Which Linux to start with?

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MrMikey

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I have heard a lot about the Linux operating sysytem and although I am somewhat technologically challenged I would like to try it out on a spare pc that I have lying at home.

I am told that there is a version of Linux that you dont have to install that can be run directly from a disc.(Knoppix seems to be the one)

Could anyone tell me where I can download a copy of this locally and is it a decent enough system to learn a bit about linux from?
 
Start with Ubuntu or Kubuntu.

Knoppix is pretty cool :)

Not sure what the local FTP download sites are, sorry.
 
Go for ubuntu (or kubuntu if you prefer the KDE desktop... which is better). Its a very easy to use version of linux with more support than just about any other distro. In ubuntuforums.org they have an "absolute beginner" section that is very useful if you are new.

http://ubuntu.mirror.ac.za/ubuntu-release/
 
Download Ubunto 7.10

You then burn the .iso

You then start computer and boot from the Ubunto 7.10 cd

This will then be "LIVE". Now you can click and look around and get a good feel for linux without formatting your harddrive. When you confident you want to install just run the "install" on the desktop.

The process is fairly simple after that. The only thing that might confuse you is the partition manager. If you dont mind formatting the entire harddrive just leave it as default.

!! NB: Remember the account you create during install. You can only login using that. When you need root access pm me and I will help you with setting that up correctly.

Peon
 
I would go with Ubuntu or PCLinuxOS

Kubuntu's KDE has too many bugs for a rookie

Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS works very well out of the box.

Ubuntu is probably the fastest and most flexible OS out these. Kubuntu 8.04 might change that, but it's still months away.

also, to quickly "refine" Ubuntu or Kubuntu after install, Use Automatix to install MP3 support and such.
www.getautomatix.com

local Ubuntu Mirror here:
http://ubuntu.mirror.ac.za/ubuntu-release/gutsy/ubuntu-7.10-desktop-i386.iso
 
Last edited:
Thanks to all for the replies.I'm busy downloading Ubuntu 7.04 at the moment.(Thanks for the link w1z4rd )

Peon thank you.I'll try it out for a while and get in touch with you for further assistance.
 
Yes I recommend 7.10 or better, if you've used XP all this time you'll be blown away :)
 
PC linux

I have tried Ubunto did not quite get the hang of it. A alternitive might be PC Linux OS .Download the CD its a live CD so you can poke around without fear and if you like it install it. I have been using it for a few months and have no complaints. It uses Synaptic as a package manager and is RPM based give it a try
 
MrMikey, You started off by asking about Knoppix. Knoppix is cool, but it's not something IMO that you'd waant to use daily. Not sure about PCLinux OS, but both ubuntu and kubuntu are Live CD's - that is, like knoppix, you can pop the cd in and check it out without installing anything to your hard drive. When you're ready to try it installed there is a desktop icon that will guide you through the installation.

Ubuntu is a good choice, the forums are great and you will find plenty people here too that will be able to help.
 
Ubuntu 7.10 is a much more polished product than 7.04 (which was already quite impressive).

And no need to download it: I'd be happy to provide you with a copy of Ubuntu 7.10's installation disk. Either via post, or we can meet in Pta or Centurion. Drop me a PM
 
tbf I think most mainstream distros are fairly similar to each other. i regularly switch between distros and given that most linux distros pick up hardware these days, your only concern most of the time is whether you are faced with kde or gnome.
 
Doesn't anybody here use OpenSuSE? I prefer it above Ubuntu, but the last version of Ubuntu I had was 6.something... guess I should check out the latest one if it's getting such rave reviews from everyone.

Have they changed the default colour scheme since that ugly yellow/red/orange abomination yet?
 
TiredOfWaiting said:
Doesn't anybody here use OpenSuSE? I prefer it above Ubuntu, but the last version of Ubuntu I had was 6.something... guess I should check out the latest one if it's getting such rave reviews from everyone.

Have they changed the default colour scheme since that ugly yellow/red/orange abomination yet?
Click to expand...

Yellow/red/orange abomination still present as the default for Ubuntu 7.10.
Can't say anything about the others as I am yet to try them...
 
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