I have not downloaded linux and don't know were to go get it. I have heard that ubunta is the easy way to start.

To start with, Linux offers 'too much choice'

A few years ago, I would recommend Ubuntu to new users
These days I recommend Mint..

Mint is 'based on' Ubuntu, which in turn is based on Debian.
( although there is a more Debian like Mint )

But don't worry too much..
If the desktop is not to your liking you can install a different one

For instance desktops like lxfe , xfce, mate have a more 'traditional' interface

Ubuntu / Mint
Go for an LTS (Long Term support) version, at least untill you find your feet.


Might be worth trying a few distos in something like vitualbox
Or simply burn a few liveDVDs and have a quick look and get a feel for the different interfaces


If you have trouble 'burning' a cd/dvd on windows, I;ve found wincdemu very good

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/WinCDEmu

Right click iso -> burn

I must be real dumb as I can't firque out how to download mint

Hi,

go here http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php.

Then you need to choose between 64 bit and 32 bit (tell us what computer you have). Then, for simplicity choose the corresponding link in the line the says "Cinnamon" (which is the name of the default desktop environment you will be using), and then click on a link to a mirror from which to download this iso file.

Evo2.

I always suggest starting with CentOS. RHEL is the powerhouse. RHEL is king in the enterprise. Since CentOS is just repackaged (free) RHEL, it's a good place to start if you're looking to get into Linux for career reasons. If you want a forward-looking Linux platform, and are willing to put up with some broken stuff as innovation moves a project forward, then Fedora is my suggestion. It's the "R&D" version/future tech version of RHEL (Fedora 20 is essentially RHEL 7).

If you're looking for flash, or ease of use, or sweet nifty awesome desktops, Mint seems to be all the rage these days.

Mate common, i like rhel and centos too, and solid for if you want a career in that specific niche, but it is hardly the best example of everything possible to a new person.

I second mint and live distro testing.

Then with time the big boys like slack, rhel and derivites, debian or whatever else will be the order of the day when the time comes. Everyone finds their way to the great distros they like best over time.

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