I am currently a Win 7 user, surfing around to learn more about Linux. I have been tempted for quite a while to switch to Linux, years ago I briefly installed Mandrake (I believe that was the name of the distro at the time) this was around the days of Win 95.

I played around with it for a little while, at the time it was billed as one of the most 'user friendly' distro's out there. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't working on my system, I had some hardware issues if I remember correctly. Also it crashed a few times, seemed to be hard locks of the system requiring a power off. That really surprised me, because I had heard Linux was rock solid compared to Windows, but it was probably a case of user error not the OS itself.

So, I'm out shopping around for the best distro and info for beginners. I want user friendly and GUI to start off with, with plans to delve into the inner workings of Linux as I gain knowledge and experience. Also something that will work with my laptop.

The Command Line doesn't particularly frighten me, I would not consider myself a power user or even intermediate skilled these days by any means, but I did start off in DOS and used the command line quite a bit there as well as putting together bat files and such. I was actually enjoying learning the workings of the OS and how bat files and such helped you automate and simplify some things.

But you know the story, the GUI came along, I got busy with other stuff, and I stopped delving into the inner workings of the OS and learning new things about it. I have some limitations now on learning, I don't want to bore anyone with my personal situation, but it is my hope that I can find a good distro for me and ease my way back into learning about an OS, and Linux has always had a fascination for me although as I said I don't have too much hands on experience with it yet.

So anyway, that's my story. Trying to learn more about Linux, set it up on my system, and try to use it as a learning tool/experience in life. If anyone reads this thanks for taking the time to read my boring story . Steve

P.S. Thinking about Linux Mint to start off with, then maybe later moving into something a little more 'hands on'. But I read something on Distro Watch about Mint not sending out security alerts or something, so I don't know on that one.

Welcome to LQ!

Mint is a fine distro, I would not hesitate to use it. It would be a good place to start your learning journey.

Welcome to LQ!

After abandonin linux 4 abt 6 mths, i find it hard to use like b4, is dt how it is? Always having 2 use ur book?

Thanks for the warm welcome folks Sorry my reply took so long coming.