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On Friday 06 Jun 2003 7:29 am, Mandar Karmarkar wrote:

GLUG Meeting on 8th 4pm at PUKAR, Near CST.

I want to join Linux group. Please send all your informations on following e mail address:

chintamani1999@indiatimes.com

Because yahoo account is too small to contain attachments etc.

I am providing data entry and office related services to various professionals. I am using MS office and want to learn linux but is it possible to load linux on my computer and at the same time use MS office ? Because all my work is done in word & excel.

I want to learn the Linux for day to day work and want to use Linux practically.

Waiting for your feedback.

Hello dear,

First of all, don't start a line with two dashes, unless you know what you are doing. Your decision to use linux is quite fine, even for the nature of your job. I would suggest a gradual migration, and first step is using knoppix. Get the CDs from somewhere, request one on this list if you cant get it. Knoppix is a CD, which will let you test linux for your purpose without having to install anything etc, just insert the CD in CD-ROM, reboot, and set your BIOS to boot from CD before booting from hard disk. Come back to this list in case you face any problems. You can try your data entry work on knoppix too, it comes with MS compliant office applications, and can let you open and work with existing word and excel documents. Hint: Your hard disk will be automatically mounted and links will be created on the Desktop.

Once you have done this step, and are feeling confident, you may start migrating your other computer to linux. You may use knoppix for full install too, but my recommendation is Mandrake 9.1. There is Suse 8.2 and Redhat 9.0 too at your disposal [these are generally called distributions]. It is highly recommended that you go for the latest distributions.

Its going to be easier than you might have thought, as there have been tremendous improvements in usability etc in last year or so. In case of difficulties, there are some very nice people here who would be more than happy to sort them out.

PS: To the group: Please consider my recommendation about CD distributions, Kapil, you mentioned your interest in it, would you like to volunteer? I suggest a working price level of Rs 100 up-to three CD including courier charges within Mumbai, with additional 30 Rs per CD. I myself need knoppix CD and am willing at these prices. This is the most important issue at hand.

- -- Amit Upadhyay Senior Undergraduate Student Department of Mechanical Engg. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Mumbai-76, India Phone: (91) 9820325940