Very Newbie needs help and advice
 

Hi Out There

I am very new to Linux ie 7 days due to frustration with windows constant security updates.

I have brought some ditros packs from "The Linux Shop" who are very helpful.
The packs contain:
Linux Mint 17 xfce = (keeps losing the server)
Ubuntu 14.04 = (ok will take some getting use to)
Zorin OS8 = (do not like)
PCLinuxOS 2013.12 = ( jury still out)
Lubuntu 14.04 = (which refuses to load)
Simply MEPIS 11.0 DVD = (which refuses to load)
Puppy Linux 5.2.8 = (loads but will not install)
OpenSuse 13.1 DVD =(ok will need time to get use to it)


I have a Compaq CQ61 laptop, 2gb hard drive which is about 3 years old.

I am very capable with windows and would probably put my self as intermediate level for Linux

My problem is with the many distros out there i am still not sure i have attained the one i feel most comfortable with does any one have any advice or suggestions before i download or buy any more disks.
Thanks for your time in advance
Tim

I would like to support the ethos of GNU/Linux if possible

That disk size looks like a mistake. I get on well with SuSE. I'd be more keen too get started with something than put much effort into finding the ideal distro.

specs seem ok, you should be able to run any distro.
http://www.amazon.com/Compaq-Presari.../dp/B0031RFTEQ
unless you have problem downloading, there is no reason to purchase dvd's.

I hope "brought" wasn't a typo (like "ditros" for "distros") for "bought". You can get all the distros you want without paying 1p. They are available online at no charge. I'd suggest you go to the Distrowatch website, read about some of the distros (perhaps the most popular ones first) and then download and burn a few iso images and try them out.
jdk

linosaurusroot
thank you for spotting the mistake you are right that is the ram size.

jdkaye

Thank you for spotting that mistake.
For me i was pretty close for someone who is dyslexic and partially sighted do you not think

thank you for your reply's

Welcome aboard, TGA1358!

It looks to me like you're basically doing it right, by trying out several well-known distros and seeing what works. My advice is don't limit yourself to the "newbie-friendly" distros: I had some serious teething troubles with both Mandrake and Ubuntu back when they were the hottest newbie distros out there, but Debian, which was supposedly aimed at more advanced users, installed and ran first time with a nice, simple desktop. Then again, persuading an awkward distribution to install and run can be a great learning experience if you have the time... :p

Whether you buy or download depends a lot on your location and budget - until recently I bought all my upgrades as burned CDs/DVDs, first because it was quicker than the connection I had, and later because it was still cheaper than going over my ISP's monthly limit.

with an older laptop like that, maybe you should try mx-14 (link in my signature). it is very efficent on the ram useage and has a a great community. it uses xfce for the desktop and is based on debian.

Member Response
 

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

Your specs are Compaq CQ61 and show that you can upgrade memory to 4GB. More memory the better. I have that laptop & I use Slackware on it with no issues. You could use Porteus;Porteus is a Salix remix which is a Slackware derivative;Porteus ISO image can be downloaded to suit your system. Plus you can select the installation methodology by using the Porteus guide.
Hope this helps.
Enjoy & have fun!
:hattip:

I wasn't worried about the spelling; I was concerned about you paying for something that was available at no cost.
jdk

Your computer has perfectly adequate hardware: better than this one. You do not need to rush out and increase the memory to 4GB! The one thing that can sometimes cause trouble is the video. Many distros are better with ATI or Nvidia than with Intel, especially with the older Intel graphics chips like your one. That is almost certainly the problem with Mint.

So, the ones which work are Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, and OpenSuse. I'd stick with one of those. Personally, I'd go with PCLinuxOS: the convenience of rolling-release without the inconvenience of being bleeding-edge.

There are a couple of hundred distros, and over 30 to which I've given favourable reviews: if you try everything, you might make your mind up by Christmas!