I have used Mandrake and am using Fedora for AMD 64. I am still new at this linux thing, all things considering. I am running a computer in a place where I will not have internet access for about 6-12 months. I am using Fedora right now. I need it to do all the basic functions that an office computer should (open office, record Dvds and cds, etc.) My problem is I don't have the time to learn the system the way I need to right now. Is there a better linux distro that will have everything on it that I need, will optimize my amd 64 system, and can enable me to use it right away as a boy brought up using the old macs and then windows is used to??? I know the point is freedom to choose, but why can't the things be setup that a typical user like myself need, and then give me the choice to take them off or put them on??? Anyway, it is hooked up to internet right now while I try to get it to work and load all the things i need so I can cut the (internet) cord. If there is something easier to use and doesn't have many problems, let me know... Even something based off of Debian will be fine with me. (I like the concept of Debian, but need it to work.) Anyway, let me know-
John

Ubuntu is based on Debian and is supposed to be 'for mom and pop' isn't it? I have no experience of it. There is a Debian for 64's.

What is ubuntu? Anyone use this???

Here's Ubuntu, you can get it literally free, including postage and packing, on a CD if you're prepared to wait.

What you're after is a bit of an ask. A Unix user, not only Linux, has to know a little more about the computer. Linux is usually not pre-fitted when the computer is bought, so the user has to do the fiddling arround. Also the computer is usually designed for windows.

Another thing you might try is Knoppix, a live CD of Knoppix. Put this in the CDROM drive, reboot, and Knoppix will set up a Linux system, again based on Debian, probably faster than Windows loads. With your high specification computer this might work quite well.

Hope helps.

jhbumby, why is mandrake not ok for your needs?

On all the distro you will have to learn the same basics things, one day or another.
The gui interface might be more or less easy to use

I do not think a live cd is the solution, because you seem to
need a full fledged desktop solution. And if you are not going to have the net,
then you should go ahead with a dvd distro to maximise the number
of package you may need or not in these 6-12 mths

Maybe a bit of a contradiction in the sense that you want
to do "advanced" things but at the same time you just want to have to open the can:
Mepis is allegedly user-friendly, easy to setup
Ask many peopne, get as many suggestions
Try Suse 9.3 while you are at it
Hearsays linspire and xandros are trying to do this "right away" thing
you want. I am not convinced from what I read so far. You can try.

Ubuntu is poor when it comes to multimedia out of the box,
from some other thread I read, you may need to download mplayer
for example

Nothing is going to replace that am afraid
Seriously if Mandriva or Suse or Mepis (or ubuntu) is not fit in your opinion,
then time is your problem.

The fact that some people think linux is not ready as a desktop
is a big big debate, we do not want to enter it.
It all depends on skills and time
If you have time you will get the skills eventually, or a distro
will be there sooner or later that does it for you.

Patience and some effort is the essence.
You are on LQ, so already doing the effort bit seeking advice

What is your time scale?