Considering converting to Linux

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Cowboy172

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Hi all. This is my first post, so be gentle. I am finding it difficult to convince myself that I use windows because I want to. Looking at the cost of upgrading to an up to date OS, I realize that growing up with ms dos and never trying anything else has left me "subscribed" to Microsoft. So instead of learning the hard way , I would like to ask the local Linux masters for some guidance and hopefully open my eyes to not only an alternative, but possibly a superior OS experience. I will be trying this on a hp laptop with Intel CPU, nvidia graphics and 3 gig ram. I intend to use it as a htpc as it has a hdmi port. I have no experience with Linux , so details please.
 
Cowboy172 said:
Hi all. This is my first post, so be gentle. I am finding it difficult to convince myself that I use windows because I want to. Looking at the cost of upgrading to an up to date OS, I realize that growing up with ms dos and never trying anything else has left me "subscribed" to Microsoft. So instead of learning the hard way , I would like to ask the local Linux masters for some guidance and hopefully open my eyes to not only an alternative, but possibly a superior OS experience. I will be trying this on a hp laptop with Intel CPU, nvidia graphics and 3 gig ram. I intend to use it as a htpc as it has a hdmi port. I have no experience with Linux , so details please.
Click to expand...

You should consider enrolling for the edX course on Linux run by the Linux Foundation

https://www.edx.org/course/linuxfoundationx/linuxfoundationx-lfs101x-introduction-1621

The course is free if you only audit the course.
 
I'm also pretty new to Linux. Just installed Linux Mint 17 a few weeks ago. I find I learn things way better if I dive right in and swim.
 
Dude, converting to linux is PISS easy. Maybe 10 years ago it was rocket science, but today? Much like windows, plug n play and GO

And the amount of power you have through the terminal is amazing.

Try one of those boot discs (where you copy it on a USB disk and plug in/boot from it) to play around with Linux if you're unsure. Try Ubuntu. You can then see what it's about.

I was amazed when my older graphics card was auto-detected while a few years prior, I had to do all kinds of special configs to make it work (that and my wifi!)

DO EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
 
envo said:
I was amazed when my older graphics card was auto-detected while a few years prior, I had to do all kinds of special configs to make it work (that and my wifi!)
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ATi graphics card on Debian about 5 years ago... The horror. I still have nightmares to this day.
 
Ubuntu is full of crap. Go with Mint. You know you want to.
 
Skrilla said:
Check out the big brain on Bar0n!
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Sarcasm?

Both are Debian branches, but Ubuntu has more drivers. They both use apt as package manager. The other differences are mostly cosmetic.
 
Mint is derived from Ubuntu. Mint may be your best choice since the desktop environment is closer to what you are used to and all the codecs are already installed.

As the others said just install the live version on a DVD or memory stick and boot off that. This will let you know if your hardware is compatible and if you actually get on with it before formatting your PC.
 
garyc said:
Mint is derived from Ubuntu.
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Not anymore. They branch off Debian directly now. Think they had 2 streams until recently, but now they're directly Debian-based.
 
Nuro said:
People need to try both and see what works for them. I like cinnamon (mint), my wife likes unity (ubuntu).
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You can install either desktop manager on either distro. In short, any distro can look like any other distro you prefer, with little effort.
 
Bar0n said:
Sarcasm?

Both are Debian branches, but Ubuntu has more drivers. They both use apt as package manager. The other differences are mostly cosmetic.
Click to expand...

I'm in awe of your knowledge.
 
Zorin OS

http://zorin-os.com/tour.html

Compatibility

Nearly every file that you use with your current operating system will work perfectly in Zorin OS with no need for additional setup. All your office documents, music, videos, pictures etc. will work out of the box in Zorin OS. Zorin OS also supports a large library of devices such as printers, scanners, cameras, keyboards. These devices will work as soon as you plug them in without the need for installing additional drivers. You can even use Windows programs and games inside Zorin OS thanks to the included WINE and PlayOnLinux software.
Click to expand...

http://zorin-os.com/gallery.html
 
Bar0n said:
Not anymore. They branch off Debian directly now. Think they had 2 streams until recently, but now they're directly Debian-based.
Click to expand...

Yeah, for a while Mint devs got ahead of themselves and thought they could do a better job than the Ubuntu folk. They failed so have reverted back to the ease of the Ubuntu installs.
 
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