Linux for a newbie

Hey All,

Is there a distro out that for a newbie that provides:

1. Auto partitioning.
2. Live version to make sure hardware works.
3. Multi media video out of the box.

I've talked a friend into using linux since he's sick of Windows now. I'd install slackware for him but he's not close by.

Also since he's on Windows now - what free software could he use to make a boot usb?

Thanks

You could try AlienBobs SlackLive, just boot on DVD or USB-stick and you will not have to install anything whatso ever.
Just works...

I'd recommend he try out a bunch and see what sticks. I'd steer clear of Arch or any of the rolling releases, just because if something goes horribly wrong, a newbie might not have the skills to get back to some level of functioning.

I recommend Slint, not surprisingly.

No live version so far, however it can be installed on pretty much any x86_64 machine, with secure boot disabled.

It does the auto-partitioning if chosen when asked.

It has mpv and vlc for video out of the box.

To make a boot USB stick I recommend rufus as indicated here.

To know more: https://slint.fr/

PS It can be easily installed on a 64G USB stick, so your friend can easily check if it fits the bill.

Originally Posted by scuzzy_dog Hey All, Is there a distro out that for a newbie that provides: 1. Auto partitioning. 2. Live version to make sure hardware works. 3. Multi media video out of the box.

There's the Ubuntu derivatives that'll do all of that (Ubuntu, Mint, pop-os).

Originally Posted by scuzzy_dog Also since he's on Windows now - what free software could he use to make a boot usb? Thanks

https://linuxhint.com/create_bootabl...b_flash_drive/

Originally Posted by Didier Spaier To make a boot USB stick I recommend rufus as indicated here.

Rufus is excellent, but it's not as user friendly for a newcomer which is why I recommended Etcher.

Originally Posted by hitest Rufus is excellent, but it's not as user friendly for a newcomer which is why I recommended Etcher.

Never had or heard of an issue using Rufus. Plus, the developer knows a lot about booting Linux (he also contributes to the development of GRUB).

@scuzzy dog

Most linux distros will in fact do the hard lifting

Auto partitioning most will take over the entire disk and wipe clean everything Inc Win$ ( that's OK you don't need it Linux offers a lot more than most people realize or need.

Later when you have more experience have a separate /home partition awesome if and when you want to distro hop.

Post No3 by @garpu is sound advice for the start of you walk with Linux don't use rolling distro

Live version to make sure hardware works unless the hardware is very very new otherwise should be fine though do check some distros won't work on all hardware so yeah good thing check the wifi sound and good quick easy way to check is open firefox and play some youtube videos that will show if any problems with video playback, sound and web connection that's three things checked in one hit.



Multi media video out of the box distros like MX linux and SpiralLinux have all the codecs up and working on a live and/or fresh install from there go to Ditrowatch and get spoilt for choices and you can goto top of page and search for specific items also checkout Jesse's distrowatch reviews worth the read.

https://distrowatch.com/

mondays around midday onwards a weekly newsletter about distros do check the comments again later in the week.

https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=current


to get up and driving Linux on an USB with starting up in Win$

https://www.wikihow.com/Boot-Linux-f...-on-Windows-10

Personally I suggest Slackware Live as others have but I am also aware that my perspective is quite skewed. That said it really does have an important advantage in "Persistence" which means it can save your settings, downloads, addons, etc., not altogether common on other Live distros.

From what I see around I think it is commonly regarded that Mint is the easiest Distro to migrate to especially if you intend to install it, though a VM isn't a bad idea for the first month for the Linux first timers regardless of distro. The most important consideration is documentation and support and both fall in that category though Mint is decidedly more "pointy-clicky".

Originally Posted by Didier Spaier Never had or heard of an issue using Rufus. Plus, the developer knows al lot about booting Linux (he also contributes to the development of GRUB).

Thanks for the reply. Had a closer look at Rufus and Etcher. I stand corrected and appreciate the feedback. Agreed. Rufus does look like a better choice and it has more options.

Even if I'm very fond of Slackware, but if your friend doesn't know anything about linux, I wouldn't recommend Slackware.
Lets install something more close to its windows experience, I would recommend linux Mint in cinnamon version, its' what I did with my children and , and lots of friends.
When they will be more accustomed to linux, they can try Slackware by their own.

When I was exploring using Linux back in 2005/6/7, I bought a cheap recycled laptop off the auction site and dedicated that specifically to my experiments. I could learn and try stuff and spanner the system and reinstall from scratch without worrying about my actual data and normal computer use. I actually kept a lab book and wrote stuff up.

(I'm a teacher by profession so I state the obvious for a living).

Originally Posted by scuzzy_dog Hey All, Is there a distro out that for a newbie that provides: 1. Auto partitioning. 2. Live version to make sure hardware works. 3. Multi media video out of the box. I've talked a friend into using linux since he's sick of Windows now. I'd install slackware for him but he's not close by. Also since he's on Windows now - what free software could he use to make a boot usb? Thanks

You can try this also: https://slackware.lngn.net/pub/liveslak/
infos here: https://slackware.lngn.net/gnome-43-1-liveslak/

@nobodino beat me to it. I agree. I've been using Slackware for years, I am settled in and very comfortable with Slackware. I did install Slackware on my wife's laptop, she was fine with using it, except when it came to updates. That task was mine. For my daughter I installed first Slackware (me doing the maintenance), then PCLunixOS, then Ubuntu, she was happy with that last one. Until she went of to college, then it was Windows. She is still on Windows today. No interest in Daddies favorite Linux.

I don't know much about Linux flavors these days, can't remember when is the last time I tried one. I will defer to @nobodino recommendation.

I started with Slackware and when I tried something else (Debian, Mint) I found Slackware was much simpler.

I can't promote (nor help with) anything else.