Hello kind people!

I'm seriously considering to change my game now=)

I really want to switch to Linux, and I consider myself to be slightly above the average computer-user, and also I'm considering to get a new laptop before embarking on Linux.

I also need this since I've just started my studies on Computer engineering.

My questions are:

- Which Linux OS would you guys recommend?
- Can I use a Sony Vaio VPCF13Z1E/B with linux? (I really want this Vaio=)).

I would really appreciate any answers, since I'm a bit of a newbie regarding Linux!

Thanks guys=)!!

You can use pretty much any distro you want. They're freely available, so try different distros, and pick one that suits YOU the best. Your hardware should be just fine with it, as I've used Linux on SEVERAL Vaios over the years.

If you're just starting out, I'd recommend Ubuntu, but you'll get many other recommendations as well.

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Thanks!

I'm really excited about Linux. The basic idea of a free OS and upgrades.
And it seems that everyone share an interest in helping each other out, and
giving positive feedbacks!

After some self-exploration of different distros, made me very interested in Linux
Mint! Seems like a easy beginner OS. What do you think?

Thanks again!

Certainly a worthy contender. Really, it's about what YOU like. If I was you, and you've got the time, download several versions, and try to 'live' with them for a few days each, to see what you like/dislike. Try Mint, Ubuntu/Kubuntu, Mandriva, etc. You're only limited by the time you want to take. And keep in mind that if some certain gadget (i.e. webcam), doesn't work right out of the gate with Mint, it MAY work with Mandriva, and you might save yourself some headaches by just trying it, before you get your data migrated over.

Mandriva, openSUSE, and other distros also offer 'live' versions...that is, you boot from CD/DVD, and the whole OS runs from there, and your hard drive is untouched. Great way to 'try before you buy', in a manner of speaking.

1 members found this post helpful.

Again, thank you for good answers!

I will definately check out different distros!

Give the Slackware derivatives a shot too. Sample Zenwalk, Vector...Absolute or even Wolvix.....you will learn more about how linux works, files etc with those than Ubuntu IMO...

You're right, but those aren't good choices for a new user. They need a bit of work to get going, and that work (while it is a good learning experience), may turn a user off of Linux.

Ubuntu supports more 'consumer' hardware out of the box, with little further configuration. It's main drive is to help folks move from Windows into Linux.

I would go Ubuntu. Its very user friendly for the most part and there is lots of help online. Any will be OK but if you are not to familiar with Linux I would stick with Ubuntu. Just my 2 cents.