Hi,

I'm an old Windows user who loved that operating system. Have been using various versions of it since the mid-1990's.

Lately I've been watching their OS give less and less attention to our Desktop computers, while they try to give people equal access across various devices; not to mention the monthly charges for various of their services.

So I think it's time to try something new! Are there different versions of linux that I should be aware of? And if so, where can I find info which would help me to decide which would be "right" for me?

Thanks for your help,

~Raenie

I think the very first thing you should look at would be this sticky thread at the top of this very forum (if you haven't already).

Also, a link at the bottom of that same sticky thread being the distrowatch link.

Look at the target audience listed for the Linux distribution you're looking at, as well as the distribution's goals, and go from there.

I would also (with all respect to other members) be very wary of people recommending particular distributions to you. I say that because what I might like, what might be suitable for me/others, may not be for you. I would strongly suggest you make up your own mind about which distribution to go with.

Best of luck.

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There are loads of different versions (called distributions). The two most often recommended for newbies are Ubuntu and Mint. I would recommend Mint for two reasons:
1) It comes with plenty of proprietary codecs, firmware, etc., which other distros are snooty about including, so all your hardware should "just work".
2) It comes in two different editions with different desktops and one of these (Mate) is often recommended as a drop-in replacement for the Windows GUI.

Once you have Linux installed, it's probably best to stick with that distro for the first few months while you are learning basic Linux concepts like file ownership and permissions and software management. After that almost any distro should be usable. Just find the one you like best.

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Remember that you can run Linux live of a USB stick or DVD, giving you a chance to make quite sure you like it before you install. Also remember that there will be a learning curve, just as if you switched to a Mac. Linux often does things differently and there will be times at first when you feel lost. But if you remember the first Windows, you are probably old enough (like me) to remember MSDOS and making the change-over from that!

One big difference is that Linux doen't have a GUI. That's just software and not part of the OS, so there are different desktops on offer: big, small, plain, fancy, weird… Getting one you like is a big part of finding the right distribution because, although most offer a variety, each has its standard one that most of the developers used as they created the distro. So, consider the most widely used ones from distros that a suitable for beginners:

Gnome. Tends to make you feel that your computer has turned into a tablet, so perhaps not for you! Get it from Ubuntu, if you do like that sort of thing.

KDE. One user said "it makes even Mac users say wow!" Very lavish with eye candy, but also very powerful and configurable. Get it from PCLinuxOS or OpenSUSE.

Mate. Middle of the road. Get it from Mint or PCLinuxOS.

Xfce. The oldest and plainest. One developer said their goal was to just do the job without being under your feet or in your face. Xubuntu is probably the best here.

A slighty dated guide with links to desktop and distro sites:
https://renewablepcs.wordpress.com/a...gnome-or-xfce/

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Been around for a while, but might be worth a read - linux_isnt_windows

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Hi everyone,

Thank you all for your suggestions! This gives me a lot of information to work with!

David McCann, yes, I did transfer from DOS to Windows, back in the day. So I am expecting to encounter a learning curve with Linux, as well. I always wondered why they made such a drastic change from the way computers used to be interacted with.

When I first posted, I felt a little foolish asking my question, and was afraid I wouldn't receive much response. But this is fantastic! Thank you everyone!

You'll probably like MX Linux, looks somewhat like you've been used to, try it running 'live' from a pendrive, it won't touch your computer, unless you say so, then when you've decided to use it, just install it.

There are so many varieties of Linux distributions that you would likely get lost trying to decide.

I use AntiX, been using it for years, it's a lightweight distro, but being based on Debian, (as is MX), has lots of software options to install if you want them.

There are 3 major base distros, each uses a different package manager to install software, that comes pre packaged in .deb, .rpm, & .tgz formats.

(I prefer .deb, been using it since 1999).

1 members found this post helpful.

Raenie,

Welcome to LQ.

It would be a good idea for you to let us know the specification of your current desktop PC(s), including make/model number, RAM,CPU etc.

Some older hardware often needs a lightweight Linux version.

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Hi, yes, thanks for the reminder. Here's the info;

HP15 TS Notebook PC
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-5010U CPU @ 2.10GHz

RAM: 6.00 GB
System: 64-bit OS, 64-based processor

Win10 Home vs. 1803
OS build 17134.228

Touch Support2130

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Thanks for the info! I'm enjoying reading this!

and I will try to remember doing those all important backups! so easy to forget, I know...

With those specs you should be able to run most if not any Linux distribution you like.

Clonezilla has always been a reliable choice for me.

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Raenie,

Since you can use any Linux you like, I would second hazel's advice and install Linux Mint.

I suggest that you download the Linux Mint MATE 64 bit version from:

https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

I assume that you wish to run Linux alongside your current W10.

If so then the following links will help you.

Dual boot Linux Mint alongside W10:
http://dailylinuxuser.com/2016/04/ho...alongside.html

Shrink the W10 partition:
http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/201...ake-space.html

How to create a UEFI-bootable Linux Mint USB drive:
http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/201...usb-drive.html


NB Win32DiskImager sets the file types dropdown to *.IMG.
The Linux Mint file is .ISO.
Make sure that you change the dropdown to show all files (*.*).

1 members found this post helpful.

As one who started with Apple Dos and CP/M in the early 80's, MS-DOS in the mid 80's, Windows in the late 80's, and Linux in 2000, I'll add my vote for Linux Mint Mate as an excellent place to start.

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