Hi guys,
I am new user to Linux. In fact I am trying to get enough information about such OS, but I am feeling confused about which version should I use. I heard about Redhat, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Terminal, fedora, suse, GNU, KDE, and Genome. Some people complaining about some of these software while others are happy with them. So for me, I need to know the difference between them or to be specific I need a Linux-based-software that enables me to operate exe files, ease of using internet chat programs, and other Windows famous programs.

Thanks in advance

Too many packages are available in Linux, so you will not need to operate exe files. But it can be done with 'wine'. Kubuntu or *buntu will be best for you. See the articles and tutorials in LQ and the Ubuntu forums too

Most of the Distros are the same execpt for very subtle diffrences.
From what I have seen the reason most people complain about the software when it doesn't work. Here is a small list....

1. Ubuntu-Know for it's ease of use it use's the Gnome Environment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME
2. Kubuntu-Same as Ubuntu but use's the K Desktop Environment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubuntu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KDE
3. GNU is the name of a free software project started in the early 80's which mission was to create a free operating system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU

RedHat- is a major Linux Distro Vendor/company
http://www.redhat.com

4. Fedora- Another Linux Distro that is a redhat sponsered. Which is know for it's robustness and for it's cutting edge feature's

Go with ubuntu...imo best distro for beginners.

Gnome and KDE (among others) are "environments" or "windows managers" that are built on top of the very basic x-windows system.

A distribution (like OpenSuse) will allow you to choose from Gnome, KDE or other environments when you install it.

Ubuntu, as these probably much more knowledgable folks said, is generally recommended for people who want windows like functionality and ease of use (although some other distros come close to it I guess; I like OpenSuse myself).

So yeah, you should probably try Ubuntu with Gnome.

You are mixing up different kinds of choices. There are choices of distributions (distros) and there are also choices of Desktop environments. For the latter, the most common are KDE and Gnome (not Genome...), either of which can be installed on any distro. You could, for example, start with Fedora which comes with Gnome, and then install KDE.

Start with www.distrowatch.com and pick anything in the top ten on their "hit list". Chances are good that you'll try at least two before finding your favorite.

You'll find this worth reading: http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm . A comparison of MS v Linux (aka Linux is not Windows).

In most cases you can find equivalent linux programs to replace your .exe s. While you can run SOME windows programs via wine (or its variants) it is really not a good idea. That being said I do run one app that is windows based. There are linux replacements for it but for me they are not as good. If you really cannot live without a significant number of windows based programs your choice is pretty clear, run windows.

I find openSUSE (10.3) to be the best for my needs. Nice GUI with some nice features, several open source apps that get you up and running quickly. Things like Firefox & Open Office come with the install so you can be productive immediately.

openSUSE is a mature OS with lots of benefits for the new user.

Hello,
don't confuse. linux is better than windows. i already shifted to linux from windows. its a great experience!
choice any distro of linux & start using linux.
i start with mandriva. its a major linux distro. u will get a lot of packages with it (more than 1500). it uses both KDE & GNOME desktop.

it is easy to use. i think its perfect for new linux users. i have a good experience with mandriva. u can try it.

visit www.mandriva.com for more.

if u use this distro, i think u don't need rubbish windows no more!!
keep smilling...

tamer79

I hope you are by now less confused than you where initially
If you really mean what you say here - windows is a better choice as lazlow put it.
There are almost always programs with similar functionality in linux.

You can get live-CD's for almost any distribution - so try a few without you needing to install anything.
You can get them from this site even:
http://iso.linuxquestions.org/

[QUOTE=pixellany;3247998] start with Fedora which comes with Gnome, and then install KDE.

Thank you guys for your support. Right now I have two best choices the first is Fedora that comes with Gnome and supports KDE the other is Mandriva.

I will try both hope they work fine for me.

But can anyone provide me with a presentation or a media file explains the difference between the two platforms Gnome and KDE. Right now, things becomes clearer. At least, now I know the difference between some distros and what are KDE and Genome, but what makes me confused is too many versions without any chance to see 'em. The only chance is to try them out.

Thank you again.

Go to Google, type in 'screenshots of gnome' or whatever desktop GUI you want to look at.