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Hey guys, first off Happy New Year.
Out of curiosity, I want to try Linux for myself and see what the hype is all about.
On http://www.linux.com/download_linux there are tons of different versions. I'm not a developer, just a Linux-newbie looking to explore around to see what's up. I don't plan on replacing my current OS with it, just run it at the same time and play around with it.
So, which Linux distribution would be best for me? And can I use something like Vmware Player to boot it?
edit: Forgot to mention
Using a Dell Inspiron E1505 running Windows Vista Home Premium.
Anything else you need to know? Ask.
Ubuntu
good place to start IMO
good luck and have fun
and a happy new year to you in la la land
p.s...always use a live cd...this way your see if it works ok with your dell before installing
Ubuntu lets you install inside windows....and its so easy...my mom could install it
so you keep vista and have Ubuntu....then just choose which one you want to use on boot up
I used this site : http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/
I need openSUSE 11.1, apparantly.
Ta
Dave
thanks for that dave
never seen that before
its told me
Fedora, Mandriva, OpenSuSE or Ubuntu....so i was right...well for me any how
liamhere said:
never seen that before
its told me
Fedora, Mandriva, OpenSuSE or Ubuntu....so i was right...well for me any how
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted a new linux distro to throw on my old machine instead of smoothwall, so I just google "linux distro chooser" or something similar and found it
I've downloaded and burnt it to DVD, I just need time to set it up
Dave
vicjan88 said:
Hey guys, first off Happy New Year.
Out of curiosity, I want to try Linux for myself and see what the hype is all about.
On http://www.linux.com/download_linux there are tons of different versions. I'm not a developer, just a Linux-newbie looking to explore around to see what's up. I don't plan on replacing my current OS with it, just run it at the same time and play around with it.
So, which Linux distribution would be best for me? And can I use something like Vmware Player to boot it?
edit: Forgot to mention
Using a Dell Inspiron E1505 running Windows Vista Home Premium.
Anything else you need to know? Ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UBUNTU is very popular an the community provides great support. Personally, I really like a distro that is a fork off of the UBUNTU distro called LINUX MINT. MINT is setup where many of the multimedia formats that don't work in UBUNTU by default because of licensing issues will work anyway. Decreases startup time.
Hello, vicjan88
Well, Ubuntu is nice, but actually teaches you to do things the windows-way. Yeah, it's so. It's a sort of a good place to start, but then you should move on to something more serious and.. less buggy. If you are just a small bit aware of what MBR is and have an idea of how to better partition your drives - i advise you to chose either fedora core or mandriva. They are a good place to start (my first distro was some old red hat,and it was nice). The thing about a distro for a beginner is that it should have good graphical or pseudo-graphical interface to configure everything - so that one can at least make his linux box feel working as good as windows. Experience comes from practice, so when you become quite familiar with your first distro, the rest will go just fine. Actually it is a good idea to start with Debian. But choose the testing version. Neither unstable, nor stable - they have certain problems. Or, ArchLinux. It is a nice distro, but the problem is that there is few software compiled for it, but the wiki and forums are just perfect. Anyhow, write back when you install some distro. Have fun!
coose Ubuntu, the newer editions lets you install "inside windows" its a feature called wubi
so you dont need any knowledge on partitioning or anything else
I think the best thing about linux is, it's not windows, it's different and, to a M$ fanboy like me, it's something new to learn. No point using Linux, if you're going to use it like Windows
@Ather, I've de-creased your post count.
Ta
Dave
Ubuntu is very similar to XP in many ways and is a nice, intuitive way into Linux.
Kubuntu if you want it to look more like win.
NUU! Go with
openSUSE or Ubuntu Ultimate. I personally have the following OS's on my pc;
openSUSE
Ubuntu Ultimate
BackTrack
Win XP
Ubuntu is nice if you are starting out with Linux. You might even find another distro which you like more. I use Ubuntu as a virtual machine if I need it, and standalone on my older machine. I also like having BackTrack 3 on my USB flash drive if I need it.
Dave
ubuntu is great,. i have ever used it once,.
I've always been partial to openSUSE, but the recent release of 11 was somewhat dissapointing for me (perticularly with KDE4) as it seemed a bit half hearted. Ubuntu isn't bad and is certainatly popular and Kubuntu is good if you prefer KDE to GNOME (which I personally do)
I prefer KDE, thats's why I've decided to use openSUSE more.
I just installed new OS's yesterday
newest openSUSE
Ubuntu Ultimate Gamers Edition v2.0
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows XP SP3
Pick Ubuntu. It's the most user-friendly version out there and that's the one I've always used. It works on all my computers from the old 300mhz P3 to the 1.6ghz dual-core laptop. There are also different versions of Ubuntu with different desktop environnements. Consider Kubuntu (KDE), Xubuntu (XFCE) and the rest.
If you want to put it on a laptop, be ready for a challenge. While everything will work out of the box for desktops, Wi-Fi hardware is a pain in the butt to set up. Once you're done with that, however, there's no going back, Linux is awesome!
Which Linux OS do you like best? Are you a Gnome 3 or KDE user? Or do you use another spin?
I'm running Fedora 16 w/ Gnome 3, but I'm gonna try Linux Mint w/ Gnome 3 to see what it's like.
I'm running Fedora 16 on my netbook with Gnome3. Its great! But i installed Linux Mint 12 on myy gf's laptop yesterday and i have to say its even better! With MATE you have all the goodies of gnome3 + some extra stuff. You Can use it just like gnome2 and have the gnome3 goodies at the same time
But i like my fedora install more than that ubuntu (or mint) install..
If you have the patience, I SERIOUSLY recommend Archlinux. You pretty much have to manually set everything up, but once you're done, you can do ANYTHING.
Here's my laptop setup:
xfce4 + conky + cairo dock + compiz with slim login manager
i'm running mint 12
simply the best
lots of support and fast & easy to find "everything"
it hits the deck running
lots of non-free stuff
is like ubuntu 11.10 but better, totally souped up from the grounds up
Ubuntu 12.04 classic pure occasionally kde
Sent from the Nokia Galaxy Nexus S2 XL XE S X 3G LTE T-mo Plus with Beats Audio
From those two, I would have to go with Mint. And I like KDE better.
I've been switching between Ubuntu and mint for a few years but I'd like to try something new, any suggestions?
Sent from my Kindle Fire HDX using XDA Free mobile app
Debian
DistroWatch can help you to compare distris & find new ones.
I started with Ubuntu then switched to Debian then I was curious and tried suse and now I'm currently happy with limuxmint with cinnamon desktop
lnxpro91 said:
I started with Ubuntu then switched to Debian then I was curious and tried suse and now I'm currently happy with limuxmint with cinnamon desktop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually just tried Mint xcfe and am really liking it, yeah for some reason cinnamon just wasn't working for me, not sure why. Maybe I'll give suse a shot.
bulldog4574 said:
I actually just tried Mint xcfe and am really liking it, yeah for some reason cinnamon just wasn't working for me, not sure why. Maybe I'll give suse a shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you go for suse remember their packaging system is different , they use rpm packages
Just Redhat....Enterprise purpose...But I still prefer Deb :v
Linux Mint rebecca 17.1 cinamon, the beauty and ease of use ...
I run Ubuntu GNOME right now, but have been messing around with arch and have some interest in Debian.
Sent from my LG-D851
Linux Mint, because it is a complete and pretty much user-friendly distribution, but I like other distros, too, ec. Ubuntu, Blackbuntu, Remix OS or Elementary OS.
Dono.27 said:
Linux Mint, because it is a complete and pretty much user-friendly distribution, but I like other distros, too, ec. Ubuntu, Blackbuntu, Remix OS or Elementary OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to be an echo, so this is honest. Linux Mint has always been incredible, I started with SLAX, which wasn't a bad distro either (looks like it's been updated quite a bit since I last tried it... guess who's downloading a liveCD)
Lubuntu for old computers and PcLinuxOS for all the rest.
I have only realy tried Unbutu so far, always keep a live disc around.
I've been running Arch for some time now. I really like how it's so minimal, the awesome wiki, and AUR.
+1 for Arch (Architect Linux can help for the installation). I tried Antergos (Arch packages) but I'm on Manjaro now even if all the packages are not up to date.
Tossup between
Lubuntu (noob i know), Xubuntu (noob)
Mint?
saiyaneye said:
Tossup between
Lubuntu (noob i know), Xubuntu (noob)
Mint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried Mint Cinnamon and I noticed freezes and bad performances mainly when using Android Studio. Give a try to a pure Arch based distribution and you'll feel a serious difference
Hello and welcome to the world of Linux.
are you new to Linux?
confused what to do?
just want a distro that just works?
what is desktop environment and what is effect of it on performance?
well no more,
You will get answer to most Linux questions in your mind
But first why i hate windows The things which sucks about the windows (most) :-
it is a big fatty collection of useless things (for developers)
it has many process running in background and cause whole system to slow down ( average ram consumption about 2gb at boot )
VIRUS of course, windows is popular so is the main target for hackers.
slow installation of apps compared to Linux. like you have to find official website download .exe, run it, setup and plugins download
also those reboots after installing like a mouse driver.
also those annoying updates often filled with new errors, driver failure and system glitches (bugs)
and don't forget spending whole day just to fix some creepy system update failure.
and windows spying on every key you type (nightmare for me)
what Linux has for developers:-
Light weight with useful stuff on board.
best on system resource ( avg. 512mb on boot )
no need for reboot (in most case). one of the reason Linux is used in servers is because it don't needs reboot like for many years.
transparent and easy installation of apps ( just by typing pamac install ......) (that to official build from secure source)
years ahead in advancement from windows
has kernel boost for faster development like literally 3 times faster
with safe habits no need to worry about viruses and hackers literally 10 times more secure than windows (that to without a single antivirus software installed)
saves a looooo.......tttt of time.
made by a passionate developer for developers ( even kids can use it ).
which distribution to pick:-
there are 1000+ distros to pick from each with it's own features and customization.
some popular ones which you may know are, ubuntu, Linux Mint, pop os (debian based)
don't think too much just try any one i know after some time you will find distro you need
i also switch between many disrtro but hey it's the beauty of Linux.
desktop environment ? what is it ?
well, it is the desktop with which you interact
Every desktop has it's own set of apps and gestures to interact with it.
like,
1) GNOME (ubuntu default ) is a modern desktop with animations and beautiful GUI (you will love it) but is resource intensive. (around 1.5gb ram on boot)
1.1) cosmic (pop os) beautiful pure GNOME based desktop with tweaks from system76. best if you are suffering from performance in ubuntu use pop os (cosmic)
2) Plasma KDE is the most (as far as i know) customizable desktop with the performance unmatched by any other desktop. XFCE used to be top performance oriented desktop but it's kinda defeated by Plasma KDE.
3) XFCE well simple stability oriented desktop. performance is also good but has little customization and is for people who want stability and performance with little customization.
4)..........there are many good ones but these three are like famous (linked with famous destros like ubuntu, manjaro, etc)
i will update as i experience more environments.
what to do if i am new in the world of Linux?
Live boot into Linux check if WiFi, Bluetooth and other drivers important to you are working and
welcome to a brand new experience full of learning and improving.
a little side note though:- ms office as an app in not available in Linux ( use open source libre office or web based ms office )
and if you are content creator, some adobe apps for now not available in Linux. also check if apps important for your work is available on Linux.
apart from some drivers and apps not available in Linux.it has all built-in.
Linux has best performance, customization, and privacy which every Human on earth deserves.
To-The-Point :-
which??????----------> distribution to pick?
1) Ubuntu (DEBIAN Based):- simple on the go distro with a huge community and supports most of the hardware. performance is good but if you are looking for gaming choose PoP Os. (or Manjaro)
2) PoP Os (Ubuntu Based):- based on ubuntu LTS, with pure GNOME desktop along with best looking icons and themes. believe me the guys behind it system76 have done a decent work. performance it top class and desktop experience is out of world awesome. ( just try it if you are beginner) and it comes with system-wide encryption.
3) Manjaro (arch-linux based):- supports 3 desktops out of the box ( XFCE, Plasma KDE, and GNOME) based on arch-linux. has a lots of app.
fast, powerful, simple and fully customizable. but some time some experience may require to fix bugs. but just give it a try you will love KDE version for sure.
4) Linux Mint, Fedora, and many more are available as user friendly.
I will update this tread for more.
tell me which distro you like and for which work.thanks for reading.
updated on 01-july-2021.
And those who prefer user friendliness and ease of use or those who are beginners, Linux Mint is one of the best options to go with. (This is my opinion, other distro users, please don't be offended)
SupremeKing5810 said:
And those who prefer user friendliness and ease of use or those who are beginners, Linux Mint is one of the best options to go with. (This is my opinion, other distro users, please don't be offended)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for reminding me i will add it in the thread.
SupremeKing5810 said:
And those who prefer user friendliness and ease of use or those who are beginners, Linux Mint is one of the best options to go with. (This is my opinion, other distro users, please don't be offended)
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Click to collapse
Dont forget Zorin OS !
Zorin OS is one of the friendly Linux Distro, especially for The New Comer.
Tajil said:
Dont forget Zorin OS !
Zorin OS is one of the friendly Linux Distro, especially for The New Comer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, in terms of user friendliness but it lack hardware support (ubuntu has much greater support) which can be annoying especially for someone from windows or mac.
[email protected] said:
yes, in terms of user friendliness but it lack hardware support (ubuntu has much greater support) which can be annoying especially for someone from windows or mac.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about UE (Ultimate Edition) distro ?
The bugs and de tar balls is what I remember the most...
Lol, I want plug and play
[email protected] said:
...
desktop environment ? what is it ?
well, it is the desktop with which you interact
Every desktop has it's own set of apps and gestures to interact with it.
like,
1) Genome (ubuntu default ) is a modern desktop with animations and beautiful GUI (you will love it) but is resource intensive. (around 1.5gb ram on boot)
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is GNOME, which stands for GNU Network Object Model Environment, not Genome. Also, you should've mentioned Window Managers and Base Distros, like Debian, Arch, Slackware, Gentoo, etc. Also a bit of history would've been good.
Otus9051 said:
It is GNOME, which stands for GNU Network Object Model Environment, not Genome. Also, you should've mentioned Window Managers and Base Distros, like Debian, Arch, Slackware, Gentoo, etc. Also a bit of history would've been good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for correction i will update the thread. and your suggestion to include a bit of history is also good.
Tajil said:
Dont forget Zorin OS !
Zorin OS is one of the friendly Linux Distro, especially for The New Comer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like Zorin as a beginner distro too much because then the user won't learn anything new about linux (the UI is 80% like Windows if I'm not mistaken)
I started with Linux Mint as my first distro, and all I can say is it pushed me out of my comfort zone enough to Google and learn more new things, by not being too daunting {for example: arch/gentoo (I use arch btw)}
But of course, everyone has their own opinions. This is just my opinion
Also quick tidbit: NEVER start with Manjaro as your first distro (if you intend on starting with it)
Why? Because of its hyper unstable nature and you gotta fix some bugs by hand (which is not fun if you're a beginner)
[Fun fact: My manjaro install broke exactly 5 days after installation]
I'm running Ubuntu 21.04 on a desktop and I have a laptop that I dual boot Ubuntu 20.10 / Win10. I built the desktop in January year of the dumpster fire. The laptop is on its last legs and sometimes takes some tinkering to get to start. I ran Ubuntu Studio for a year or two. I only keep Win10 running for things that I'd rather not try using with Windows Is Not Emulated. If I ever make the switch to BitWig I might ditch Windows altogether. I liked Ubuntu Studio for what it offered but often felt it offered too much and quickly got complicated for a somewhat novice to intermediate user like myself. I always thought it was cool that Android uses a Linux kernel if I'm not mistaken.
NullCode said:
Also quick tidbit: NEVER start with Manjaro as your first distro (if you intend on starting with it)
Why? Because of its hyper unstable nature and you gotta fix some bugs by hand (which is not fun if you're a beginner)
[Fun fact: My manjaro install broke exactly 5 days after installation]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manjaro is probably the worst Arch Based Distro. If I needed Arch Based distro, I would go either ArchCraft or Garuda
NullCode said:
I don't like Zorin as a beginner distro too much because then the user won't learn anything new about linux (the UI is 80% like Windows if I'm not mistaken)
I started with Linux Mint as my first distro, and all I can say is it pushed me out of my comfort zone enough to Google and learn more new things, by not being too daunting {for example: arch/gentoo (I use arch btw)}
But of course, everyone has their own opinions. This is just my opinion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats right bro, every human have their own opinions.
Linuxmint & Zorin OS famous for its interface similarity with Windows 7 & 10 like. In some cases, this is one of the Power "Selling" for these Distro.
In my own case here, I introduced the Zorin & Linuxmint, the result is Good. The interface (UI) has given a certain degree of impact for the new commer to try it eagerly. Till now, they still stick with Zorin and of course Win7 & 10.
I myself, is not a zorin or linuxmint user though.
NullCode said:
Also quick tidbit: NEVER start with Manjaro as your first distro (if you intend on starting with it)
Why? Because of its hyper unstable nature and you gotta fix some bugs by hand (which is not fun if you're a beginner)
[Fun fact: My manjaro install broke exactly 5 days after installation]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first install last year was fine, until I hadn't logged in for a few months and it wouldn't boot. I've had it reinstalled for about 6 months without issues on my Desktop and an old Mini Laptop
I am a Fedora Linux user more than 10 years.
I don't like gnome or kde, but I like LXDE.
My first Fedora was version 16 and today I am on Fedora version 34.
Fedora is a mix of stable with beta. Or just stable beta as some people say.
I am on Android for just only 8 years.
My first was Android 4.4.2, Android 5.1, Android 6.0, Android 8.1, Android 9.0, Android 10 and today I am on Android 11.
Linux is my life
NullCode said:
Also quick tidbit: NEVER start with Manjaro as your first distro (if you intend on starting with it)
Why? Because of its hyper unstable nature and you gotta fix some bugs by hand (which is not fun if you're a beginner)
[Fun fact: My manjaro install broke exactly 5 days after installation]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, manjaro has some stability issue and random crashes but with manjaro KDE which i am using for about a month it's good
main reason for me to recommend Manjaro KDE to beginners is to give them a first hand experience of best Plasma KDE and believe me it's good and stable for general use.
but, anyway for laptop user's i would recommend pop os. it is such a beauty with power.
I started with Ubuntu, then moved to Linux Mint. I fell in love with the Cinnamon DE, I've been running Manjaro (Cinnamon Community Edition) the last couple years though, and I really like it. I haven't had any issues with it.
Another note, when it comes to ROM building, Arch provides the fastest build environment. Was like 30% faster in my box versus Linux Mint. I've never used Fedora or CentOS, but I've heard they are good too.
Tried Zorin for about 2 weeks, now I am on Linux Mint. I am amazed how user friendly it is and that I didn't have any bugs in almost 6 months. I also think I liked more the Windows 7 feel and simplicity and Mint seems to feel that way a bit. For a while, I will be staying in the Debian branch.
As to Ubuntu, it is a great distro, but I think it rather looks great on touch devices. As I was unable to install Ubuntu Touch on my tablet, I used a launcher in Android to recreate its look.
Oh, and with regards to why: out of curiosity and accidental circumstance.
VD171 said:
I am a Fedora Linux user more than 10 years.
I don't like gnome or kde, but I like LXDE.
My first Fedora was version 16 and today I am on Fedora version 34.
Fedora is a mix of stable with beta. Or just stable beta as some people say.
I am on Android for just only 8 years.
My first was Android 4.4.2, Android 5.1, Android 6.0, Android 8.1, Android 9.0, Android 10 and today I am on Android 11.
Linux is my life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have always gone with Debian based distros like Ubuntu. I always wanted to try Fedora and the RPM package manager. I installed it once. It seems like all the good government jobs use RedHat as there are certifications you can get (at least there were 5 years ago) that could land you a job. Also, Perl or Python, Vim or Emacs?
Long time Linux user. I started with Red Hat Linux 5.0 in 1998. Still trying to tame the Android beast and have it do what I want; not what someone else thought it should do. Prior to Linux, I worked on various Unixes, DEC VAX VMS and CDC and IBM mainframes (yes, I'm ancient). Currently retired and living in Parker, Colorado.