux on my comp and remove XP for now... so how would i format.. i usually just pop my win XP CD in at start up and do it from there, will i be able to do the same thing with linux installed...?

another thing is will i need to download some drivers to get my cable working?

[Cell]

im using a Com21 modem.

and about formatting, on linux can i do th esame, just pop in a windows xp cd on start up and format from there, if i want to format linux?

[nak-1]

With most installers for linux you will have to format the drive and partition it during the installation process, linux has its own hard drive formats and does not use those of windoze.

Having just had to install drivers for my ADSL modem I can tell you that it can be a complete pain.

However there are companies that distribute linux drivers for their products. First port of call is to find the manufacturers of your modem on the web and check for drivers there. If not, check to see if there are any open source drivers for the product, for instance surf to http://sourceforge.net/.

Failing that you will probably have to get new hardware.

Some of the more commercial distributions, redhat for instance, include drivers for a wide range of hardware. Check out the different distributions and pick the one that is going to work best for you. Check out http://www.distrowatch.com/ as a starting point.

If you are willing to get stuck in and get your hands dirty there are solutions out there, you will also get to understand your computer and how it works better.