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This Review needs an editor - if you have experience of two or more of the distros listed, why not volunteer?
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Introduction
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| At some time or other, many computer users think about trying Linux as an operating system instead of Windows. Of those who try it out, probably less than 1% stay with it in the long term. One reason is that, in the past, Linux was strictly an enthusiasts' OS and made no concession to ordinary PC users. However, things are changing, and there are now Linux 'distros' (short for 'distributions', each distribution comes with versions or variations of packages built on top of the linux kernel) that cater for those who just want a work tool or home computer for the usual browsing and file management, and have no time to change their way of life to suit a new OS.
We think it's time to look at some 'basic'-style distros, Linux versions that can be used successfully by people new to Linux who don't want to get under the hood. There are also a couple of other factors that are relevant here: - Community support is important - so the quality of forum support and advice available is a factor. Some Linux user forums are noted for their suitability for newcomers with little knowledge - and some aren't. - A LiveCD or LiveUSB could be handy here. This is a Linux CD or USB that can be run as a trial OS before installing it, to see if you like the idea. This saves finding out too late you don't like the distro anyway. But note, you need a decent amount of RAM to do this, it won't work well (or at all) with 256MB of memory, as found on old machines. |
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Discussion
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The candidates most suited for this purpose include: Ubuntu |
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Slackware -- Sure it's an older distro, but everybody loves Slackware!
Ubuntu seems to be popular and has been ranking no. 1 among the top distros since the year 2005, and for the last 12 months.
Current Distro Statistics
How popular is your distribution
I have six computers at home 3 desktops and two laptops and a mini laptop, a year ago I erased all windows and microsoft programs from my machines, I even do not use wine emulator on them.
I have Ubuntu linux on all, working closely perfect, sharing one cable internet access by wireless router.
internet browsing: firefox and aurora
mail: claws mail
word processing: open office
publishing: Scribus
video editing: kdenlive , avidemux, devede
burning: k3b
videplayer: gnomeplayer, kmplayer, gxine
messenger: amsn
skype: skype 2 working very well with audio and video , both
graphical editing: gimp, kolourpaint
and a bunch of other applications
I am so pleased, and I have to add, that not only the usefulness of the Linux,
but the beauty of it means a great deal to me
THANX A LOT, greetings from pioneer
Ubuntu Karmic Koala http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/01/ubuntu_karmic_koala_beta/
Linus calls Linux 'bloated and huge' Can't argue with the creator of Linux!
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/22/linus_torvalds_linux_bloated_hug...
'During the LinuxCon 2009 Linux Kernel Roundtable, Linus Torvalds talked about his work on the kernel saying, "I've been doing this pretty much half my life." Audience members later laughed when roundtable panelist Ted T'so said, "Next year will be the year of the Linux desktop because 'next year' is always the year of the Linux desktop."'
http://www.linuxpromagazine.com/Online/News/LinuxCon-2009-Linux-Kernel-R...
Also, http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/08/14/critical_linux_bug/
Re 'bloated' Linux
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13505_3-10358024-16.html?tag=mncol;mlt_related
Because there are like 100+ active Linux distributions which is best for a beginner is an argument not worth having. I would say most current versions of active distributions are at an all-time high in user-friendliness. I personally would recommend playing with any ubuntu-based distribution with a live CD one saturday (get internet access etc) and when you feel comfortable install it choosing alongside windows (or "Dual Boot").
I believe it is Ubuntu's easy installation next to windows that is one of the main reasons it has been so successful as people have started comfortably with a dual boot of both windows and ubuntu.
Ubuntu seems to be very good.. I will test it out once I get the CD
The best two distro's for me would be opensuse and fedora. They are more complete distro's and offer good compatibility with most application for internet use.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/08/14/critical_linux_bug/
well for SIMPLE linux distro
vectorlinux will be one
That's definitely interesting, never heard of that one. Worth following up. This review will (I hope) just be about basic distros that Linux noobs can use easily.
chris.p
Hello,
I also think that Ubuntu is a decent alternative to Windows. I have used it multiple times in the past (Kubuntu, Ubuntu, and Xubuntu). I am definitely not a strict Linux user, but can do most things I need to with Ubuntu.
I like it because it is generally easy to install and setup. Installing programs is quite easy with the built in installers. The operating system has been generally very stable and bug free. I have acutally used Linux to help me diagnose hardware problems when Windows was unusable. It is pretty decent on older machines also.
Another distro to add is Linux Mint (based on Ubuntu). I have no personal experience, but have heard that it is more complete out of the box (media compatibility) and looks better.
OK, this is understood, Ubuntu and Mint are both known to be viable alternatives to Windows.
But word is that neither are a simple / basic OS, and also the forum support at both is reported to be unfriendly to total beginners with Linux - in contrast for example with the community at Mepis.
Only what I heard.
chris.p
I like opensuse.
try out the new Ubuntu (9.04)so far its definitely the best linux windows replacement i've used. installation is a breeze, it supports all of my printers, scanners right off the bat. is being updated. If commercial games ran better on it, i would definitely be using it instead of windows.
Hey people
If you've used one of these distros, could you comment here please, with pros and cons? Thanks!
chris.p
Hi
To be fair I am no way a linux expert. I am probably a mid level novice. There are true heavy's in the linux field and can be found on the various linux forums. With that out of the way. I have about a years experience with Mepis on a dual boot computer. I posted the following on the freeware forum. http://www.techsupportalert.com/freeware-forum/linux/424-i-have-decided-... It was an attempt to explain how I managed to install Mepis on my PC using a dual boot setup.
I have tried Mandriva and Pclinux. Neither found my hardware the way mepis had. I almost gave up on linux until finding Mepis. Mepis was the only distro that allowed me to install a usable linux distro. To be fair Ubuntu's newest release is supposed to be usable on most computers.
The 3 things I like about Mepis:
1) The most crucial thing I like about Mepis is its documentation and support. The Mepislovers forum is extremely user friendly. Responses to my questions have come within hours and the advice has been first rate. It is the reason I still use mepis today. http://mepislovers.org/forums/index.php
2) What I like about the 64 bit version of Mepis I use, is how fast it runs. The fastest running desktop I have ever used.
3) Mepis and linux in general is far safer than windows and does not have the security issue's that plague windows.
Two pitfalls I have found with Mepis:
1) Installing the boot manager called GRUB into the MBR section of my hard drive caused it to corrupt my MBR resulting in my inability to boot to either desktop.
2)Mepis thinks my Lexmark printer is a paperweight. From what I have read, so do the other linux distro's.
Cheers
Wdhpr
Thanks for that useful info on Mepis. A lot of people say that the forum support is critical and you confirm this. Also the hardware issues are interesting. It's one reason XP is so successful of course - but I always wondered why Linux people couldn't get better driver support organised. Even a central website where you could just pick up your drivers would be good.
chris.p
Hello Chris
There is a website that deal just with linux printer issues it also has a large printer driver data base.
http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting
I followed the instructions to the letter on how to get my lexmark to work. Spent several hours at it. No joy!
I haven't given up on it because I hate admitting defeat LOL
Cheers
Wdhpr
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