Linux n00b wants to use Linux

10i

10i

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What'a a good distro for a newbie?

Preferably one that would be easy for someone who has worked mainly in windows.
 
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1. Buy a gig of local cap. Should cost you around R10 for a single gig of IS cap. OR go look for a freedom toaster and burn it to cd. OR ask someone to write it for you and post it. Also costs ~R10 then.
2. Get Ubuntu by any means of the above.
3. Get "Linux for Dummies" or look for an online tutorial, as the book will set you back around R300-R400.
The rest is easy. Flash drives work out of the box, the network is really a breeze to set up- very similar indeed to Windows (I find it easier) and installing printers are easy too.
 
Really? I installed Ubuntu 8.10 and it picked up my onboard network card no problem. The only thing I had to do was setup a PPPOE connection that was a little "out of the way" by going to the terminal and typing in

sudo pppoeconf

after that all you press is enter until you get to the part where you need to put in your details. And as far as USB Sticks go... I'm not sure why that is a problem... Everything from flash drives to pendrives and even External HDDs show up automatically.
 
Don't do it :( Don't use Linux haha..
It's pretty cool, just make sure you can find alternatives for the things you need to work with, which you previously had on Windows.
 
I get my Internet through the edge connection on either my Samsung D900i or my LG KS 360, so downloading an ISO might be a little impractical.

While on that subject - can Linux use your phone as a modem?

Thanks for the advice Smokey.

And should I go for Ubuntu? or something more like Windows? I don't like the look of gnome (am I allowed to say stuff like that here?)
 
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I would rather suggest something like PCLinuxOS, I have yet to meet and easier to use distro.

It is basically a Mandriva spin-off, but much more complete and stable.

You could also just ask and it shall be given unto you. Ask for a specific distro and I'm suer there will be people here more than willing to ship you a DVD/CD.
 
Well, will google pclinos, is there a kind hearted person that could ship me a dvd? If you want your money immediately I can buy you airtime and sms you the code.

I am confused again, should I use kde or gnome? Is either one better?
 
10i said:
I am confused again, should I use kde or gnome? Is either one better?
Click to expand...

It is entirely up to you which GUI to use neither is "better" - just different. Certain distributions tend to ship with one or the other installed as default, with Ubuntu it is Gnome. It is really personal preference (and what applications you use and libraries they require - although this isnt a biggie).

You can goto ubuntu.com and request a free CD, the only problem is the lead time to get it.

If I were installing Linux of a desktop then I would use Ubuntu purely based on the vast driver support and active user base and there are tons of walkthroughs and guides as to get things going.

I've never really looked into PCLinuxOS but it does have a very active following and one of the most popular distributions.
 
Maybe I should use a virtual machine and install both?

I am looking at installing on my compaq laptop once I have made a final decision.
 
I would say PCLinuxOS is the way to go. They've included all the codecs bar DVD playback, which will save you some hassle when trying to set up, as well as bandwidth.

To put my 2c in here, KDE is a lot more "Windows" like than Gnome, it has similar concepts of the launch menu, window decorations and so on. It's probably far easier for a Windows user to use than Gnome at first.

The KDE vs Gnome debate is an eternal one, with no winners. People use what feels the most comfortable.
 
10i said:
Well, will google pclinos, is there a kind hearted person that could ship me a dvd? If you want your money immediately I can buy you airtime and sms you the code.

I am confused again, should I use kde or gnome? Is either one better?
Click to expand...
Ubuntu will ship for free or you can collect one at the universities.
 
smokey said:
Really? I installed Ubuntu 8.10 and it picked up my onboard network card no problem. The only thing I had to do was setup a PPPOE connection that was a little "out of the way" by going to the terminal and typing in

sudo pppoeconf

after that all you press is enter until you get to the part where you need to put in your details. And as far as USB Sticks go... I'm not sure why that is a problem... Everything from flash drives to pendrives and even External HDDs show up automatically.
Click to expand...

Ya i was really amazed, plugged in my Motorola v360 and it found it as a modem and gave me a list of networks to use, i clicked on the network i was on and it connected. 8.10 ftw :)
 
I have got a friend in town with adsl who is currently downloading pclinuxos and i am paying the bandwidth.

will apply online for the ubuntu disks.
 
can someone please let me know if one can use the IS ftp for the repo instead of using int. bandwidth, please, I know it's off topic.
 
calvincoetzee said:
can someone please let me know if one can use the IS ftp for the repo instead of using int. bandwidth, please, I know it's off topic.
Click to expand...

With Ubuntu I select the local mirror.ac.za, security updates are only international(AFAIK) but I don't add that to my repo list.

I'll test the IS servers
 
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