Best Linux Distro to start with

[Sparkz0629]

Hi Guys,

What is the best Linux distro to install for a first timer. I've been wanting to try linux for ages, but get so overwhelmed by all the options. Can someone help me out?

Also, where can i download the specific package from?

Thanks all

 

[newklear]

Hi Sparkz0629

I would definately recommend PCLinuxOS , you can select which desktop install you would like on the right-hand-side from the link above. KDE4 is a very easy to use desktop enviroment (DE) but the heavier option, you would need a minimum 512MB to 1GB RAM to run it optimally.

Depending on your amount of Ram and ease of use I would choose a DE in the following order:
KDE4 > Gnome > LXDE > Enlightenment (also known as E-17) > XFCE > OpenBox.

The RAM requirements are displayed for each DE on their respective pages, I have the main PCLOS base installed with all the above DE's installed but prefer the LXDE DE. You can also install any PCLOS base and just switch DE's via Synaptic (The Icon is on the taskbar)

I am however a biased PCLOS user so also be sure to check other options and see what others recommend.

Best of luck on your choice.

 

[Roo!]

Ubuntu seems to be the leading distro at the moment, if press coverage is anything to go by. Go to http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download and download the latest release, 10.04.

If you just plan on messing around, my I suggest thinking about installing a virtualisation solution and installing the linux distro on a virtual machine to see how it runs? I like virtual box myself, it's available at http://www.virtualbox.org/

 

[Veroland]

If you really want to learn linux install gentoo. It's not for the faint hearted though but you will learn a lot about how *nix systems work

 

[VonPickle]

I'd have to recommend Linux Mint LCD
Based on Ubuntu but with a very clean and intuitive UI.

 

[kingrob]

Ubuntu is a good start, cos it supports most/all of the 3G modems that we get in Safafrica and if you're coming from a Windows background, you'll feel right at home.

 

[ruan567]

Ubuntu is a good start, cos it supports most/all of the 3G modems that we get in Safafrica and if you're coming from a Windows background, you'll feel right at home.

I agree.

 

[chiskop]

If you really want to learn linux install gentoo. It's not for the faint hearted though but you will learn a lot about how *nix systems work

Do not pay any attention to this.

Second the suggestions of Ubuntu / mint. Also, there're plenty of people on the forum familiar with these distros.

 

[Avenue]

ubuntu- or kubuntu.... these install flawlessly, pick up drivers automatically etc- they are the same program, just use different front ends- kubuntu feels a little closer to windows imho and is better if you enjoy a little eye candy...

these are also by far the most popular distros.

Linux mint is based on them, and is ubuntu with a few extras (such as mp3 support) already installed. (in ubuntu you have to go to software center and download the restricted extras before you have mp3 support.)

you can also look at ultimate gamers edition/ ultimate edition. this is ubuntu on a geeks pc- in other words its got everything you can think of already installed and configured to work properly. It weighs in at a whopping 4 GB

 

[ponder]

Mint, Ubuntu/Kubuntu

 

[hawker]

Mint, Ubuntu maybe PCLinuxOS.

 

[HapticSimian]

I felt inspired over the weekend & installed kubuntu off the CD iso. I dabbled with SuSE 5 or 6 years ago, but this has me quite impressed by how much it has matured. Picked up everything on my HP lappie, bar the wireless, off the bat. Had internet going immediately simply by plugging into my dsl router, so additional package installations have been a breeze. Besides, as long as you've got the web going anything you get stuck with is a google away.

If I could get kubuntu running so can you...

 

[kingrob]

If I could get kubuntu running so can you...

Well done!

Not to piss on your parade, but it's really easy to install Ubuntu/Kubuntu. Think it's seven mouse clicks + fill in your name, surname, username, password...and Ubuntu is running on your computer.

 

[HapticSimian]

Well done!

Not to piss on your parade, but it's really easy to install Ubuntu/Kubuntu. Think it's seven mouse clicks + fill in your name, surname, username, password...and Ubuntu is running on your computer.

Ya, I know... it isn't exactly gentoo.

I'm not interested in compiling the universe through nothing but a terminal window, though. I want a usable alternative to Windoze, 'tis all.

 

[kingrob]

Ya, I know... it isn't exactly gentoo.

I'm not interested in compiling the universe through nothing but a terminal window, though. I want a usable alternative to Windoze, 'tis all.

Fully agree with you. Gentoo is an Klingon word that means "I dont have enough bandwidth to download Ubuntu 10.04".

 

[ironstone]

+1 mint/ubuntu/kubuntu. mint 9 is due for release any moment.
gotta vouch for mandriva too though. very neat.

 

[appel]

If you really want to learn linux install gentoo. It's not for the faint hearted though but you will learn a lot about how *nix systems work

Agreed, couldn't have asked for a better grounding in Linux - though I was always looking for a career in *NIX, so I was invested.

Another option which will also help new users really learn how Linux works is Archlinux. Think Gentoo without the useflags or compilation. Still starts you off in a minimal system, and then you install packages as you need them - and they have a wonderful wiki / install guide:
http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Official_Arch_Linux_Install_Guide


That said, if you don't care and are simply looking for a Windows alternative, then you should probably start with Ubuntu or Kubuntu. Do keep in mind though:
Linux != Windows, thats a good thing.

Do yourself a favor and read the below link, it's the best non-technical description of the Linux system (distro agnostic) I've ever read:
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

 

[ahf]

Can I install Ubuntu on an existing Win XP HDD?
I'm busy d/loading....

Thanks!

 

[VonPickle]

Yes you can, the setup process will guide you through shrinking the XP partition and installed Ubuntu next to it. Be careful and backup anything important.

 

[ahf]

Yes you can, the setup process will guide you through shrinking the XP partition and installed Ubuntu next to it. Be careful and backup anything important.

Thanks, will do!