Im thinking of converting to Gentoo. I have some questions.

[Iskander]

First off I really need to know one thing there are several diffrent types of Gentoos to download on the downloads page, I use a Dell with Intel Pentium 4 Proc. i have 768 DDR Ram. I also have Nvidia video card, can I still use Gentoo and if not why and if I can then which version out of AMD64 ECt. Do I choose? Heres, More questions I really need to know about some windows applications I use. I use AIM, Xfire( its a gaming thing ), I use a voice program called Ventrilo and Teamspeak2, I also play RPG like World of Warcraft And Knights Online, Will i be able to use these programs still or is this just another free-linux where u can only use what other people make, and what about security... I also like to graphics design... can i still use photoshop and the gimp.... well plz respond quickly Thank you.

[Beefrum]

Just a start!

Intel Pentium 4 Proc.
Nvidia video card

Will work.

AMD64

But not with this.

ECt.

As for this denominator, what is it anyway?

[DanZ]

I think the OP meant etc. as in et cetera.

[shazam75]

and remember you need alot of patience when compiling but the end result is worth it!!!

[Iskander]

Yes So I can use it is that what your saying?
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And what do you mean by compiling I know thats a term for putting something together I'm Guess
Thats one thing I am worry about when you say that I really get confused and Am not to sure about this.
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And You guys still didn't answer my questions. I need to know 2 things: If my Windows Software will work with this O/S?
And I need to know what to download... Gentoo 2006.0 Universal install CD. <---- IM GUESSING THAT.
But What Type: Alpha, AMD64, HPPA, PPC(32-BIT), PPC(64-BIT), Sparc64. Like I said I'm Running A PC thats ran the Windows 2000/XP O/S All its Life... So I just need to know.

[vadik56]

You can use Gentoo 2006.0 LiveCD (i686) You get a graphical installer with that.
But I suggest that you use Gentoo 2006.0 Minimal CD/InstallCD (x86) with Gentoo Handbook. This way you will learn linux pretty fast.

Some windows programs have their counterparts in Linux. For example there is also teamspeak in linux for aim you can use gaim etc... For other windows programs you can install wine or qemu.

[Iskander]

So I Basically Use Another Program, To use another one.
I'm starting to Under-Stand in some-way I understand that Gentoo Is A Command/GUI Operating System. Where Can I learn the commands at?

[martinrandau]

Where Can I learn the commands at?

You should absolutely start with the gentoo handbook from page 1. It will tell you exactly what you need to do (including the commands).

As for what cd to download - you have a Pentium 4 processor which is an i686 (download x86). So you can chose between the minimal install cd and the livecd. I would definitely go for the minimal cd and follow the handbook. This way you will learn the basics of a linux system and will be more aware of what is happening to your computer.

World of Warcraft can certainly be played on your computer. I have a P4 with 1Gb DDR and GeForce 5500 and I play WoW at an FPS of 16 (a bit choppy, but that's due to my gfx-card). You will need either cedega (I use that) which can be downloaded at transgaming.com for about 5 euro/month or use a program called wine to set it up (ask around for this).

Some other Windows programs can also be installed by wine. But, luckily, there is no reason to do this as 99% of all windows programs have linux counterparts (as the previous post pointed out). Words is replaced by openoffice.org, photoshop by gimp, aim by gaim, windows media player by amarok, rhythmbox... the list is long.

However, don't haste - you have lots of things to do (install base system, X, alsa, gnome/KDE/Fluxbox, nvidia-drivers, etc, etc) before you will be able to play WoW. So, start at the handbook for x86, page 1.

[repolho]

If my Windows Software will work with this O/S?

Here is the thing:
Linux is not capable of executing windows binaries.
Some programs that you use in windows will have linux binaries (like adobe reader) or sorce code (like gimp) available. You will be able to run those programs directly on linux.
Other programs will not have linux binaries or source code available, but you will be able to find other programs that have the same functionality (for example gaim instead of aim or openoffice instead of ms office).
Other programs (including a lot of games) will not have linux binaries/source code and you will not be able to substitute them with similar programs (for example WoW). Those you will only be able to run through an windows emulator, wich is a linux program that emulates a windows system (like cedega or wine).

If you are planning on getting rid of windows, I recommend that you keep windows installed while you get used to linux. It's possible to install both on a single computer, and a lot of people do that. After some time with linux you may feel confident enough to really take windows off your computer.

Edit:

Where Can I learn the commands at?

You can search google for "linux beginner guide" or something for the basic stuff. There are also a lot of books on the subject.

[runningwithscissors]

First off I really need to know one thing there are several diffrent types of Gentoos to download on the downloads page, I use a Dell with Intel Pentium 4 Proc. i have 768 DDR Ram. I also have Nvidia video card, can I still use Gentoo and if not why and if I can then which version out of AMD64 ECt. Do I choose?

Yes it will work flawlessly with that. You need to download the x86 iso.

Heres, More questions I really need to know about some windows applications I use. I use AIM, Xfire( its a gaming thing ), I use a voice program called Ventrilo and Teamspeak2, I also play RPG like World of Warcraft And Knights Online, Will i be able to use these programs still or is this just another free-linux where u can only use what other people make, and what about security... I also like to graphics design... can i still use photoshop and the gimp.... well plz respond quickly Thank you.

No you can not run XFire (whatever that is), Ventrilo, Teamspeak, Windows games or any other Windows software on Linux. It may be possible, but making it run is an exercise in frustration for new users.

And yes, it is another linux (there is only one kind, you know), and unless you write all your own programs, you do use what other people make.

From what you seem to want to do with your machine, you'd be better off with Windows.

[Zepp]

No you can not run XFire (whatever that is), Ventrilo, Teamspeak, Windows games or any other Windows software on Linux. It may be possible, but making it run is an exercise in frustration for new users.

And yes, it is another linux (there is only one kind, you know), and unless you write all your own programs, you do use what other people make.

From what you seem to want to do with your machine, you'd be better off with Windows.

Teamspeak has a linux version and is in portage. Ventrilo's linux client is in development, only the server has a released linux version thus far.

[filterpunk]

Much as I enjoy Gentoo, i'd probably recommend you start with a distro that's easier to use or stick with Windows. Just based on the things you've asked, it seems like you've heard about Linux but don't know anything about it.

At the least, it might be a good idea for you to hit up Google and start reading. A lot.