Which Distro Should I Use?

ram007 · 02-15-2010, 05:18 PM

Hi,

I am really quite new to Linux, though I have played around with it in the past. I've used "Knoppix" and "Fedora Core" several years ago, and of course at that time, there were not many apps to go along with them. I see now that a lot has been done, and I am excited to try them again. I have a 64 bit Intel Core 2 Duo system with 4GB RAM. I want to just replace Windows 7 that I am now running, for obvious reasons. I have no idea what would be the best distro of Linux to use, that would give me as close to the same Windows features, while installing and running smoothly! Can anyone suggest to me which would be the best for a simple install and operation to use as a good solid OS/Distro for my situation. I downloaded and tried to run Ubuntu 8.04.4, but when I tried to run it from the CD I got a shit-load of I/O errors. Is the 9.10 version any better?, and will the amd64 version run on an Intel 64 system?

repo · 02-15-2010, 05:21 PM

Take a look at
http://distrowatch.com/

worm5252 · 02-15-2010, 05:30 PM

Take a look at this article, it is very well written and says the same thing everyone is going to say in response to you question.

http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/select...tribution.html

carbonfiber · 02-15-2010, 05:37 PM

Hi. We're glad Linux is finally worth your attention, for obvious reasons. If I understand correctly you would like a Linux distribution which is basically Windows 7 except harder, better, faster, stronger? Is it ok if it costs money or do you need/want something that is free of charge?

P.S.: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...had-it-234207/

ram007 · 02-15-2010, 05:43 PM

I know how to use a search engine. All I get is run around concerning Linux. And still no answer for the 64 bit question!

ram007 · 02-15-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbonfiber

Hi. We're glad Linux is finally worth your attention, for obvious reasons. If I understand correctly you would like a Linux distribution which is basically Windows 7 except harder, better, faster, stronger? Is it ok if it costs money or do you need/want something that is free of charge?

P.S.: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...had-it-234207/

Well, it would depend on how much money we are talking. If it is too much, I might as well keep paying Microsoft for theirs!

ram007 · 02-15-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5252

Take a look at this article, it is very well written and says the same thing everyone is going to say in response to you question.

http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/select...tribution.html

I know how to use a search engine. All I get is run around concerning Linux. And still no answer for the 64 bit question!

worm5252 · 02-15-2010, 05:47 PM

Most distributions of Linux are free. However the commercial version are paid, but mostly because of the level of support you get with them.

worm5252 · 02-15-2010, 06:02 PM

Ram007,
I am not implying you do not know how to use a search engine. I am simply saying no one on here is going to say "you should use X distribution of Linux". We will more likely say Here are your options, these are good for beginners, these maybe more what you are looking for, etc. In the end only you can decide which distribution is best for you.

As far as your 64-bit question. You post reads

Quote:

I have a 64 bit Intel Core 2 Duo system with 4GB RAM. I want to just replace Windows 7 ...

That doesn't look like a question there fore it was not addressed. However I am going to make an assumption and assume you want to know about 64-bit compatibility. Most distributions now days offer a 64-bit version. However you are free to use a 32-bit distribution with your 64-bit processor if you choose.

The reason I referred you to that article is it brings up several good points to consider when choosing a distribution. I am not saying you do or do not meet any of those requirements as I do not know you and I can not make that decision. It is simply to bring them to your attention.

The first thing to consider with choosing a distribution is, is your hardware supported? That article mentions checking the hardware compatibility list. Chances are your hardware is supported unless you use additional hardware that did not come from the computer manufacturer when you purchased your PC.

The next thing to consider is what do you want to be able to do?

ram007 · 02-15-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5252

Ram007,
I am not implying you do not know how to use a search engine. I am simply saying no one on here is going to say "you should use X distribution of Linux". We will more likely say Here are your options, these are good for beginners, these maybe more what you are looking for, etc. In the end only you can decide which distribution is best for you.

As far as your 64-bit question. You post reads

That doesn't look like a question there fore it was not addressed. However I am going to make an assumption and assume you want to know about 64-bit compatibility. Most distributions now days offer a 64-bit version. However you are free to use a 32-bit distribution with your 64-bit processor if you choose.

The reason I referred you to that article is it brings up several good points to consider when choosing a distribution. I am not saying you do or do not meet any of those requirements as I do not know you and I can not make that decision. It is simply to bring them to your attention.

The first thing to consider with choosing a distribution is, is your hardware supported? That article mentions checking the hardware compatibility list. Chances are your hardware is supported unless you use additional hardware that did not come from the computer manufacturer when you purchased your PC.

The next thing to consider is what do you want to be able to do?

I understand, and I did read the article. Thanks!

I do want to use 64bit, but must have got a bad download of the Ubuntu cause it wouldn't work.

I need a basic OS, that will let me watch movies & play music, rip/burn CDs & DVDs, and of course do all of my internet stuff, including downloads and such. I'm not going to do anything serious. If I do any music or Video Production, I will simply use Windows and the software I have for it.

I am really just looking for a solid distro that I can use as a basic OS instead of Windows. Just don't want something that will need tweaked all the time.

Tinkster · 02-15-2010, 06:14 PM

slackware

FredGSanford · 02-15-2010, 08:09 PM

Mandriva 2010 and/or Federa 12 both are pretty good distros and not hard to get up and running.

worm5252 · 02-15-2010, 08:30 PM

There are several out of the box ready to go distributions. A few I recommend you take a look at are Fedora 12, ubuntu (Which you said you tried to download), Linux Mint, and mandriva. Tinkster recommended slackware, and I personally do not recommend that for you as it is not so friendly for new users. I get the feeling from your first post that you have had minimal Linux experience. If I am wrong on that then definitely check out slackware as an option.

dixiedancer · 02-16-2010, 03:48 AM

If you choose Ubuntu or Mint, use an older version (Mint 7 "Gloria" or Ubuntu 9.04 "Jaunty Jackelope"). The newest versions contain hit-or-miss Beta software by default, and I would consider them high-risk because of that. When they work, they're great. When they break, it's disastrous.

I recommend MEPIS. Based on Debian Stable but having a sweet, easy, fully featured graphical interface. No experimental software to turn you into a laboratory rat for the developers, just a rock-solid, all-around newbie-friendly distro.

-Robin

bloodyscript · 02-16-2010, 04:04 AM

check out sabayon linux http://sabayon.org its the distro i like the most. its based off of gentoo linux depending on what version you get it comes with a decent amount of stuff off the intial download: games, mplayer, firfox, cd/dvd burning software, audio tolls etc.., check it out