what is the best linux os for a newbie?

cassco · 10-15-2011, 12:46 PM

My son is deep into Linux for business use and he uses some engineering based Linux OS. I want a quick and easy to use Linux i can dual boot with win 7 and XP. I want as little script commands as possible. Thanks

T3RM1NVT0R · 10-15-2011, 12:55 PM

Welcome to LQ!!!

You can go with Linux Mint it is quite easy to use.

Here is the link to download it: http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

sycamorex · 10-15-2011, 12:56 PM

Hi and welcome to LQ.

You could probably try distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, PC LinuxOS.

Try a few of them. Please note that you can 'try' them first without installing using Live CD/DVDs.

Acutical · 10-15-2011, 12:57 PM

Linux Mint, or Ubuntu.

Ubuntu can be installed with Wubi, it installs it inside windows.

cassco · 10-15-2011, 01:10 PM

Thanks all appreciate the quick reply.

redJolt · 10-15-2011, 01:11 PM

I use Fedora 15 in a dual boot configuration and it works great for me.

sycamorex · 10-15-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassco

Thanks all appreciate the quick reply.

The reason I suggested you try a few distos is that although they belong to the same 'class', still they differ in many areas. New linux users often change distros (it's called 'distro-hopping') before they settle with one they feel most comfortable with. It's usually a matter of personal preferences (and/or hardware compatibility)

Good luck.

jefro · 10-15-2011, 03:33 PM

Pick one from the list at distrowatch.com maybe.

I'd start by installing a free virtual machine before you attempt a dual boot.

Knightron · 10-16-2011, 05:00 AM

I recomend Linux Mint as well. One other thing you may want to consider is desktop environments. This is probably my favorite feature of Linux; it's choice on Desktop environments. There are many, while Windows restricts you to the one it comes with (with the exception of third party hacks). This is so great because this means you get to choose how you want to use your computer, not a company deciding for you how they think you should use it.

topheraholic · 10-16-2011, 06:10 AM

ubuntu is good.

floppy_stuttgart · 10-16-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassco

My son is deep into Linux for business use and he uses some engineering based Linux OS. I want a quick and easy to use Linux i can dual boot with win 7 and XP. I want as little script commands as possible. Thanks

see http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...2/#post4496805
and my blog.
Multiboot XP / Linux? no problem. With grub4dos. But later please.

onebuck · 10-16-2011, 11:07 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassco

My son is deep into Linux for business use and he uses some engineering based Linux OS. I want a quick and easy to use Linux i can dual boot with win 7 and XP. I want as little script commands as possible. Thanks

Get Your ISO, LiveCD & Pocket OS section of Slackware®-Links, look at The LiveCD List which is a Good List to choose from to test drive Gnu/Linux.

EDIT: Salix would be another good Gnu/Linux. You can get a LiveCD version or Install DVD.

theNbomr · 10-16-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassco

I want as little script commands as possible.

Since that would be throwing away one the the chief tools of Linux, what is your intention for moving to Linux? What is your present usage pattern for Windows, and how do you expect that to change in Linux?
If you do a lot of stuff that is highly repetitive, then scripted solutions are probably a lot more 'easy to use' than clicking the same pattern of GUI elements over and over.
--- rod.

linuxwin2 · 10-17-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sycamorex

Hi and welcome to LQ.

You could probably try distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, PC LinuxOS.

Try a few of them. Please note that you can 'try' them first without installing using Live CD/DVDs.

+1
Try with live CD first