[eddie5659]

Hiya

Thinking of using another of my pc's with Linux, possibly partioned with XP, but will sort that part out later.

The main question is, which Linux to use.

I'm assuming that most are still free, and if not, aren't as expensive as good ol' Windows

So, for a beginner, which one is good to start with?

Thanks

eddie

[TerryNet]

Probably best to plan on trying several as Live CDs to get a feel for what you like and if your computer and the distribution like each other. When you find one or a few you want to explore more then install.

Ubuntu (and Kubuntu and Xubuntu) is rather similar to XP I think, and not a bad place to start.

[vtel57]

Ubuntu, Mint Linux, Mepis... would be my suggestions for a new Linux Adventurer. They are the simplest to install and one (Mint Linux) comes with most of the necessary proprietary codecs and other baloney for a complete online multimedia experience.

One thing you MUST understand... GNU/Linux is NOT Windows. You will have a STEEP learning curve while trying to use a completely different operating system than the one you're used to using.

I would strongly suggest installing the Linux on an unused computer at first to test, play, learn the operating system a bit. Once you're comfortable with it, then install on your main system.

One more bit of advice... the GNU/Linux community is very helpful, but as with all tech support communities, you should make attempts to research/learn what you can before asking others to give you answers. You'll be more respected as a resourceful learner that way. No one likes posters at tech forums who expect to be spoon fed everything. Remember, Google is your friend.

Best of luck with it... and remember to HAVE FUN while you're learning!

[1002richards]

I used Wubi (Windows Ubuntu Installer) to try out Linux. Wubi does not require dual boot or changes to partitions.

http://wubi-installer.org/

From Wubi I then moved to a dual boot Vista and Linux Mint.
Hoping to get round to a dual boot Vista and Mepis having received help here.

So try some distros, try Wubi and take it from there.

Richard

[RootbeaR]

PCLinuxOS.

Install it and use it. No muss no fuss.

[vtel57]

AH! Yeah... I forgot about PCLinuxOS; also a great choice.

[montreyj]

I would recommend using Ubuntu. In my opinion Ubuntu is more stable and cooperates better on a Windows network than other flavors of Linux. I have tried others like Fedora, OpenSuse, and Debian. I would recommend Ubuntu, but it is totally up to you.

[nechus]

I agree with montreyj. Ubuntu is the friendliest Linux flavor for an inexperienced user. But I would also say that if you want to avoid all the fuss of installing codecs and getting the system ready to play music and video, you should try some Ubuntu derivatives such as LinuxMint, SuperOS, or Ultimate Edition.

[eddie5659]

Thanks everyone

Looks like Ubuntu is the main choice, but I see a few others listed there as well. Over the next week or so, I'll have a look at them and see which is my favourite

Just got to get a network card for this pc, as it actually doesn't have one. Then, I should be good to go

eddie

[RootbeaR]

With PCLinuxOS, you do not need to download an OS every 6 months. Just keep updating your install.

[eddie5659]

Ah, I see. I take it the others you do have to update by downloading.

Thanks

[aka Brett]

Originally Posted by 1002richards

I used Wubi (Windows Ubuntu Installer) to try out Linux. Wubi does not require dual boot or changes to partitions.

http://wubi-installer.org/

From Wubi I then moved to a dual boot Vista and Linux Mint.
Hoping to get round to a dual boot Vista and Mepis having received help here.

So try some distros, try Wubi and take it from there.

Richard

For sure the best way to get started
Ubuntu will work with most hardware as well...it really has took leaps the last couple distros.
Last time I put it on my laptop.....sound and wireless both worked like a charm without the usual hassles that would take an hour to fix.
The latest distro is lighter and faster than the prior one...very impressive

[aka Brett]

I would also like to add,dont get to attached to your install in the beginning,if it your first time you will end up messing it up before you get done with it and redo it a week later.
So with that...just consider your first install for play find your way around,customize it,get all your players to work.
Now keep playing till you break it ,,now reinstall and learn from the first time around what you shouldnt do

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by eddie5659

Ah, I see. I take it the others you do have to update by downloading.

Thanks

Not all, but most I believe. There are some others like PCLinuxOS that have what is called "rolling releases."

The others still update during the term, but then a new release, .04 or .10 for Ubuntu, needs to be downloaded. April, October is what the .04 and .10 stands for.

Ubuntu also has LTS releases, which is Long Term Support. They last longer without having to download.

I think if you look at my posts, especially from when I first joined, to see my experience level, you will find PCLinuxOS is obviously the best choice for newbs.

PC/OS is not the same thing as PCLinuxOS. It is an Ubuntu take-off.

[Wino]

Originally Posted by RootbeaR

Not all, but most I believe. There are some others like PCLinuxOS that have what is called "rolling releases."

The others still update during the term, but then a new release, .04 or .10 for Ubuntu, needs to be downloaded. April, October is what the .04 and .10 stands for.

Ubuntu also has LTS releases, which is Long Term Support. They last longer without having to download.

I think if you look at my posts, especially from when I first joined, to see my experience level, you will find PCLinuxOS is obviously the best choice for newbs.

PC/OS is not the same thing as PCLinuxOS. It is an Ubuntu take-off.

I upgraded 8.04 to 8.10 thru the Check for Updates - you have to enable this feature in Update. It upgraded same as an update. Did not have to down load or make an image disk..................or am I misunderstanding your post?

Also did the same with 8.10 to 9,04 on another machine.