Best Linux Distro for Speed, Security, and Usability in a Dell Studio Laptop

Asif-Hirai · 01-26-2011, 11:01 AM

I am writing this from my Desktop; my brother's computer is running a virus prone xp, I want to upgrade it to Linux, I've heard that Ubuntu is more optimised for desktops than laptops

so which distro is for laptops?

AlucardZero · 01-26-2011, 11:05 AM

It doesn't really matter unless we're talking netbooks. Just go with a recently-released distro that you (or he) is most familiar with. They all have things like the laptop-mode tools, and the power savings (again assuming a recent release).

darkduck · 01-26-2011, 11:11 AM

Agree with AlucardZero.
If your bro is familiar with any Linux distro now, just go for it.
Otherwise, shop around with different Live distros. It is especially important if you have specific hardware requirements.
I have some overviews in my blog, maybe worth checking.

snowday · 01-26-2011, 11:17 AM

Not true at all--Ubuntu runs great on most laptops!

If you post the hardware specs of the system, we can make an informed recommendation.

If you want some reading material in the meantime, here's a good comparison of the top 10 distros: http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

jefro · 01-26-2011, 04:52 PM

Almost all of the top 50 at distrowatch.com have a live cd. Try a few to see if they work before you bork the xp install.