choosing Linux version
 

how do you know is the best version of linux to download?

Research.

Evo2.

I guess its honestly a matter of personal preference. I downloaded Fedora 13 which I'm fine with (2nd most popular linux based operating system) and I also feel that Ubuntu is good to use. If this is your first installation, I might suggest Ubuntu as it is easier to install.

If You want to use it for your desktop/laptop, Ubuntu is the best. I recently switched from Fedora 12 to Ubuntu 10.04 LS. Its more comfortable to use, if you are a newbie Ubuntu can be a better choice.

After deciding what level of user you are (rank beginner who needs a super-simple easy distro or one who wants to explore their "inner geek" a little, etc), answer two other questions in regard to a distro:

Will it work on my computer? Most distros have something called a Hardware Compatibility List published on their web site. If you don't find your hardware listed, skip that distro!

What will I use my computer for? Just for web browsing and e-mail, maybe share pictures and write letters to friends and family? Almost any distro works for that kinda stuff. Schoolwork? Business? Games? Some of the biggest distros (Ubuntu, Mint, Mepis, PCLinuxOS, Fedora, OpenSUSE, etc) try to be "all things to all users" and if they work on your machine, cool!

Here is one of many "distro choosers" that can help you pick a distro too. Here's another, and here's yet another! Actually there's a whole bunch of 'em (Google "disro chooser") but they all basically ask the same questions and recommend distros which most closely match your answers (hardware, skill level, intended use).



One word of caution for newbies who choose Ubuntu, though: Do not use the latest version! Try to remain at least "one behind" the newest release of Ubuntu. It's kinda cutting edge, and rushed to market before it's ready. Usually takes a few months of updates and stuff to make it truly "ready for prime time."

Enjoy!

-Robin

There is no best distro, choose on purpose and personal taste.

And BTW my suggestion for those who want Ubuntu: forget about Ubuntu and choose Mint instead.

Here's a good resource to choose what mainstream distribution is suitable for your needs:

http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

-A

By knowing your intention first and reading what the distro says about itself, using google or visit distrowatch.com (click the link Ahmad gave your above).

Usually I recommend Linux Mint v. 8 for those who came from windows.

Good luck.

A factor often overlooked when choosing a distro is the online support community. Would you feel comfortable asking a question? Would you anticipate getting a correct answer that you understand fairly quickly? If you are going to go in search of your inner geek, would you fit in with the distro's online support community?

You don't. Pick one, download the live version an place it on a CD or bootable USB flash drive, boot it, see if it recognizes all of your hardware and works properly with it. If it meets your needs, install it on your hard drive; if it doesn't, move on to another distro.

When you do your installation, be sure to put /home on a separate partition, and don't reformat it with each new distro you check out. That way, if you decide to switch distros, whatever personal preferences and other data you had will still be available

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thanks, everyone, with your answers, I see which way to go...