what version of ubuntu is best for a real Newb?
 

I'm a total linux Newb. I know some basics but i don't want a Gentoo Style of interface as i don't know very man command line, uh, commands. I heard Ubuntu is very pictorial which is more my style. I was looking a some DVD releases but which one is best for my Newberness?
* Ubuntu 5.04 (Hoary Hedgehog)
* Ubuntu 5.10 (Breezy Badger)
* Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake)
* Kubuntu

Or would some other version of Ubuntu be better for me? Or even a different distrobution?

thanks
Alex Chisholm

I would recommend 6.06 -- not because you're new to Linux, but because the earlier releases are not necessarily easier to use -- they just contain older packages. As far as ubuntu vs. kubuntu, that solely depends on which GUI you want to use. If you're not familiar with both KDE (kubuntu) and Gnome (ubuntu), then I would suggest starting with a distro that allows you to easily install and try both (e.g. Suse or Fedora).

Ubuntu 6.06 is their newest version. That means much more new software, more mature, more bugs eliminated and a brand new shiny distro. So definitely go with 6.06.

Ubuntu and kubuntu are basically the same distro. So there is Ubuntu 6.06 and Kubuntu 6.06. The main (only?) difference is that while Ubuntu comes with Gnome desktop environment, Kubuntu comes with KDE. Which one of them is a matter of taste but i believe that for a newbie coming from Windows KDE is easier to handle.

I am already familiar with KDE as I had a friend once put Slackware 10.2.0 using KDE on it. I'm going to try both Gnome and KDE out though to see for myself which i prefer.

Thanks a bunch

Go for Dapper Drake 6.06. As others have said, its the most polished.

Another thought. Ubuntu and Kubuntu are the SAME distro!, just in order to get an installation on a single disk, they split it in two. You can install Ubuntu, load some KDE packages and run either desktop at "sign in" and visa versa. This is what I did at first. I am now using Kubuntu 6.06 but have installed several Gnome packages (evolution, firefox & synaptic).

I have suggested that a DVD version be made available where you can select either the Gnome, KDE or both on installation, but have not gotten any response.

There is one big problem with 6.06 for a new user is the "xorg.conf". Maybe somebody else can explain what that is all about.

Another item with Ubuntu/Kubuntu for new user is the "sources.list" that could be better explained as well.

Aside from those 2 items, 6.O6, either flavor is great for new users. I have had far less trouble with the "debian" package manager then with the "rpm" of Ferora.

Good Luck

Kubuntu and Ubuntu are easier than Xubuntu... unless you have an older computer.
6.06 is your best bet. Earlier versions are not necessarily easier than later versions.