Distro + DVD

icemncmth · 06-19-2006, 07:15 AM

I use Vector and Debuab but I had a buddy ask me what was the best distro for a newbie. He wants to try Linux and I have given him some Live CD's. So far he really likes what he has messed with but when he asked me about what distro is best for DVD...I didn't have a good answer..

-ice

binary_y2k2 · 06-19-2006, 08:03 AM

Any should be good with DVDs, just as long as you have the codecs and programs for DVD installed.

Agrouf · 06-19-2006, 08:06 AM

You mean playing DVD movies?
The best is geexbox (just download the css codec).
Drawback = geexbox does only play movies, nothing else.

Any distro will play DVD, though (geexbox is just more easy and tuned for movie playing).

ethics · 06-19-2006, 09:00 AM

Geexbox is a dedicated media centre like operating system, it's sole purpose is to play movies (very well i might add) you can download it, and it comes with a program to compile in the right options you want on windows.

http://geexbox.org/en/index.html

If your friend wants to learn linux, geexbox isn't going to cut it, distros such as suse, ubuntu, Fedora, Mandriva are better, but i do not think any of them come with DVD playability out of the box because of licensing issues

icemncmth · 06-19-2006, 09:27 AM

I will let him know about geexbox...He really just uses his computer for DVD watching and internet stuff..

I tried to show him Debian..but the apt-get thing is way over his head...

thanks for the info

Agrouf · 06-19-2006, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icemncmth

I will let him know about geexbox...He really just uses his computer for DVD watching and internet stuff..

I tried to show him Debian..but the apt-get thing is way over his head...

thanks for the info

Wait gooxbox isn't suitable for internet surf. geexbox does only play movies.
About Debian, show him synaptic, a little newbie friendlier than apt-get. Ubuntu is a debian clone for newbies and so is simplymepis.
Anyway, install him any distro with a desktop environment, like say KDE, fluxbox, Gnome or XFCE or whatever, download firefox or opera or dillo or whatever, then vlc or xine or whatever with the proper css codec and just put 2 icons on the desktop. He will not have to touch apt-get.