Migrating to Linux/Octave

[Chris Marks]

Anticipating the day when I no longer have free access to Matlab, I intend
to buy or build a new computer running Linux and Octave.  I find the
prospect a bit overwhelming right now.  I consider myself highly literate
Windows user, but am completely ignorant of Unix/Linux.  I have time and
want to learn Linux, so some of the more expensive "do everything for me"
packages are not appealing.  Most of my Matlab use in with linalg and
statistics.  Is there a particular cheap/free Linux build that would be good
for me?

Hardware recomendations are also welcome.  Is there an advantage in getting
a 64 bit system?  I am comfortable spending up to $1k on this project and am
in the US.

Chris Marks
Laboratory Supervisor
Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering
University of Virginia
PO Box 400745
116 Engineer's Way
Charlottesville, VA 22904
434-982-5794
http://www.virginia.edu/cese/





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