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Old 03-03-2004, 09:52 AM   #1
Ma-fia
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Question Newbie & Linux dufus wants to know: which Linux version has the best GUI?


Currently I know very little about Linux, -- mostly that I want it, because Windows is a plague that lets everybody to help themselves to your computer, infested with AOL and similar stuff that is almost impossible to purge out. I am sick and tired of it.

A friend of mine installed RedHat 9.1 for me, but we can't make the modem work, because it's an ESS Technologies. Since a huge red hat on the start button has the same effect on me as a red cape on a bull, I think I 'd like to check out what else is there.
Are different versions of Linux more or less stable or secure depending on the version?
Which one has the most customizable GUI, so that I could change icons and rearrange the desktop? I'm not a programmer, I love functionality, but looks matter, too.
I would appreciate all comments.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:01 AM   #2
schurt
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all distros can look any way you want them too. maybe checking out some the the wm's sites will help you decide which WM/DE to go with

kde.org
gnome.org
xfce.org
fluxbox.sf.net
xpde.com

post soem other i dont remember them all
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:13 AM   #3
Ma-fia
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What is "wm's sites"?
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:17 AM   #4
trickykid
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Quote:
Originally posted by Ma-fia
What is "wm's sites"?
WM = Window Manager
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:19 AM   #5
Ma-fia
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Thanks, I will definitely look into it.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:21 AM   #6
Ma-fia
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Can I make it look like this, then?

http://users4.ev1.net/~falzmania/mis...ous/screen.jpg

Last edited by Ma-fia; 03-03-2004 at 10:25 AM.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:38 AM   #7
delta9
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why on earth would you want it to look like windows9x?
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:39 AM   #8
Redeye2
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Sure but that's pretty ugly hehe, try www.kde-look.org and search some of the screenshots.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 10:52 AM   #9
Ma-fia
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It's not 9x, it's 2000 Professional (not that it matters much anyway).

Why? Hmm.
There's a saying that one likes the pastor, another likes pastor's wife and a third one likes pastor's daughter. I.e. to each his/her own.
I like what I like, it works well for me, so -- why not if I could? All my life I was using Windows, so I find Linux exceptionally butt-ugly with its not-so-classic icons. I might get used to it, or I might not, but either way I'd like to try.

I still didn't get if it's possible or not. "Sure" means yes?

What is KDE? Is it like Gnome? Please bear up with me, I know very little.

Last edited by Ma-fia; 03-03-2004 at 10:59 AM.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 12:14 PM   #10
Nis
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Quick lesson:
GNOME and KDE are the two big WM of the Linux world. Really they're DE (Desktop Environments) which mean they window managing and provide a desktop for icons and provide some useful programs and utilities. KDE can pretty much be whatever you want it to be; it provides tons of options to customize its look and feel (to some it seems like too many options). GNOME goes for a more minimal and functional approach. There are options to change the way things look and feel, but to a lesser extent than KDE. Both of these DE do provide themes that mimic a Windows look and feel, and that's great if that's your cup of tea. But hopefully, you'll try out some other theme and see how it works for you.
It's best if you check out some screenshots so you can get a visual idea of how each of these DEs can look. For KDE, go here. These are little out dated since KDE 3.2 just came out, but should be similar enough. Here are some screens of Dropline GNOME, a customized version of GNOME. It still should provide a good idea of what GNOME desktops can look like. Take your time at both sites and also check out art.gnome.org.
There are tons of other WMs out there that cater to all sorts of users, but for a recent Linux convert, KDE and GNOME are good places to start.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 03:48 PM   #11
alan8373
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For what it's worth - In my opinion, KDE is the BEST user-friendly GUI out there. That is, of course, debatable, but I think a lot of people agree with me on this one. Now, in general, if you're looking for a distro that is ITSELF easy to use, I highly recommend SuSE 9.0. It costs around $40 for the personal edition - a very reasonable price, and it works with gobs and gobs of different hardware. They've tweaked the KDE desktop to automatically popup icons when you plug in USB devices, pop in CD ROMS and DVDs, and it comes with MP3 decoders by default - something a lot of the free linux distros can't do due to licensing. For a newbie, it's really a great distro to work with. Very friendly, fool-proof and gives you power when/if you need it.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 04:05 PM   #12
gregaryh
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You didn't realize that you have touched on a religious topic did you

IMHO XD2 is an aswome Desktop and makes the user experience a whole lot easier.
www.ximian.com
These are the people that started Gnome so they know a thing or two about it.
Of course I Love KDE too (please don't hit me)
But that is the best part of the Linux experience - you have a choice. Only you can decide what is right for you.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 04:21 PM   #13
bosewicht
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As for wanting your desktop to look like winblows 2000, that is insane. Your "red cape" can be removed and replaced with almost anything you want. It sounds like you are just going to have to fiddle with it a little. Besides, if this is your first install, you are prob going to be formatting the drive a few more times. Most newbies try multiple distros before they find one they like. There are tons of options as for how your desktop can look regardless of which wm you use and checking around on the web a little will show this to you. Look at the sites that are posted above and check out http://www.linuxsoft.cz/en/ under the window managers. Get that win 2000 desktop out of your head.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 05:58 PM   #14
Greyweather
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I'm surprised nobody sent you to this site yet.

And yes, you can make Linux look a lot like Windows.

Last edited by Greyweather; 03-03-2004 at 06:06 PM.
 
Old 03-03-2004, 07:50 PM   #15
user1
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Re: Newbie & Linux dufus wants to know: which Linux version has the best GUI?

Quote:
Originally posted by Ma-fia
can't make the modem work, because it's an ESS Technologies

What's with redhat not liking ESS?! i had and ESS technologies soundcard on my last linux box and it didn't work. now on my most recent linux box i can only get a few system sounds (through the speakers, not internal speaker) like the minimize and grow sounds. nothing when i play a cd. grr.
 
  


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