There are a couple of Unix like OS'es around some are based on true Unix and others are derived or based on the Linus Torvalds Linux kernal. You are absolutely right in thinking that all Linux distributions are in fact like separate OS'es, but it is better to nuance it a little into the fact that they are all dialects of the same OS.
As to the choice of Linux distribution that is all up to you and where you want to use the system for. It is best to choose a system that has a large depository of up to date packages that can be installed. It is also to some extend possible to use the packaged of one distribution on another system with help of modified installer systems apart from the simple apt get most systems come with.
Debian and Redhat packages are quite common, and quite a few distros actually offer an installing / software management package that caters for installing binaries for other Linux systems onto the installed one.
When it comes to 'drivers' it is possible to use quite a few Windows Wifi drivers on Linux with help of a the Ndiswrapper system quite an interesting development.
Suse, Mandrake/Mandriva, Debian, Redhat are Linux distributions that are very easy to set up and quite user friendly. Lindows and Ubuntu are also excellent variants to try. Most distros are easily downloaded in cd-iso or dvd-iso formats, quite often the installation disc is actually a live distro. With the Mandriva Live cds it you could configure the booted live environment and choose to install the configured environment onto your hard-drive. It is very easy to create some extra space for the 3 needed Linux partitions on your harddrive without having to loose data and almost all Linux distributions cater for installing onto the empty space and inserting a bootloader to make the system multiboot. Those bootloaders are also easy to remove if you know what you are doing. It is best to make a good back-up of your running 'Windows' 'Mac' system before even attempting to install it. You don't want to loose valuable data.
As to the choice of Linux distribution that is all up to you and where you want to use the system for. It is best to choose a system that has a large depository of up to date packages that can be installed. It is also to some extend possible to use the packaged of one distribution on another system with help of modified installer systems apart from the simple apt get most systems come with.
Debian and Redhat packages are quite common, and quite a few distros actually offer an installing / software management package that caters for installing binaries for other Linux systems onto the installed one.
When it comes to 'drivers' it is possible to use quite a few Windows Wifi drivers on Linux with help of a the Ndiswrapper system quite an interesting development.
Suse, Mandrake/Mandriva, Debian, Redhat are Linux distributions that are very easy to set up and quite user friendly. Lindows and Ubuntu are also excellent variants to try. Most distros are easily downloaded in cd-iso or dvd-iso formats, quite often the installation disc is actually a live distro. With the Mandriva Live cds it you could configure the booted live environment and choose to install the configured environment onto your hard-drive. It is very easy to create some extra space for the 3 needed Linux partitions on your harddrive without having to loose data and almost all Linux distributions cater for installing onto the empty space and inserting a bootloader to make the system multiboot. Those bootloaders are also easy to remove if you know what you are doing. It is best to make a good back-up of your running 'Windows' 'Mac' system before even attempting to install it. You don't want to loose valuable data.
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