Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Hi

I am a Windows user who has been using a Mandriva Linuz live cd for the past couple of weeks, and I must say I like it very much.
So I was thinking of installing it onto my computer, but before I do I was hoping that others may be able to recommend some other version of Linux (the more novice friendly the better):D

thanks!

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

here's a thread that might give you some answers; long-short version: go with Ubuntu 10.04/NBE :)

http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php...166#post794166

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Go with ubuntu.
Over the last 10+ years I've had a crack at most of the common distros; RedHat/Fedora, Mandrake/Mandriva, Opensuse, Debian etc, but I've been using Ubuntu natively for the last few years and as a windows user moving across to *nix, I'd say you can't beat it for stability, ease of install, and usability.
Of course if you prefer KDE to Gnome go with Kubuntu....

regards,

C

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Personally, I'm undecided between Ubuntu, Debian, or Slackware. The former two because they seem to be the most supported. I like Debian over Ubuntu slightly more on principle (I've read, if I recall correctly - corrections are welcome - that Ubuntu uses/includes more proprietary blobs in its code), but they are similar enough that if you don't care as much about extremely strict adherence to open-source ideology, Ubuntu is probably the better choice. It's outgrowing the other versions, and it's got funding to keep it going god knows how long.

The only reason I'm even considering Slackware is the saying that if you learn Slackware, you understand Linux. I'm a fan of understanding things, and am more than happy to make my life harder if there's some knowledge or skill to be gained by it. So for a regular end user I'd recommend Ubuntu.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

opensuse, works a dream.
rgds

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Ubuntu is probably the best choice. I would go with the alpha of 10.10 as it will be released in October. It might be a little buggy but runs good on my computer.

Make sure to partition it with two partitions. One for root ("/") and one for ("/home"). Where root is not bigger than 10 Gb and /home as big as possible. The swap partition should be 2-4Gb depending on how much ram you have.

And install Avant-window-navigator or Docky. Also the Awoken theme is nice. It can be found on www.gnome-look.org. For torrents use Deluge and IM the Emesene. Wine could be good if you fancy Spotify.

Here is a really good blog: http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

I'll try to summarize what I've learned over the past 13 or so years that I've been using Linux.

Debian - Rock Solid, sometimes a bit old, but always stable. Would recommend running Testing if you use it as a desktop system. Good for customization.

OpenSuse (previously Suse) - Never have liked it. Seems fine if all you do is install it, but don't want to add anything new or use anything except the included software.

Ubuntu - Debian based, but as said before doesn't follow all of Debian's "It must be free, damnit!" philosophy. Also has a better initial setup than Debian, and the project goals have always been to have the latest Gnome.

Arch Linux - Can be a bit bothersome to set up, but once it's there, it's quite a magic distribution. Awesome if you MUST have the latest software.

Slackware - In as much as I have been meaning to, never have tried this oldie, but goodie.

RedHat (Or CentOS) - Rock solid, just like Debian. Good for Servers, not so much for Desktop.

Fedora - This is the real bleeding edge, even more so than Arch. Fedora is like OpenSuse in that it is the 'testbed' for RedHat and OpenSuse is the testbed for Novell Suse. But it seems that more innovative technologies come from Fedora first (Network-manager, pulseaudio, etc) Has far too many growing pains for a new user.

Mandriva (previously Mandrake) is a fairly nice built system, though it is like OpenSuse in that if you install too many things outside of the default repositories, you're looking for major breakage. Also stay away from cooker packages.

As far as installing one version and upgrading to the next, you really can't beat Debian and Ubuntu. I've successfully upgraded my mail server fro Debian Sarge, to Etch to currently Lenny. Yes, that's about 5 years of never re-installing, and that's even through a hardware change or two.

Ubuntu a little less so than Debian, mainly because of their 6 month release schedule, and they don't have as much time to make sure upgrades are clean. But still, they are a debian base... I've never seen any that can touch it (with the exception of CentOS / RedHat that have been able to upgrade versions, but then it was only minor versions (5.2 up to 5.5 was pretty smooth))

Good luck, and welcome to the awesome world of Linux.

slaapliedje

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

I would suggest Fedora. Check-out the 4 foundations first http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Foundations You could alternatively try a few top distros from http://distrowatch.com/ either with live medias or in a virtualbox.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

depends on you goal. for instance, if you want to learn what you would actually use in 90% of the companies using linux in business...then use centos. If you want a centos/redhat type distro that is less stable but more up to date use fedora.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Spend a bit of time browsing Distrowatch.

Also, I can personally recommend Mepis. I've been using it for a number of years and have found it to be rock solid and very useable.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Ultimately it doesn't matter what you choose because they all do the same jobs overall, they all have unique strengths and weaknesses, and no matter which one you choose you will probably end up switching a few times anyway. I have used installed and used Slackware, Ubuntu, Gentoo, and OpenSUSE over the years (and tested several others via VM's and boot disks). I am back to using Ubuntu now, and I have stuck with it for a year or two this time.

The great thing about Ubuntu (especially for noobs) is that there is a TON of information out there on the web. You can find solutions to problems with nearly any distro through google, but Ubuntu just has a kazillion sites out there with users posting solutions to problems. If you want to get started learning the ins and outs of linux, then install ubuntu and try to do your daily work with it. Switch to opensuse in a few months if the bug strikes you. Once you get comfortable with the system, install some VM software (I like virtualbox if you don't plan to leave the VM's running as unattended servers) and play with other distros.

Whatever you do, just jump in the pool and start swimming or you will never even get wet.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Linux Mint or Ubuntu. The advantage of Mint is that it goes further to get you set up automatically for things that require proprietary software than other distros do. Other distros explain how to do it -- Mint just does it for you automatically to the fullest extent possible.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

didn't see anyone saying anything about Gentoo. it's not one of out the box linux, but it's fully configurable and it's awesome =) as well gentoo.org has a full documentation on everything

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Gentoo is not generally considered newbie friendly, as the OP specified.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Whichever version you choose to install make sure you make a dualboot system :)
I use Ubuntu for browsing and general stuff and i like it very much but there are things for which you will need Windows 7 multimedia functionality . My laptop has HDMI output and i use it to connect to my TV . Ubuntu does not support it by default and u need to spend a lot of time to configure it , also Skype video works pretty bad

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Ubuntu user here. If You're new to Linux Ubuntu or Linux Mint are your best bet. Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu but comes with all the proprietary codecs to play MP3s and the like that would normally take 5 minutes to install in Ubuntu.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Try MEPIS 8.5 Its much easier than Ubuntu. Its a full blown Debian which ubuntu is not. Its more stable, easier to install and have good help forum. I have used Ubuntu, mandriva, puppy linux and tried some other as well. You don't have to install it to find out if you like it, put in the CD rom and reboot from CD player/recorder.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Interesting you get a lot of replies which are basically everyone's personal preferences. Really need more detail on what you want to do....

I like Ubuntu but recently moved to Fedora on one of my machines because it seemed a bit more flexible with multi monitor setups.

Any one of the distros can be made to work.

Do you have reasonably modern hardware? Do you prefer the Gnome desktop or KDE? Do you want to develop? Are you a gamer?

As a newbie, I would go with what is common and well supported. Ubuntu is pretty easy to get help with. Fedora is not hard either.

Fedora does have the "Security Enhanced Linux" turned on by default. It is a little bit of a PITA sometimes but it makes me feel a little more secure on a machine that has outside world connectivity.

What do you want to do with your linux box?
David

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

For general use, I'll join in and suggest Ubuntu too. The ubuntuforums.org is a great resource for help, really a lot better than what I ever found for Fedora or Suse. Yes, basically, they all do the same job, but as a new user, you will be glad for the extra instructions. Good luck and welcome!

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

dunno, it was my first distro, and as time past current distro as well =) worked for me, and i don't understand stereotypes of newbies and out_of_box things

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

I used OpenSuse for years, but now I am an Ubuntu WHORE! :)

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

I'm using Gentoo for 6+ years. Anything less would be uncivilised. ;)

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

I ended up using pclos after testing most of the popular linux distros.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Asking a question like this will never give you an unbiased answer. My advice, try them all! :)

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Agreed. One man's Ferrari is another man's bicycle. Give them all a go. Running VirtualBox on a base system is a good way to go. However, I suspect you'll stick with Ubuntu 10.4 long term support (most folk do) ; a fine combination of bells and whistles, user support and a reasonable shelf life.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Sir, I present to you:

http://store.ferrari.com/en/sport/bikes/

Ferrari Bicycles :D

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

i am playing with ubuntu....but why not try the below...it suggests a type of *nix for you based on you answering some simple questions:

http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

i say: try Sabayon linux or win7
Both have Ati/Nvidea drivers working out of the box

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

If you want ease of use and an OS that does everything, Win7 is the winner, sadly enough.

If you have a netbook, preferably an ASUS due to availability of open source drivers, then MeeGo is unbeatable, even better than win7. Ubuntu NR has much more ready apps, but MeeGo is generally faster and much more enjoyable.

For a laptop or desktop, Ubuntu is by far the best *nix all things considered. OpenSuse is a good second, but much more cumbersome.

But my favorite OS is puppy linux. It is easy to use when getting used to it and it is a must when you are trying different OS'es and you are constantly repartitioning your hard-drive. It can be installed in no space at all, and after a while you will use it more and more :)

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

I was in the same boat - being a long-time Windows user and wanted to try desktop Linux after seeing how awesome Maemo is.

A friend of mine said that it doesn't really matter which one you choose, because all the major distributions are good enough. All of them have their pros and cons.

I chose Fedora and stick to it now. :)
It is very easy to use and its community is very helpful.

(Although I still use Windows for work.)

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Probably Debian/Ubuntu users feel more like home holding their Maemo device, still with virtual OS'es try-fail cycles becomes super easy. There is yum/rpm and friends on Fedora whereas on Debian derivatives use dpkg/deb solutions. Meego brings rpm packages back. So there is no one ultimate distro for all. I personally like blue themes/artwork on Fedora plus F12 is very solid.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

thanks for all the opinions guys! I have just burned off the linuxmint and the ubuntu live cd, and will be messing about with them over next few days!

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

I think I'm one of the minority that would not recommend Ubuntu if you really want a Linux experience.

For an amazing, free, and replaceable alternative to Windows then great, Ubuntu is perfect, but for me it's has lost all of original Linux vibe it once had, and when I use it I just don't get that Linux feel.

I'd start off Fedora, it offers the simplicity of Ubuntu, but allows for much greater configuration from the initial install, even though this may mean having to spending a little time before hand and after the installation reading up on certain things.

It puts a little more emphasis on using the command line, and from doing so you will learn alot.
If you wanted to, from then you could try out other, more configurable distributions that would really get your feet wet.

I've only been using Linux for about 6 years, and I've learnt much more in the last year and half since switching to Arch Linux than I had with any other distribution in the time before.

My journey was:
Gentoo > SuSe > PCLinuxOS > Ubuntu > Fedora > Arch Linux
I've found home with Arch, but I'm now venturing into BSD.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Ubuntu is kind of the standard choice for starting with linux, but there is a few other that offers the same type of experience : Mint, OpenSuse, kubuntu, fedora, mandriva... (uncomplete list).

Each of them has it own specifics but at the end of the day they are all built around the same software. A criterion of choice may be the desktop offered as default : Gnome or KDE. Anyway in almost any linux desktop distribution you can change that also.

Then there is some distribution more excentric that stands out of the crowd, but may not fit your need :

- debian : very stable, strong community spirit. Personnally I'm using for servers only because their conservative software updates on the desktop doesn't suit me.

- Arch linux : always the newer packages, user-friendly to the advanced user but definitely not to the newbie. I just love it !

- Gentoo : if you love the noise of your processor compiling... for advanced users also.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

Using Linux from 1993, when you had to download a stack of thirty 1,44 meg floppies of which number 29 invariably was defect... Then I had to compile my own kernel for all the hardware drivers to work. Could take two hours on a 80386 with a whopping 80 megabyte disk :-)

Perhaps that is why I now use (K)ubuntu for ease of install and adding new applications. KDE may have some smaller problems but it has a nice GUI.

I stopped using SuSE five years ago because of the problems when adding new software.

My favorite windows games run in a virtual machine (VMware, which is better than VirtualBox).

This being a N900 forum I should add that I am terribly disappointed with Nokias support for Linux. I hoped to sync calendar and contacts with one of the Linux applications, but no. I am suck with nuevasync, which works well enough, but I don't like syncing with the cloud.

Paai

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

If you want KDE > opensuse
If you want gnome > ubuntu

Yes, you can install KDE on ubuntu, but it's still very bugged.
If you love debian package system then stay away from opensuse. Even though their KDE is super stable, I couldn't stand the package system that they have. So, I switched back to ubuntu with gnome.

Debian, imho, is not a good choice for desktop, but it's excellent for server.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

If you want to put some energy into running Linux on your desktop I'd say archlinux is the best option: up-to date packages, great support on forums, IRC and wiki, no headaches from constant updating to new versions (a simple #pacman -Syu gives you an up-to date system always), and most of all a great selection of programs both on the official and community driven repositories and also from the Arch User Repository (AUR), if you want to compile stuff (like Gentoo) there is also the ABS (Arch Build System) which lets you compile everything yourself if you have that inclination.

All in all, I can't think of anything that any other distro does better than Arch.

A good first distro would on the other hand be Linux Mint I'd say.

Re: Choice of Linux OS for PC
 

ubuntu has quite amazing driving support. it made linux quite easy to use and you still get to mess around terminal to do stuff. but i feel it has taken out the linux, i doubt if you learn ubuntu you do just as well with another distro. sabayon is based off of gentoo, everything must be compiled. im sure if you get used to sabayon thats the best way to master linux. its just not something you would want if you just need it to work ASAP.