Hello,

I am new with Linux and I've decided to install this in my system instead of buying an XP Home (which I could not actually afford). My newly-bought laptop is an Acer Travelmate 3260 ANWXCi and below are the specs. Could you guys please direct me which is the most suitable OS for this one? I really would prefer something user-friendly. Thanks.

Processor Intel Core Solo T1350 / 1.86 GHz
Data bus speed 533 MHz
Chipset type Mobile Intel 945GM Express
Cache MemoryType L2 cache
Cache size 2 MB
RAMInstalled Size 512 MB
Technology DDR II SDRAM - 533 MHz
RAM configuration features 1 x 512 MB

Storage controller type IDE
StorageFloppy Drive None
Hard Drive 80 GB
Optical StorageType DVD±RW / DVD-RAM - Integrated
Optical Storage (2nd)2nd optical storage type None
Card ReaderCard reader type 5 in 1 card reader
DisplayDisplay Type 14.1 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA)
Display (Projector) / Widescreen Display Yes
VideoGraphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 950
Video Memory Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0
AudioAudio output type Sound card
Audio Input Microphone
Input Device(s)Input device type Keyboard, Touchpad, 4-way scroll button
TelecomModem Fax / modem
Protocols & Specifications ITU V.92

Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
Data link protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Networking standards IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Expansion / ConnectivityExpansion Bays None
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 1 ) x Memory
Interfaces 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio - Line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x Display / video - S-video output, 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A

I know this answer has been repeated before, but it's always appropriate for the situation:

"Whatever suits your needs."

If you are just entering into the Linux world, check out some of the more user friendly distros such as Ubuntu http://www.ubuntu.com & PCLinuxOS http://www.pclinuxos.com.

Both should run fine on your hardware.

If you search the forum for "acer" or look at the threads similar to yours listed at the bottom of this page, you will find past discussions about Acer and Linux which may help you.

There is a search function for these forums, as well as an entire section called "Distributions". Do some reading.

If you have a good enough internet connection, it is probably worth your while to download a LiveCD version of Linux, that is one that runs from the CD without using your harddrive. This is a good test to make sure your hardware is compatible with Linux (though looking at what you posted, it should be fine). Knoppix is a popular LiveCD, although I prefer SLAX and SLAX is a considerably smaller download.

Many distros are considered user friendly. Ubuntu is by far the most popular, though Fedora Core should be fine as well. If you want to try a BSD, PC-BSD (based on FreeBSD) is the most user friendly of them. If you're the type that likes spending money, Xandros is a good option. To quote DistroWatch: "Xandros Desktop is without a doubt the most user-friendly distribution on the market and highly recommended to first-time Linux users." ...the catch is it'll cost you $40-$99.

Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, openSuSE, Freespire are your best options just look at the top 5 or ten and distrowatch.com