hi,

i have decided to convert from windows to linux but haven't a clue about linux.

i've bought and run knoppix v3.9 from my cd rom with the intention of trying to get the hang of it before i install it to run on the hard drive. so far, i've only had the chance to run it a few times but the speed at which it does so is ridiculously slow so i hope it runs a great deal faster from the hard drive. now, after reading various entries in this forum, i've decided that knoppix is not exactly the best distribution to install on the hd and that i'd be better off installing kanotix or mepis instead. i've also read that knoppix v3.9 has a bug so am a bit wary of it.

i am totally mystified as to the linux termiology and would like to know if there is a good detailed book that can be bought in the uk that covers linux in general as opposed to one that deals specifically with a particular distribution such as "knoppix hacks".

i also have a number of questions which hopefully someone can help me with.
1. what is a root's password (relating to knoppix v3.9)?
2. is there a windows explorer programme equivilent in linux?
3. how do i set internet settings and connections etc?
4. how do i convert my keyboard back to uk english instead of us english?
5. similarly, us english seems to be all over knoppix and i want it to be uk eiglish?
6. can i still activate my previously generated office pro extensions such as .pub, .doc, .xls, .pps and .mdb files in linux?

perhaps some or all of these questions are answered in a book ... which is why i'm looking to buy one ... but i would appreciate any help please.

finally, is there a monthly linux magazine suitable that is available in the uk? i've heard of, but not read, linuxformat. is it any good for a very new convert?

my thanks in advance,

michael
in scotland.