Hi. I'm a linux n00b looking for a good distro to use. This is not my first Linux install, but I would like it to be the first I use instead of Windows, because the few that I've tried can't really replace it for me. Here's the features I want:

-Semi-easy install (this isn't super important, but definetely a plus)
-Easy to use
-Some sort of configuration wizards
-Easy to install packages (would be great if it supports rpms or debs)
-Some sort of music software like iTunes or Rhapsody
-Needs to run on my Toshiba Satellite Pro 4300
-Needs to be somewhat compact, as I have only a 12gig hard drive and half needs to be windoze.
-Wireless is not an issue, since my Belkin wifi works on all the distros I've used without installing anything.
-KDE preferred, GNOME is okay too.

The main one I've been thinking about is Ubuntu. Others are Xandros and Debian. Also, is Kubuntu identical to Ubuntu, except KDE, or is it a little different?

Kubuntu is Ubuntu with KDE instead of Gnome. Mandriva, Suse, Fedora are all easy to set up, have wizards and are as compact or as bloated as you want to make them.

Not being funny but a search of the forum will yield hundreds of similar posts to help you, anyway...

Normally i would suggest Fedora Core, i'm fairly comfortable with it and it's done everything that you want for me.

-install is easy as pie, intuitive, simple (graphical or text)
-the wizards you are talking about are generally app specific, i.e gnome/KDE all have their own wizards for setting things up, Fedora core can install both from CDs
-uses RPMs via Yum, so updating/installing is as simple typing a command in a terminal
-music software for what? playing? downloading?? i have never used either of the 2 you mentioned but Fedora comes out of the box with music players, however you need to use yum to install codecs if you want to play proprietry formats (MP3 etc.)
-No idea if it'll run on that system as you provided no specs for it, use google to check out, LQ also has a hardware compatability section you can check your parts off against.
-a distro is only as compact as the packages you want. a full install shouldn't be more than 3 gig, which is ample, and you will not need all of that
-wireless never used, but if yours works with all distros it shouldn't be a problem.
-FC can be installed with KDE or Gnome (or both but goes against your size requirements)

However i installed a debian sarge on the weekend and i have to say it was a pleasure, meets the same requirements as above, and also detected my sound straight off the bat, i'd reccomend it too, apt-get is wonderful (similar to yum)

Hi ninjabob7,

This page (found via linux-laptop.net) may be interesting

http://www.jmop.de/linux/linux.html

This describes installing RedHat and SuSE on the 4300. Note these are older versions with older Xfree86
versions. A modern distro with up-to-date XF86 or more probably X.org would undoubtedly work better.

I would go along with the earlier posters about choice. Kubuntu may be a good option - I have set up Ubuntu for my computer-newbie retired parents for their digital camera, that's how easy it is to use!

Paul

I recomend Fedora core 3 its easy to use
easy to install

I am just curious XeroxONE.. you recommend fc3 but I know fc4 is out, and you indicate that is your prefered distro. For somebody thinking about trying Fedora, is there any problem with fc4? My son-in-law asked if I would download fc4 for him.