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Which distribution for a newbie?

13567

Comments

  • #102
    Oracle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,630 ✭✭✭Oracle


    'Tis amazing the speed increase when I switched to Linux, I recently used Vista (just for a giggle!) and it's so slooooow in comparison. I could almost make a cuppa tea in the time it takes to boot up. Not to mention all those system freezing, reboot causing and time wastin' endless Widaz Updates it's just crazy! It's no wonder Windows drives you bonkers. :eek:


  • #103
    petronius
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 849 ✭✭✭petronius


    I use linux myself but have to keep the PC dual boot since I still "need" to use and test stuff on Windows.
    I used to use Slackware, then Red Hat for ages up to version 9, lately I am using Ubuntu which is very user friendly, initially I used version 4.01 but I got a copy(at a conference) of 7.04 and have updated. I actually think it is the best Linux distro for the Non-IT-professional user. or "linux for human beings" as it is marketed.
    I really liked the fact you could use it as a live-cd before installing it just to get a feel of it.


  • #104
    Oracle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,630 ✭✭✭Oracle


    I agree I like the Live CD as well, it takes the risk out of installing Linux on a particular system. The days are gone when I'd install Linux, then find something doesn't work because of lack of drivers. At least now I know if I'm going to have a problem before I actually install. I'm glad most Linux distributions have their own Live CD now, they're very handy.


  • #105
    hamster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,766 ✭✭✭hamster


    Trying out ubuntu now as I speak and so far so good. Sound and video is fine. Everything I have plugged in is recognised and right now I am rooting around to see whats new. Easy enough to install and manual partitioning is a breeze. I gave it 16Gb myself (out of 100Gb) to try it out.
    I gave / (11Gb)
    /user (4Gb)
    /swap (800Mb) - I have 1Gb ram.

    Later I'll install a few things like dosbox and so on and see how it behaves. No hanging black screens shutting down anyway - I used to get that on Mandriva 2006.1


  • #106
    hamster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,766 ✭✭✭hamster


    Looked for dosbox in the Synaptic package managar. Sure enough it's there. That's pretty handy since in Mandriva it was a bit more involved - compiling SDL and opengl libraries first - before compiling dosbox.

    Screenshot-5.png


  • #107
    hamster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,766 ✭✭✭hamster


    Testing video playback in Ubuntu 7.10 is a charm. I had to post this image. It's rather funny! :)
    Screenshot-VELHINHOCEGO-THEX-FILES-.png


  • #108
    Beelzebub
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭Beelzebub


    Just wondering if it's even worth installing 64bit as opposed to 32 bit.
    I've tried BSD 64 bit but no go on my AMD 64 bit machine ie the live or install CD/DVD's just hang.

    I have installed 32 bit BSD before but on 32 bit machines.

    I would like to install 64 bit if possible.


  • #109
    oscarBravo
    Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 28,820 Mod ✭✭✭✭oscarBravo


    I'm running Ubuntu 8.04 beta for AMD64. Apart from occasional problems with npviewer.bin, which seems to be a wrapper for the Flash plugin, it's no problem at all.


  • #110
    Beelzebub
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭Beelzebub


    oscarBravo wrote: »
    I'm running Ubuntu 8.04 beta for AMD64. Apart from occasional problems with npviewer.bin, which seems to be a wrapper for the Flash plugin, it's no problem at all.


    Thx, might give the live a try.


  • #111
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 92,530 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    http://www.genunix.org/distributions/belenix_site/

    Belenix is an Open Solaris Live CD , very like Knoppix in the choice of packages and very yellow on the splash screen

    The BeleniX LiveCD allows you to test drive OpenSolaris in less than 2 minutes. BeleniX can also be installed to USB thumb drive allowing you to carry your operating environment, applications and data in your pocket. The LiveUSB boots even faster than the CD !


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  • #112
    derby7
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭derby7


    Give 'Dreamlinux' a whirl @ www.dreamlinux.com.br.
    Dreamlinux 3.0 is the latest, its has Mac-ish eyecandy.
    Definitley a distro for newbies to try out to get you away from the WhINeDOWS !

    Note: it seems to be down at the moment, but my download from mirror 1 was v fast the other day....:)


  • #113
    Dartz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,397 ✭✭✭Dartz


    Can't go wrong with Ubuntu...

    I wasn't bothered with learning more about what was going on in the background, I just wanted something that would get a virus browsing the net, and wasn't to fussy about the myriad of file formats my office lecturers loved to foist me with..

    You'll still find out a few things alright, and it does help to know what your hardware does. I got a nasty shock when I installed 8.04 and found that the touchpad on my laptop didn't work, and spend a few days kicking xorg.conf among other things to make it go...

    Usually when bugs happen, you find out what causes them, then you learn how to fix them. Google the bug, and find the fix to apply.... you also end up digging through system files, and you see how things are arranged and what things do...

    Sometimes, you only learn by poking the thing with a stick and seeing what it does. what does a particular setting do? Where did my GUI go?

    I looked at Gentoo alright.... read the manual... and couldn't have been bothered. It was recommended to me by someone who knew their onions, but I wanted something that was as idiot proof as Windows to install.


  • #114
    silvine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭silvine


    Hi folks. Came some one recommened a Linux operating system that's easy to install, can boot from a CD and gives a good overview of the OS's various operating features? I'm considering Fedora.

    I'm hoping to try out the OS on an Intel iMac.


  • #115
    Oracle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,630 ✭✭✭Oracle


    There's also great help for Ubuntu on the forums. Anytime I've either asked a question or searched the forums I've gotten an answer that works. :)


  • #116
    ethernet
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,568 ✭✭✭ethernet


    silvine wrote: »
    Hi folks. Came some one recommened a Linux operating system that's easy to install, can boot from a CD and gives a good overview of the OS's various operating features? I'm considering Fedora.

    I'm hoping to try out the OS on an Intel iMac.
    As much and all as I like Fedora, I wouldn't recommend you try the version 9 (the latest) with KDE 4.0. It's quite buggy and I've heard the odd horror story. Ubuntu should give you a decent overview. Mandriva is very user-friendly as well.


  • #117
    Naikon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,564 ✭✭✭Naikon


    Linux Mint.


  • #118
    PogMoThoin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,874 ✭✭✭✭PogMoThoin


    Another vote for Mint, its 95% Ubuntu but that 5% make all the difference. All codecs and plugins are enabled by default, interface is easier on the eye.

    Neat little feature in latest release, Mint upload, you can right click any file (under 10Mb) and upload it, handy for IM transfers of pics or files. Mint host them for 2 days. Uploads really quick, full bandwidth, unlike msn transfers or imageshack uploads.


  • #119
    BopNiblets
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,579 ✭✭✭BopNiblets


    Linux Mint +1!

    Although I change the default programs:
    Images: Gimp + default viewer (forget) -> Krita + Mirage (mirage plays animated gifs)
    Video: Totem -> SM Player
    Audio: Rhythmbox -> Audacious
    Torrents: Transmission -> Deluge
    Also add Screenlets and Avant Window Navigator for eye candy. :)


  • #120
    diditwork
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4 ✭diditwork


    I dont understand why people aren't recomending Ubuntu?

    Its the most fun dist out there i think, and also very easy to use!


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  • #121
    GavyWavy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10 ✭GavyWavy


    most fun?

    ....spa


  • #122
    BopNiblets
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,579 ✭✭✭BopNiblets


    ^ wat?
    diditwork wrote: »
    I dont understand why people aren't recomending Ubuntu?

    Its the most fun dist out there i think, and also very easy to use!
    We've all moved to Mint instead. :)


  • #123
    ambasite
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 599 ✭✭✭ambasite


    Linux Mint. Unlike various versions of ubuntu, it played mp3's, dvd's and other video formats with out having to go searching for codecs, no issues with soundcard either, easy to configure 3 usb modem. Best of the lot.


  • #124
    hellbent
    Registered Users Posts: 85 ✭✭hellbent


    I've just tonight loaded Mint, as a dual boot with windows XP. Can anyone say if, when using the internet with Mint, viruses which affect windows XP can enter the computer and gain access to the Xp side of things?

    i.e am I immune from viruses when using Mint?



    By the way, I like the Mint flavour, from what I've seen so far. Virtually everything worked - sound, wireless connection, power saving features, etc.

    2 hours into linux my hard drive just started spinning aimlessly, although the system didn't freeze - the mouse worked. On reboot it would not get beyond bios, saying disk error. On eventually using the linux install Cd to try to get access to the laptop, when I get to the partitioning stage, it fails to show any partitions on my hard drive. Gave up. Then this morning I removed hdd and reseated it. On restart, the system is again ok. Is this a linux problem, or is my hard drive, by great coincidence, fading fast?


  • #125
    velocirafter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 279 ✭✭velocirafter


    hellbent wrote: »
    2 hours into linux my hard drive just started spinning aimlessly, although the system didn't freeze - the mouse worked. On reboot it would not get beyond bios, saying disk error. On eventually using the linux install Cd to try to get access to the laptop, when I get to the partitioning stage, it fails to show any partitions on my hard drive. Gave up. Then this morning I removed hdd and reseated it. On restart, the system is again ok. Is this a linux problem, or is my hard drive, by great coincidence, fading fast?

    Thats sounds like a hardware problem to me, i would have said the harddrive crashed but seeing as it started working again it mush have been something to do with the enclosure or the connection


  • #126
    civis_liberalis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,772 ✭✭✭civis_liberalis


    I presume that I'm posting in the right place...?

    I've never used linux, apart from a while back when I ran ubuntu off the CD.

    I would like to dual-boot it with Vista, but ran into problems before when I got as far as partitioning. Maybe it's an issue with Vista and that flavour of linux, I really have no idea, I won't even pretend to know anything about linux.

    Would there be certain flavours that would suit both a noob and vista?

    p.s. I cant remember the exact nature of the problem I had with the partitioning and cant find the CD so that I know exactly which version I used etc.


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  • #127
    Bubba HoTep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 94 ✭✭Bubba HoTep


    get linux mint!

    its based on ubuntu, its has all the codecs installed already for closed source formats so theres no messing about with it like you have to do with most linux disros, its looks better too, sexy dark desktop (gnome, not kde) and it will take care of the partitioning too, works great with vista

    opensuse11 is a very close second, not harm in trying each


  • #128
    christophicus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,969 ✭✭✭christophicus


    Cheers lads, this is my first visit to the Unix forum, and the first thread I was going to make was to ask which distro would be best for a linux noob. But I didn't need to as you lads have kept this thread alive and well with up to date info and oppinions. My Dell lappy runs crazy slow ( cough...Dell bloatware....cough ) so I decided I would install linux, as I only really use my lappy in college for office type purposes and web browsing (and downloading files from RapidShare :P ). It normally takes 5 mins + to boot my lappy. I'm hoping it will at least half with mint. I am really looking forward to this now , lol !!


  • #129
    Bubba HoTep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 94 ✭✭Bubba HoTep


    best of luck christophicus let us know how you get on


  • #130
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,031 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    SimplyMepis
    PCLinuxOS
    Mint

    In no particular order, are the distros I would recommend for new users. ;)


  • #131
    drakshug
    Registered Users Posts: 216 ✭✭drakshug


    Johnboy1951 wrote: »
    SimplyMepis
    PCLinuxOS
    Mint

    In no particular order, are the distros I would recommend for new users. ;)

    Yup me too.
    I have used pclos since 0.93 and have also tried mepis and mint.
    Personally, I'd recommend pclos out of them all for ex windows users.


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  • #132
    ethernet
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,568 ✭✭✭ethernet


    PCLinuxOS is very nice and polished. There was a very long gap since the last release, however.


  • #133
    drakshug
    Registered Users Posts: 216 ✭✭drakshug


    ethernet wrote: »
    PCLinuxOS is very nice and polished. There was a very long gap since the last release, however.

    It's a rolling release so can go on longer between releases. Saves on reinstalling every 6 months like in the buntus or mandy.


  • #134
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,031 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    Personally I think PCLOS should release a 'snapshot' every month.
    No big deal, just a remaster using the current repository.

    Sure would save new users from the big downloads after install that can accumulate in a rolling release distro.


  • #135
    Dartz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,397 ✭✭✭Dartz


    I still like Xubuntu, especially 9.04. It's especially good for the leightweight machines out there. And really, is going "sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras' that hard?


  • #136
    drakshug
    Registered Users Posts: 216 ✭✭drakshug


    Dartz wrote: »
    I still like Xubuntu, especially 9.04. It's especially good for the leightweight machines out there. And really, is going "sudo apt-get install ubuntu-restricted-extras' that hard?

    Isn't it easier to just tick a box or add a line to your package manager GUI?
    Most new users come from windows and never used the CLI. Kubuntu is the poor relation in the ubuntu family. Ubuntu support for KDE is a disgrace and there are a helluva lot better KDE distros out there.
    Ubuntu is noob distro due to marketing and ignorance. People google and find ubuntu at no 1 so try it. It is at no 1 cos of fanatical blogging by ubuntuites - blogs that are basically about Linux and Linux apps but instead of Linux, it is ubuntu in the title. Sorts "100 great ubuntu apps" and every app is gnome app available in every distro.
    Some say that ubuntu's greatest strength is it's community but this community is made up of lots of people giving out bad advice and propaganda.
    I'm not a big fan of the way ubuntu is going.


  • #137
    An Fear Aniar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,377 ✭✭✭An Fear Aniar


    Well, I like Linus Torvalds' attitude to all this:

    http://news.oreilly.com/2008/07/linux-torvalds-on-linux-distri.html

    And when it comes to distributions, ease of installation has actually been one of my main issues - I'm a technical person, but I have a very specific area of interest, and I don't want to fight the rest. So the only distributions I have actively avoided are the ones that are known to be "overly technical" - like the ones that encourage you to compile your own programs etc.

    Yeah, I can do it, but it kind of defeats the whole point of a distribution for me. So I like the ones that have a name of being easy to use. I've never used plain Debian, for example, but I like Ubuntu....

    There are plenty of distros out there for people who want to use the command line, but I think there's room for a few distros that ordinary people can actually use.


    .


  • #138
    Dartz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,397 ✭✭✭Dartz


    drakshug wrote: »
    Isn't it easier to just tick a box or add a line to your package manager GUI?
    Most new users come from windows and never used the CLI. Kubuntu is the poor relation in the ubuntu family. Ubuntu support for KDE is a disgrace and there are a helluva lot better KDE distros out there.
    Ubuntu is noob distro due to marketing and ignorance. People google and find ubuntu at no 1 so try it. It is at no 1 cos of fanatical blogging by ubuntuites - blogs that are basically about Linux and Linux apps but instead of Linux, it is ubuntu in the title. Sorts "100 great ubuntu apps" and every app is gnome app available in every distro.
    Some say that ubuntu's greatest strength is it's community but this community is made up of lots of people giving out bad advice and propaganda.
    I'm not a big fan of the way ubuntu is going.

    Shrug...
    You put it your disks and you get your OS. It works with less fuss than Windows ever does, that's all I'm worried about. I don't give a **** if it's a noob distro or not.... who should? It does it's job and isn't fussy to use.

    And compiling things from source is a bugger. I compiled and installed HandBrake today.... and had a hell of a time working out what in blue blazes I was missing and why it was failing for three hours. I *can* do it, and I know how fix the odd glitch with a quick Google and a prayer...

    But I'm not a Linux enthusiast. the reason I started using Xubuntu was because it ran better on my old laptop than Windows XP. Found out that 9/10 it was just as convenient, if not more so, than Windows to use, so stuck with it....


  • #139
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,031 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    I compiled and installed HandBrake today....

    Why did you need to do that?

    Was it not available in the repository?


  • #140
    Dartz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,397 ✭✭✭Dartz


    Johnboy1951 wrote: »
    Why did you need to do that?

    Was it not available in the repository?

    Surprisingly, it wasn't. 64-bit Xubuntu 9.04..... That and someone told me that it it'll run much faster if compiled, rather than if I just waited and installed it when it finally appeared


  • #141
    Hydrosylator
    Closed Accounts Posts: 275 ✭✭Hydrosylator


    drakshug wrote: »
    Isn't it easier to just tick a box or add a line to your package manager GUI?
    Most new users come from windows and never used the CLI. Kubuntu is the poor relation in the ubuntu family. Ubuntu support for KDE is a disgrace and there are a helluva lot better KDE distros out there.
    Ubuntu is noob distro due to marketing and ignorance. People google and find ubuntu at no 1 so try it. It is at no 1 cos of fanatical blogging by ubuntuites - blogs that are basically about Linux and Linux apps but instead of Linux, it is ubuntu in the title. Sorts "100 great ubuntu apps" and every app is gnome app available in every distro.
    Some say that ubuntu's greatest strength is it's community but this community is made up of lots of people giving out bad advice and propaganda.
    I'm not a big fan of the way ubuntu is going.
    I disagree. You're forgetting that it's one of the main things of Ubuntu is that should be usable in any language, which makes it a very international distro, which makes it more popular.

    As for a noob distro, I'll admit that it was my first Linux, and that I was recommended it as it was supposedly an easier one to get into than some others. Based on my experience, I think it's retarded to call it a noob distro.
    Ease of use is a sign of a good product, not a bad one.
    The way that's being ignored by some Linux users is part of why Linux still so far from the mainstream. I suspect some prefer it that way.

    It's Debian based, it has Gnome, it's reguarly updated and the community is HUGE, so there's always someone who's had the same problem as you.

    Really, a while ago, I almost started to beleive the "Ubuntu for noobs" hype, and started shopping around. I couldn't find a single compelling reason to abandon an OS that does everything I ask it to.


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  • #142
    An Fear Aniar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,377 ✭✭✭An Fear Aniar


    Hydrosylator wrote: »
    As for a noob distro, I'll admit that it was my first Linux, and that I was recommended it as it was supposedly an easier one to get into than some others. Based on my experience, I think it's retarded to call it a noob distro.

    It's supposed to be a noob distro, that's the whole point of the Ubuntu project.

    .


  • #143
    Hydrosylator
    Closed Accounts Posts: 275 ✭✭Hydrosylator


    An Fear Aniar wrote: »
    It's supposed to be a noob distro, that's the whole point of the Ubuntu project.
    I think the goal you're referring to is usability.
    I'm all for rolling the sleeves up and getting your elbows dirty with an operating system, I have plans to get familiar with a few more distros when I find the time. But I make a living with my computer, so I need to be able to do everything, and do it as quickly and cleanly as possible. Ubuntu hasn't let me down yet. Apart from a time when I ****ed the graphics drivers a few years ago, but that was me letting it down I think. I have an ATI graphics card in an Ubuntu machine, so don't think I don't know pain.

    It's always worth talking to people with a different viewpoint though, so I'll ask you, what in your opinion would be a better distro for a web developer who dual boots with XP? (sadly I have to test in IE6 on XP). What's your posion and why do you like it?


  • #144
    jaqian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,724 ✭✭✭jaqian


    I'm a noob and always will be as don't have time to learn the arcane commands of Linux. However speaking as a person who dual-boots XP I give my vote for Linux Mint 7. Works straight out of the box, is based on Ubuntu but much more user friendly especially coming from the Windows world like I do. I have it installed on a Dell Dimension 8400 and it picked up the graphics card straight away and I was able to use 3D graphics like rotating the desktop and being able to stretch and bounce the windows. Not something I *need* but it is fun :)

    And unlike my FreeSpire install on my laptop it has no problem mounting the NTFS (windows filesystem). It picked up my Segate 1Tb, Iomega and WD external harddrives.


  • #145
    egrama
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭egrama


    I have something like 10 years experience working as an UNIX admin. I would recommend Ubuntu for a newbie. Fedora and Suse are also nice, but I find Ubuntu to have a lot of support on Internet forums and this is very useful.


  • #146
    John The Bad
    Registered Users Posts: 214 ✭✭John The Bad


    I haven't read all the pages on this thread so I don't know if I am repeating someone here. I think Linux Mint is an excellent distro for a newcomer to linux. It's based on the latest Ubuntu release but comes with all codecs re-installed (e.g. youTube will work out of the box).


  • #147
    jaqian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,724 ✭✭✭jaqian


    John The Bad wrote: »
    I haven't read all the pages on this thread so I don't know if I am repeating someone here. I think Linux Mint is an excellent distro for a newcomer to linux. It's based on the latest Ubuntu release but comes with all codecs re-installed (e.g. youTube will work out of the box).

    Look two posts up :)


  • #148
    John The Bad
    Registered Users Posts: 214 ✭✭John The Bad


    jaqian wrote: »
    Look two posts up :)

    Ha!


  • #149
    foggy_lad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,373 ✭✭✭✭foggy_lad


    total linux dummy here so would ye reccommend linux mint or ubuntu? or maybe some other version/release?


  • #150
    turgon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,762 ✭✭✭turgon


    The only problem with Ubunutu is that it comes without mp3 and video codes and stuff like that. Mp3 codecs are fine to get; onece you put mp3 files into your music library on Rythymbox it will download and install them for you. Video codecs are a little trickier.

    Ive never tried Linux Mint, but Ive been meaning to, so tomorrow Ill boot it up and I will be able to compare fully.

    Either way, Ubuntu/Linux is the way to go. Theres no turning back :cool:


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  • #151
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,031 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    foggy_lad wrote: »
    total linux dummy here so would ye reccommend linux mint or ubuntu? or maybe some other version/release?

    PCLinuxOS
    Mepis
    LinuxMint

    would be the three i would suggest you try out and then pick whichever takes your fancy.

    It is all Linux so underneath there is little difference.


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