which linux distro should I choose and why ?

[pimkins 1]

yeah im new to the linux field and i was wondering what was the easiest to install and work with. i was recently trying to get debian but i couldnt get the links to work. if at all possible could someone post up some links or some suggestions on a os. thanks.

[FluKex 1]

I would definately say try out fedora core release X. (X changes every 6 months or so, go for the newest version)

 

its definately the most user friendly, and has the most support..

 

http://fedora.redhat.com

 

and its free of course!

Edited October 19, 2006 by anyweb

[pimkins 1]

alright im downloading fedora now....hopefully ill get to install by tonight. thanks again.

[FluKex 1]

you use irc?

 

 

any efnet server, join up to #linux-noob

 

most everyone that posts on this board are there.

[newOldUser 0]

This is an age-old question... which distro is best. The answer is always, "It depends".

 

For someone new to Linux, who just wants to see what it's all about and not screw up their current computer configuration, I'd recommend one of the live CD distributions.

 

Of the live CD's (they're called live CD's because the operating system runs from the CD, usually loaded into RAM, and not from the hard drive) the one I'd recommend to start with is DSL DSL webpage. It's a very small download (less than 60meg).

 

Download the ISO, burn it to a CD, boot from the CD. You're up and running under Linux (DSL is a Debian type configuration). Once you get your feet wet you can decide which of the Big Gun distros you really want and need.

 

Just my opinion. Good luck.

 

 

yeah im new to the linux field and i was wondering what was the easiest to install and work with.  i was recently trying to get debian but i couldnt get the links to work.  if at all possible could someone post up some links or some suggestions on a os.  thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Shadowcat 0]

Personally I say Ubuntu. It's a user friendly version of debian that comes on one cd. Nice, sleek, and small.

 

Link -> http://www.ubuntulinux.net/

 

Debian is NOT a newbie oriented distribution. It is designed for flexibility and power. Ease of use only comes if you are an experienced Linux user.

[anyweb 490]

if you are patient then you can get the ubuntu cd's free

 

they sent me a pack of 10 live cd's and 10 install cds.

 

cool stuff too

 

check it out

 

http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org/

 

free

 

cheers

anyweb

[mega 0]

yeah im new to the linux field and i was wondering what was the easiest to install and work with.  i was recently trying to get debian but i couldnt get the links to work.  if at all possible could someone post up some links or some suggestions on a os.  thanks.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm new here, sorry if this has been said before, or doesn't apply.

Give "SimplyMEPIS" ago. [www.mepis.com]

Debian based, KDE desktop[gnome too], all the applications a new linux user needs,

Firefox, Openoffice, Gimp, Kmail [it is easy to install Thunderbird or Evolution], Xine, Xmms,digicam, Samba and more...

Comes on 1 live CDrom, can be downloaded from many places, or order on line.

Install time, 15 minutes on new PC [AMD64 +3000-512mb-80gHDD] or about 45-60 minutes on older hardware.

Needs at least 2.5g HD, 128meg RAM, 300mhz CPU to be usable.

 

The install is done once you have booted the computer from the CDrom.

Booting from the CD will take you to a fully working desktop [with applications ready to use] that can be used with out touching your current setup or even needing a HDD [runs in memory only] allowing you to test things, see if you hardware is detected etc or just to use for normal PC use, surf the internet, write letters, listen to music etc.

 

To install you click on a link/icon on the desktop and the GUI installer starts, 1 reboot and the bliss begins.

 

More info and download links.

http://mepisnightcrew.org/index.php?view=ul

 

MEPIS Forums

http://www.mepis.org/tracker

http://www.mepislovers.org/

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/fo...p?s=&forumid=64

 

happy Debian user loving MEPIS setup, it is SimplyMEPIS bliss

NH

[Substance 0]

what about Gentoo or Archlinux..

[anyweb 490]

I wouldnt recommend Gentoo to a linux noob, it's certaintly not noob-friendly

 

and I have no idea about archlinux either,

 

if a noob is about to try linux for the first time i'd advise them to chose a popular, well supported, easy to install distro like (in no preferred order)

 

* ubuntu

* fedora core

* suse linux (opensuse)

 

all of the above are well documented, well supported both via official and non-official forums and relatively easy to get installed/working

 

cheers

anyweb

[DavidMcCann 0]

For anyone wondering which distro to use, I'd suggest a visit to

http://polishlinux.org/choose/quiz/

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

You can answer questions about what you need and the script comes up with a recommendation.

[enigma 0]

Gentoo is not hard to install or use, all you need is the patience "alot" to read and read...

[znx 24]

It would be worth pointing out that Gentoo requires LOTS of reading. It is a tougher distribution to get used to but has a lot of benefits from basic RPM / Debian based distributions.

[Cogar 0]

I run Arch and it is not for noobs. However, anyone with Slackware experience can install and configure it without issue IMO. Of course, Slackware is not a noob distro either.

 

A lot of Archers are ex-Gentoo users or use both. The problem with Gentoo is that you generally compile everything and that takes a lot of time. It is fun at first, but gets to be a drag before long. Of course, Gentoo now has compiled packages available, but if you are using compiled packages, the main advantage (maximum possible runtime performance) is no longer a real advantage. Anyway, the bottom line is that neither is suitable for noobs, although both (or all three if you consider Slackware) are suitable for the "performance" crowd. My two cents.

[lfsuser 0]

I am a FedoraCore5 user (was FC3).

 

I have tried Ubuntu but found it too limited, I kept wanting to "su - root"

 

This is a Chevy/Ford/Toyota/Honda/Nissan/Dodge... question.

Most of the distros will get you where you want to go.

The real question is which one do YOU like.

 

I like FC because that is what I started with and it works for me.

 

Jump on in the water is fine and there are plenty of lifeguards around to help when you need it.

[Predatorian 0]

Hello, im going to throw in my 2 cents, im still a noob in linux but ive played around with a few different distros, and im currently learning all the administrative techniques of linux.

 

my favorite distro is Debian, partially its the first i heard of, its got a large package base, large amounts of documentation that ive found, and its a very reliable and stable distribution. at first i was afraid of debian because it had a lot of options and i didnt know how to read the man pages and such, so i picked an easier distro that set the options out for me, like ubuntu. once i found out ubuntu was a debian based distro, i started to poke around with the limitations of ubuntu and now im making the transitiion back to debian. but with linux making new releases every so often, it becomes a pain to upgrade every so often. so i chose to look at arch.

 

arch linux, i was able to set up how i wanted it and edit what i want. i was also able to learn more about how the linux operating system works internally with some safeties. it took me a bit and a lot of reading to get the arch linux thing down, but every now and then i have to refer to the documentation or post a question on a forum. arch linux also has a considerable package base and somewhat easy to use even though i find myself putting in apt-get a lot. arch is a "rolling-release" which means that you dont have to upgrade to a new name of arch each time, it'll just upgrade the kernel, or other parts and keep running.

 

but if youre going to compile a program or some code, most linux systems have the same compilers and such, you just need to know how the files are set up in your "/". its ultimately up to the person to find out what they like, different distros have different base options but you can set it up to do what most other distros do. the graphical user interface also has a role to play in it for the newbie looking for a linux distro, like (in no certain order) gnome, fluxbox, blackbox, lxde, kde. i try to stick with slim and small GUI's, like fluxbox, or LXDE.

 

for an ultra noob looking to explore and test, i would recommend using a virtualization program like Virtualbox (free program), VMware (some versions are free), or QEMU. there are plenty of other virtualization programs but i dont know them all. im currently using Virtualbox on my windows system to test new distros i discover, and im tinkering with FreeBSD on my linux box too. it also helps if you have two sets of hardware, so you can get one up and running and experiment on the other.

 

well, good luck to the person who started this thread and anyone who reads this, hope you find that linux is more than just a mystery, its an operating system that can do a lot of things for you.

[bashphoenux 0]

for a total newbie to linux i suggest mandriva or dreamlinux !!

[xtrns 0]

i use fedora and i am very pleased for my choice,

 

i propose to you: start out with ubuntu, try it,learn it, spend a couple of days with it and then wake up one day and install fedora

[linuxblogger 6]

yeah im new to the linux field and i was wondering what was the easiest to install and work with. i was recently trying to get debian but i couldnt get the links to work. if at all possible could someone post up some links or some suggestions on a os. thanks.

It depends on the machine specs, people will tell you their favorite like a promo but, you probably want one that fits your machine and works out the box (sort of) I like ubuntu but, I saw to others that caught my eye but, first choose the LTS of that version for official tech support, the L=long T=term

also know your pc specs this is more important than you know.Befor any of this below check for local vendors that sell Linux magazines with the dvd inside or outside it. Every state or city maybe different. Do you research and right down features you want and the distro that comes the close to all take that one, hopefully I may have saved you some time.

 

Read about the features and documentation

1.Ultimate Edition light

2.Lubuntu

3. Zorin (comes with wine & play on linux)

[linuxblogger 6]

for a total newbie to linux i suggest mandriva or dreamlinux !!

I heard and read about that distro and it sounds promissing. I think it is good that distro projects are starting to make builds targetting new users from a new users perspective not ussuming people know what a command line is nor the windows dos prompt. I only know because I seek to these things to better understand it is a hobby of mine. I still am a noob most g33ks eyes but, I do alot of reading computing topics plus have intalled a couple of distros; upgraded ram swaped hard drives etc... my door to linux was my fascination with apple/mac so, it started it started as they say the rest is history.

Ultimate edition got me real excited but, Zorin O.S. impressed me. Now I readfrom the UE Linux site they built upon Lubuntu. check it yourself.

I may have to go with puppy cuase it is light and even though I have a 64bit machine with two processor about a 1gig half each also 160 gb HD but, I use a smart phone to tether/share the internet with my desktop emachine it only cst me 75 bux.

If you have any comment go right ahead.

[linuxblogger 6]

I would definately say try out fedora core release X. (X changes every 6 months or so, go for the newest version)

 

its definately the most user friendly, and has the most support..

 

http://fedora.redhat.com

 

and its free of course!

 

I still have a fedora * cd but, it is collecting dust. I tried to intall it but, couldn't get past the network;sever info crap and opted out, I still don't know about network settings please don't ask me. I need help installing ubuntu 12.04 lxf, can't get past that boot screen. I tried puppy didn't wan't to install it said download success then, an error with something when I tried to burn it to a cd. Geexbox looked very glitchy GUI blinking repeatively and only working on the cd rats!!!

I should used username: "postal linux user" kidding I am just frustrated cuase I had all these plans when I got this pc with win xp and I all ready had pc games I got from the dollar store (don't luagh) I got to get my game on!!! but, low and behold it only had 10 gig to work with!!!! that was what was left on a 160 drive!!!

In the bios page or hit F10 just before windows boots and foud to my suprize two more xp instalations no wander it had hardly no room.

reply if you like.

[linuxblogger 6]

I wouldnt recommend Gentoo to a linux noob, it's certaintly not noob-friendly

 

and I have no idea about archlinux either,

 

if a noob is about to try linux for the first time i'd advise them to chose a popular, well supported, easy to install distro like (in no preferred order)

 

* ubuntu

* fedora core

* suse linux (opensuse)

 

all of the above are well documented, well supported both via official and non-official forums and relatively easy to get installed/working

 

cheers

anyweb

Yes I think most of which you spoke are good distro although I have only tried one ubuntu cause, fedora 8 was a pane. I thik they should tell when you get a distro in the Welcome to Fedora part how long it is supported and how to get the plugins codecs most importantly a detailed and catagorized terminal tutorial document that comes standard in my opinion. I went a year with out internet so traveing back and forth from public pc's with my flash drive hoping the stuff I downloaded would fix what was needed. This my freind not what I consider research but, it felt like a job.

With all that said I still like linux but, if do not find a distro soon I may have to dual boot windows/linux which can be difficult and do not ask technician at a commercial software store you will get your feelings hurt.