I would say that Fedora Core 8 is extremely friendly also, although I basically chose it because I'm a Red Hat whore Ubuntu I liked, but couldn't get it to connect properly to my WPA encrypted wireless network, which was much easier in FC8. YMMV.

I am just curious as to why Linux hasn't become as user friendly or as popular as an MS OS?.. IN SOME PEOPLE'S OPINIONS THAT IS.
I have heard alot of people saying XP is so.......much more user friendly etc...Are the people at Linux prevented from making Linuk more user friendly(windows like), due to Billy-Bob and his human Cyborgs,having some form of copyright protection on the software??...
Or is it simply a matter of the world being use to doing things one way(windows)and not having the courage to step out into a new frontier??
Any input would be apreciated.
Thanks

Bingo.

You should watch someone who has never used a computer much before trying to get around Windows. They're equally lost. Its just a matter of the OS conventions that you're used to and - unfortunately - that means Windows.

Ubuntu is typically considered a good starting distro.

There are HUNDREDS of other distro options, but you do have to start somewhere.

after you try out Ubuntu you may decide to try something different.. you will eventually find the Distro that is right for you, but imho Ubuntu is as good a place to start as any.

I see it all of the time,my girlfriend is just learning,and at first she was lost,however she is catching on very quickly.I want to get this new PC up and running with Linux as my sole OS and watch my girlfriend learn on that,i am certain she will not find much of a difference.I however,likely will, having used Windows forever.
However i am old enough to recall loading games via tape recorders (waiting an hour for it to loadand using msdos commands,so maybe Linux wont be that bad lol..Windows was magic way back thenI guess you all know now im old lol
I am interested in changing my OS to Linux as i VERY much dislike Billy boy and his universe(Money grubing,greedy,greasy,coke head, hypocrites!!) Bily Boy could single handidly feed a small country,send poor children to school,do much much more than feed the war machine! Anyway im through venting Thanks
I think its very important that we always keep an open mind! No matter how much one knows,YES! I AM A HYPOCRITE FOR CLOSING MY MIND TO BILLY BOY...we can never know it all!...I play guitar and am always amazed at how a fresh new mind im teaching, shows me just how little i really do know..WE NEED TO KEEP THIS MIND SET WHEN FACED WITH THE NEW(LINUX)xo BILLY BOY!

start with anything in the top 5 on the distrowatch "hit list".

The BEST for you is the last one you try....

Hi.
I used Ubuntu and Kubuntu but I was disappointed. Ubuntu releases are not always stable, and they have much problems.
I suggest you to try Mepis homepage here. Its free, its extremely easy to install, extremely easy to use, it has an outstanding hardware detection, it is debian based, and it has a very good users manual for starter users (it will be on the desktop, so you don't even have to search for it). The latest version was released less than a month ago. It uses both own and debian packages, so you will not have software shortages. I really recommend it.

I totally concur with Mepis. At times, I have regarded it as equally good as my current default (PCLOS). Keep in mind that the "hit list" measures current interest, not the stats of actual usage. (There is of course some correlation)

I've merged your two highly similar threads into one for "ease of use & convenience" to our other members.

Hi I would also suggest Mepis to somebody trying linux for the first time . Mepis was my first experience into linux about 4 years ago

If you want a distro that almost sets its self up completely and is easy to use go with PCLinuxOS you can chose either 2007 which uses the KDE desktop or PCLinuxOS Gnome that uses the Gnome desktop which is stripped down a little. Both are good and work fine.

Wow, Dave666! Really sounds like you're gung-ho on this Linux thing! I hope you all the best in your new adventure!

As you've seen, there are sooo many Linux distributions to choose from. No one person here, or anywhere for that matter, can tell you which distro is best for YOU. Some distros are geared toward specific functions. Some are geared toward providing secure and robust server functionalities, some are geared for desktop use (probably your category), and some are more technically inclined, forcing you to learn as you install.

During your first outings into the Linux world, you'll find many zowies, roadblocks and stimies. You'll probably need to be willing to learn, and try to break away from what you know about Windows. Concepts in design, function and use in Linux are much different than Microsoft's methods. For instance, in Windows, there's usually a nice dialog window for just about anything you can tinker with. In Linux you generally edit text configuration files.

What you'll find in Linux that you don't usually find in Windows is:
- Choice. You can choose a distro that fits you. You can choose from a slew of desktop managers (KDE, Gnome, XFCE, and more). Think of just about any software type (internet browsers, office apps, drawing and design, gaming, software development), and you'll likely find hundreds of programs just waiting for your call. If you have an Internet connection available, access to these programs is just a couple of commands, and a few minutes away.
- Configuration. With all the programs available in Linux, there are slews of configuration options for each, so you can just about get your computer to do anything you dern well please. If you try hard enough, you might even get it to do your dishes!
- Stability. Unlike with Windows, most popular distros come with programs that have been tested for compatibility and stability before being released to the public. Worldwide developers have worked hard to ensure their projects are bug free.
- Freedom. If you've got a program that you think could use some tweaking, on top of configuration files, you are very likely free to modify that program to your liking at the code level. Then, if you so desire, you can contribute back to the Linux, or OSS, community with your new stuff.

There is so much more about Linux to tell you, but I'm tired of typing, and you're probably tired of reading ...

As a new user, I also recommend you give Ubuntu a shot.

All I am really trying to say is Ubuntu did not work for me. If it works for you. Thats good. If you have problems with it try a different distro.

As a fellow noob, I want to let you know that Linux is not as user friendly as windows. You don't just install Linux and everything is ready to go like windows. There is lots of learning if you have the interest and the time. This is my thirteenth month learning Linux and I still have lots to learn.

There is a great sight for selecting, installing, and learning about linux. http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/

A better way to say it is that it isn't Windows user friendly, just as Windows isn't Linux user friendly. Once you learn the Linux way of doing everything, Windows seems a lot less user friendly.
Also now how I would put it. The average distro aimed at the general desktop user is easier to get started with and more complete than Windows out of the box. It is different, so there is learning involved, but that is what would happen if you were an OSX user switching to Windows.

User friendliness and ease of installation is all relative. To someone who has never done it before, installing Windows can be a real pain.

Lets face it, having used windows since dos 3.1, most everything works in windows out of the box. You do not have to compile to install in windows programs as in Linux. You do not have dependencies issues in windows.
Most corporations cater to windows. Getting a winmodem to work is not easy. Fox tv won't work in Linux.

The truth is you don't have to know much about the windows operating system to download and install software as in linux.

Windows is easier. But, I prefer Linux. I like to learn!