What distribution of Linux do you prefer, and why?

Question

Alright, I'm a new Linux user coming from Windows my entire life, and I'm mainly interested in what you think is the best distribution of Linux, and why?

Also if you can - What do I need to get started on using Linux? I've heard that Ubuntu is best for beginners, but I've pretty much made up my mind to become proficient at using whatever I choose, and I don't want to waste my time if I can't transfer my knowledge from Ubuntu over to other distributions, will this be an issue?

Answer 1

Option One (Full installation)



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 8 Main Edition which is built upon the outstanding Ubuntu 9.10 Its easy to install and easy to use plus it comes with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint 8 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=44



The Perfect Desktop - Linux Mint 8 (Helena) Installation

http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-8-helena



Linux Mint 8 Helena User Guide

http://www.scribd.com/doc/23787138/Linux-Mint-8-Helena-User-Guide



You download the ISO. image of Linux Mint 8 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation



Linux Mint 8 can also be run direct from the LiveCD from Booting up without touching your Hard Drive





Option Two (Install Ubuntu inside Windows XP Vista and Win 7 also applies to Linux Mint see below)



Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



Linux Mint 7 has a similar feature to Wubi called mint4win and the directions given above for Wubi can be followed (mint4win is not available for Linux Mint 8)

http://duncsweb.com/2009/09/27/mint4win-a-wubi-based-installer-of-linux-mint/



Linux Mint 7 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=38



Linux Mint 7 Gloria User Guide

http://www.scribd.com/doc/15884753/Linux-Mint-7-Gloria-User-Guide



Linux Mint 7 can be run straight from the LiveCD without touching your Hard drive



Option Three (LiveCD)



Here the possibilities are endless as you can try out as many different Linux distros. until you find the one thats right for you DISTROWATCH.COM gives full listings (second lists the major distributions)

http://distrowatch.com/



Major Linux Distributions

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major







LUg.

Answer 2

Hi There,



After having downloaded most of the LInux distributions there are two that I use now and can recommend.



2. Ubuntu is easy to use and install. There are many applications that can be downloaded and they install automatically. It is easy to find your way around and of course you can use the command line just like the other distros. Your wireless will probably work and you will probably be able to configure your printer (but not your scanner). Firefox is included along with Open Office. No problems setting up your e-mail accounts. Opera is an easy download if you prefer it and Opera has an excellent e-mail client built-in.



1. Linux MInt Main Edition is based upon Ubuntu and uses all the same downloadable applications.

The Mint desktop is more like Windows and the menu options are very easy to understand. The media players will likely have the codecs needed and the wireless card (or dongle) will probably have the driver needed. Probably your scanner will not work in either distro due to a lack of drivers from the manufacturer. Opera is an easy download along with any other apps availiable for Ubuntu.



My suggestion is to download and burn a live CD of each distrubution to see which one you like and which one supports your hardware. NVIDA graphics are supported better but ATA graphics do work for me. I have heard about some problems using ATI cards.



Linux Mint (and Ubuntu) both can run as a live CD also they have an option to "Install within Windows" or install to hard drive.

The "Install withing windows" option installs the Linux distro inside a folder in windows itself.

If you choose this option you can select how much memory the folder will have (I chose 10 gigabytes to have room for downloading apps like Opera plus updates).

Upon reboot you can select booting into Windows or Linux. The default is Windows after about 5 seconds.

If you get tired of Linux it can be removed using Windows' "Add/Remove Programs". This works very well and removes all traces of LInux without messing up Windows boot loader. I have done this three times with no problems with Windows.

One of the main problems I have ran into is there are many procedures for installing Linux but no one can tell you how to remove it withour screwing up your MBR. Both times I have done this I have had to reinstall Windows to fix everything. That's why I prefer the "Install inside Windows" option.



I can not say LInux is any faster that Windows but I guess it is more secure and it does not crash very often. But I have crashed every distro sometimes (probably my fault). The fasted distribution is Puppy Linux. It is smaller and much quicker to boot up and use. Apps can be downloaded for it too using "PupGet".



Hope this helps,

Al

Answer 3

most people who say ubuntu is best is because they know next to nothing about linux - or they think its the best because its the only one they know,



its true that ubuntu has probably the most user help forums, but that doesn't make it the best - just more people use it and need help,



i use mandriva linux and there are only 2 forums - not a lot of help there, but its not needed,



the linux bootloader - grub - does not mess up the MBR, the user does in trying to delete linux and not knowing how,



easy way to return the MBR into a windows state is use the windows recovery console and use the commands FIXBOOT and FIXMBR, windows will now boot normally,



if you want to try linux and have a spare hard drive, then i wrote a tutorial on how to do it



http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Dual-booting-Linux-Windows-t254158.html



linux is easy, learning how to use new programs is the hard bit

Answer 4

I use and like ubuntu.

No there is no issue if you learn ubuntu and want to change to another distro later. 99% of all the linux distros are very similar. Some may use a different package manager or desktop, but that is like learning to use another cd burner or p2p program in windows.

The best route is to read the ubuntu documentation.

Have fun

Answer 5

linux mint

its based off ubuntu but with added goodies to make your switch much easier



however with a little time ubuntu can do everything that mint can do



so if you like ubuntu then stick with it

Answer 6

I use fedora at home because it is free.



In a working environment we use Red Hat Enterprise. This is the closest I can come to honing my skills on the side at home for free and having those skills help me directly at work.



Good Luck.