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Which distribution for a newbie?

MarVeL · 2004-08-30 10:44:48

Ok so I'm a complete neophyte in the world of Linux and I'm going to be setting up a box in the next week or so. Anyone any suggestions as to which distribution would be the best to get? Looking to run it as a basic desktop (for learning purposes) and possibly an email server.

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#52 07-06-2005 3:34pm

oscarBravo

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Eoghan-psych wrote:

Using XP, if I want new software I click on *one* file, the one called [rather cryptically] "Install" or "setup" or even, the horror, "program x's installer". That's it - it does the rest. It asks where I want to stick the program, whether or not I want icons in certain places and away I go. In the unlikely scenario that the program needs software I don't have, it will say so. Then it will install it for me with a few clicks of the mouse. Easy peasy lemon squeezee, >90% of the time.

Using Ubuntu, I open the Synaptic package manager, locate the software I want, and tell it to install it for me. It doesn't ask me where I want it (I want it on my computer, foo'!) it doesn't ask me about icons (it generally puts an entry on the appropriate menu). In the fairly common scenario that the program needs software I don't have, it will install that for me also with a similar lack of fuss.

Of course, being a somewhat experience Linux user, I could go off and start doing it the hard way with downloads and compiles and whatnot, but why bother?

Can I respectfully suggest that you keep up with recent developments in Linux before you criticise it?

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#53 07-06-2005 6:19pm

mneylon

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Eoghan-psych - try ubuntu before you criticise linux.
unlike windows, that requires special drivers for just about everything, Ubuntu will happily recognise most hardware you can throw at it

The other major advantage it has over windows is that it doesn't come with any hidden costs.

And though you could play with installing stuff the hard way you can do it using a simple package manager as already mentioned

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#54 07-06-2005 6:52pm

Capt'n Midnight

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Eoghan-psych wrote:

Ultimately, that's the problem with Linux.

Using XP, if I want new software I click on *one* file, the one called [rather cryptically] "Install" or "setup" or even, the horror, "program x's installer". That's it - it does the rest. It asks where I want to stick the program, whether or not I want icons in certain places and away I go. In the unlikely scenario that the program needs software I don't have, it will say so. Then it will install it for me with a few clicks of the mouse. Easy peasy lemon squeezee, >90% of the time.

RANT I can remember the days when there were two different programs in windows - one called INSTALL that installed an app and another which appeared once installation was complete called SETUP which changed the settings. Very unambiguous, yes there are many people who could benefit from that. The install process you describe is very complicated for MAC users. (drag the litte picture of the printer across if it hasn't already installed itself) And there are lots of clickies in windows that invoke cries "of course I'm sure I've clicked Iagree/ OK/next/finish(!)/ok/continue/exit 15 times already!"

have you used apt get install ? - in the windows world you have to find the file first searching web sites for the latest update, trials / demo ware / ads / trying to figure out which is the latest version / and then which dependencies to add.

Horses for courses, but the average windows or linux users PC needs some settings teaked before they can use it. In the case of linux this may be setting up printers / internet connection / icons that look like windows icons. In the case of windows it's installing AV, firewall , spybot etc. etc. etc. turning on always create backup copies, setting up auto updates - the end users can setup the printers.
One big difference is casual copying of programs, what percentage of windows home users users are beaking the law by using pirated software or shareware/demoware beyond the 30 days ?

Windows costs more but has better hardware support for cheaper devices.

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#55 31-07-2005 12:35am

rogue-entity

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For total newbies the following distros are a good choice of easy-to-use and eyecandy.

SuSE, Mandrake, Xandros. SuSE being one of the easiest. SuSE and Xandros both include drivers for common Winmodems which means you will be able to get online when you do not have Broadband.

For more serious users or people whishing to setup a server, the best distros to use are:

Gentoo, Slackware, Ubuntu. You can also try FreeBSD which is not linux but is very similar.

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#56 28-08-2005 12:37am

thebman

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I'm not saying Ubuntu is the god of Desktop Linux distro's but Ubuntu is the god of Desktop Linux Distro's. Stable as Debian and easy to use like XP/OSX. Synaptic is a god send and works well, hardware detection is unbelievable, it's completely free (they'll even send you the cd free), you can install extra software via the Ubuntu unoffical software cd 2 which will install realplayer and mp3 codecs etc..., it comes with Gnome but if you prefer KDE you can get Kubuntu or if you want kde in regular ubuntu you can get it via Synaptic. There are no major disadvantages that I can see to Ubuntu as a distro. It's easy to use, not bloated and free in every sense of the word.

They are also working on a way to easily install drivers but for the moment the howto's in the forums are excellent. I was talking to them and they are working on a way for a program for auto installing drivers using terminal commands but with a gui front end for the user so they don't have to type anything, all you do is click and commands are auto entered for you.

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#57 30-08-2005 9:37am

netron

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oscarBravo wrote:

Using Ubuntu, I open the Synaptic package manager, locate the software I want, and tell it to install it for me. It doesn't ask me where I want it (I want it on my computer, foo'!) it doesn't ask me about icons (it generally puts an entry on the appropriate menu).

it doesnt - you have to type "killall gnome-panel" to force the gnome startbar thingy to reload and then newly installed program appears as a menu item.

Ubuntu is a great distro , but it just isnt quite "there" just yet for complete newbies (text based installer for example - and that partitioning stuff - v.scarey for a total noob)

if you want a newbie distro, with a big community around it, go for Mandrake/Mandriva
installer is a piece of cake , and the distro is KDE focused (KDE is generally a way better window manager for total noobs coming over from Windows). Ubuntu's KDE version - Kubuntu - has a KDE menu that is a total nightmare. Mandrake's KDE menu system is polished and refined and dead easy.

Go for Mandrake , tip your toes in , and then give the other distros a whirl.

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#58 01-09-2005 6:11pm

familyguy

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i'm also a newbie to Linux. I've used Live CD versions of Knoppix and Slax on my laptop with no problems, but I now want a permanent distribution on it. Can anyone recommend a good distro for a laptop which isn't too big?

Machine in question is a Dell Latitude CPt running Windows 95 with 128MB RAM, just over 3 GB of ROM shared over 3 HDDs

Ideally the distribution should be easy to install and use, small enough to fit in a partition of 1GB (only system files have to fit here, I can save programs and files elsewhere), easy to add packages to, and it should support Ethernet and removable USB disks without too much hassle. A tall order?

I won't want to do anything too complicated with it, just use OpenOffice.org maybe the GIMP and play some music and video

Any Ideas?

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#59 01-09-2005 6:14pm

Thomas_S_Hunterson

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Try ubuntu, you can free install cds over the internet at http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org/ so you dont have to download and burn, its very easy to use. CDsmight take a while to be delivered. Also it comeswith a live boot cd so you can try it out without installing

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#60 01-09-2005 10:52pm

ishnid

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netron wrote:

(KDE is generally a way better window manager for total noobs coming over from Windows)

I've seen this claim being made in a few places but I've yet to see anybody giving any reasons why. Care to elaborate?

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#61 03-09-2005 2:28pm

Goodshape

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Linspire is free for the next few days.

Usually costs around $50 I think.. reason being that it includes some licenced components (Java, Windows Media, Flash, etc.) which should make it the most n00b friendly distro out there.

Haven't used it myself, but sure I may as well grab it all the same

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#62 03-09-2005 3:42pm

mneylon

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Goodshape wrote:

Linspire is free for the next few days.

Usually costs around $50 I think.. reason being that it includes some licenced components (Java, Windows Media, Flash, etc.)

Java, Flash players and players compatible with Windows media maybe described as "non-free" due to their licenses not being GPL, however that is not the reason behind linspire charging for their license.

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#63 03-09-2005 4:41pm

Goodshape

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blacknight wrote:

Java, Flash players and players compatible with Windows media maybe described as "non-free" due to their licenses not being GPL, however that is not the reason behind linspire charging for their license.

Well, I'm sure it's a factor. What is the reason?

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#64 10-11-2005 12:29pm

JackKelly

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i just started with ubuntu, and i have to recommend it. It's not too far away from the windows look, and is not to difficult to navigate/learn. Also, has great support over on ubuntuforums.org.

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#65 18-11-2005 1:54am

r3l4x

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Fedore or Mandrake if we are talking about Linux.
FreeBSD or Frenzy if we are talking about Unix.

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#66 18-11-2005 8:09am

HomunQlus

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r3l4x wrote:

Fedore or Mandrake if we are talking about Linux.
FreeBSD or Frenzy if we are talking about Unix.

It's been renamed to Mandriva Linux...

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#67 18-11-2005 9:11am

r3l4x

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HomunQlus wrote:

It's been renamed to Mandriva Linux...

Never used it for a long time. I think debian is the best.

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#68 18-11-2005 2:51pm

Capt'n Midnight

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r3l4x wrote:

Never used it for a long time. I think debian is the best.

don't forget that both Knoppix and ubuntu are debian based.

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#69 18-11-2005 5:21pm

r3l4x

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Capt'n Midnight wrote:

don't forget that both Knoppix and ubuntu are debian based.

Very good point.

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#70 04-12-2005 4:57pm

djmarkus

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r3l4x wrote:

Very good point.

I personally think Mepis is the best linux for a newbie, also based on debian. liveCD and if you like it you can install from the livecd

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#71 12-12-2005 7:17pm

jaqian

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Goodshape wrote:

Linspire is free for the next few days.

Usually costs around $50 I think.. reason being that it includes some licenced components (Java, Windows Media, Flash, etc.) which should make it the most n00b friendly distro out there.

Haven't used it myself, but sure I may as well grab it all the same

I have it very polished looking software, very easy to use and works easily with ripwave. Using it as we speak, well type I'd recommend it for a newb being one myself. Btw its both a LIVE cd and an Install cd. Very handy.

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#72 12-12-2005 10:11pm

Capt'n Midnight

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http://www.puppylinux.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppy_Linux

It has a windows look and feel and has basic support for most things including word processing and spreadsheets. This and a small foot print means it can be sneaked onto a older windows 95/98 box. 55MB download and can use a 256MB file on a FAT partition so no need to reformat or anything.

Can also get loadlin.exe and run it from Dos / Safe Mode command prompt

I'm can't confirm this but

Along with Morphix, Puppy Linux is one of the only Linux LiveCD distributions able to save files to the LiveCD itself (multisession), allowing users to carry data, and more importantly, added programs and customized settings, along with them in the CD.. Puppy-multisession is 55.7M

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#73 11-03-2006 7:58pm

Sparky

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linux noob here aswell, started off a few months back with a distro called College linux, found that pretty crap so i decided to use debain as i was building a webserver, kde and x didnt come as standard so i had to use the apt-get install command to get all them aswell as installing apache and php mysql etc. I then decided to use ubuntu on the laptop with GNOME, then decided to install KDE Kubuntu aswell just to have the option.
Finding linux great, some have said i should of started off on an easier distro but i like to learn things the hard way and learn from mistakes and work from there.

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#74 12-03-2006 5:14pm

Steveire

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I'm the same. Newbie, but just going to jump right in. I think I'm gonna try to get Fedora Core 4 in operation. I've no idea what that involves in terms of partitions or anything, so time to start reading...

Actually, after a bit of googling, I reckon it'd take too much time to read enough to understand how to do it. Maybe next year...

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#75 12-03-2006 10:36pm

djmarkus

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Was a mepis man, now i've converted to openSuse 10 for my desktop distro, very nice, had some trouble getting it to play mp3's and such but now its exacly the way i like it.

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#76 13-03-2006 10:54am

jaqian

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Steveire wrote:

I'm the same. Newbie, but just going to jump right in. I think I'm gonna try to get Fedora Core 4 in operation. I've no idea what that involves in terms of partitions or anything, so time to start reading...

Actually, after a bit of googling, I reckon it'd take too much time to read enough to understand how to do it. Maybe next year...

I'm a newb as well and it pretty straight forward IMO to partition the drive(s), the distro does it all for you.

However you're in luck. There will be a Linux meet-up in UCD on the 25th of this month and if you wanna bring your computer/laptop along, I'll (or someone else) will whatever flavour of Linux you want, just bring your own distro. If you haven't got one though, I'll have a few different ones with me: openSUSE, Mandriva,DSL, Mepis, Knoppix etc

Heres the thread incase you 're interested: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054893537

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#77 14-03-2006 11:01am

Sparky

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What I really like about Linux is the 'apt-get install' feature. Its so much easier than Windows.

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#78 14-03-2006 9:39pm

Steveire

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jaqian wrote:

I'm a newb as well and it pretty straight forward IMO to partition the drive(s), the distro does it all for you.

However you're in luck. There will be a Linux meet-up in UCD on the 25th of this month and if you wanna bring your computer/laptop along, I'll (or someone else) will whatever flavour of Linux you want, just bring your own distro. If you haven't got one though, I'll have a few different ones with me: openSUSE, Mandriva,DSL, Mepis, Knoppix etc

Heres the thread incase you 're interested: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054893537

Well, Fedora Core 5 is out in a week, so maybe I'll go for that. While I have your attention, you might save me a few hours looking through installation manuals and FAQs...

[strike]I thought I'd have to make the partition myself (which I don't have a problem with anyway), but you're saying that the partition will be made as part of the installation process?
I'll probably want to select which OS I want to use when I turn on my computer (XP or Fedora). Will there be an option to configure that during the install process, or will I need to set it up after?[/strike](found the answers to these here)
I assume I want the i386 version here. It's a samsung laptop I'm going to try it on. I guess it's an IBM compatible. How can I be sure that's the correct download?
I clearly haven't read any of the literature. Thanks for your help.

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#79 26-03-2006 12:03am

DerMon

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quoting netron
"Ubuntu's KDE version - Kubuntu - has a KDE menu that is a total nightmare. Mandrake's KDE menu system is polished and refined and dead easy."

Couldn't disagree more, as a relative newbie (wish somebody would bloody well define that term precisely ), I find kubuntu the easiest distro to install and use. If a windows user asked me to install a linux for them, I'd choose kubuntu every time. guess everybodys experiences vary just as much as their opinions

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#80 27-03-2006 12:37am

Aard

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Just thought I'd post to say that I installed Ubuntu today on my old crappy computer, and if it all works out ok, I might just put it on my proper computer. The only thing that's bugging me is that the screen is gone a bit weird ... about eight thin fuzzy lines running down the screen; I have no idea what it's about, it certainly wasnt there before.

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#81 27-04-2006 7:00am

philologos

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ishnid wrote:

I've seen this claim being made in a few places but I've yet to see anybody giving any reasons why. Care to elaborate?

I'd disagree with that I think GNOME is the most userfriendly.

And yeah you should try out Ubuntu Breezy (however I am using dapper beta since it didnt support my printer) but now I use it as a file server a print server with CUPS, a HTTP server, mailserver, and all running PHP, MYSQL, all the things for my webdevelopment really. Ubuntu is a very easy operating system to manage

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#82 30-06-2006 6:21pm

Will

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I tried installing ubuntu (breezy badger) a while ago on my machine, needless to say didnt go well. Formatted my hdd got it all back in the end but have been apprehensive about installing dapper drake. Even though its ment to be so simple this time. Got myself an external hd to back up my stuff, gonna give it a lash this time.

How i formatted my drive was i made a partition but then (somehow) made a new partition on top of that. lol you gotta learn sometime

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#83 09-07-2006 5:28pm

Will

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Wasnt able to edit my last post for some reason but anywho, got it sorted, running ubuntu! quite happy with it, makes a change from windows.

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#84 13-07-2006 5:51pm

telecinesk

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Hi, I hope this isnt the wrong place to put this post> Anyway here goes>

I tried mandriva and found its v userfriendly especially installing via rpm packages. However its rather sluggish even on my P4 and the soundcard isnt always functioning. V odd. Acer laptop btw.
Then tried it on an IBM laptop and it worked 100% except for wlan card as usual.

Knoppix I tried, but runs too slow on IBM, its a P3 laptop.
Finally tried "Damn small linux", the 50mB distro, runs well on all but Im crucified with Debian commands and lack of experience is frustrating me to get things installed. In fact if anyone has experience with this OS pm me, I have some really basic questions for this. Any help v appreciated.

But its a lot more fun learning something new!

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#85 13-07-2006 6:59pm

Steveire

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I'd recommend ubuntu if you haven't already tried it. The latest release version was at the beginning of last month, so it's quite recent. I've not had any trouble with it or looked back since trying it...

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#86 06-10-2006 6:44pm

H3LLg0d

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Well for new people I d recommend Mandriva or Ubuntu

And either run the live cd or install your distro in vmware as opposed to dual booting

It cuts out the need for partioning and prevents potential data loss if you decide to bin .
You can install Your Distro inside windows and it will open it like any other normal program;)

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#87 06-10-2006 9:36pm

Capt'n Midnight

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telecinesk wrote:

Finally tried "Damn small linux", the 50mB distro, runs well on all but Im crucified with Debian commands and lack of experience is frustrating me to get things installed.

have a look at http://www.puppylinux.org/ if you want a GUI

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#88 14-10-2006 2:31pm

bman

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I was just wondering what people think of Fedora Core 5? Would Ubuntu be a better choice as a lot of people seem to be saying that earlier in the thread. I installed it last night and it seems ok so far although i still have to get my wifi card working .

Edit: Just got wireless working , thanks to NetworkManager.

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#89 27-10-2006 4:37am

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Don't install mandriva 2007 if you have SiS on-board video, there is a bug that results in a blank screen

A work-around is to try other video drivers untill you find one that works...:eek:

or find the SiS driver off a previous version...

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#90 27-10-2006 6:38am

MarkR

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Ubuntu seems to have better hardware recognition, hence you getting your wireless card sorted. Ubuntu ftw

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#91 05-12-2006 7:44pm

Jim_No.6

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I'd heartily recommend Gentoo as an excellent way to learn 'what's going on'. This seems to be the main problem that faces new Linux users who have a streamlined install (like Ubuntu). The Gentoo install is tough, but once you're finished, you'll have a good grasp of what's going on on your system. (See the Gentoo thread for more detail).

I started on Gentoo 2 years ago, and am now running it on my 3 boxes and laptop. No major problems all along that I wasn't able to solve quickly enough using the forums/chatroom/(gasp)some new skillz. Current uptime on my server box? ~3months. (and only because I upgraded the kernel over the summer) Say what you want about "bleeding edge" and stability - it's been fine for me!

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#92 22-02-2007 12:27am

telecinesk

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Well for last 3 months Im on fedora core6, and its great. Got to grips with a bit of command line thingy and im well happy. managed even the wlan card to work on laptop. I have an ibm laptop and NO hardware issues which is a good start. Runs smooth and gnome is fine...
Found wine and the commecial sw for windows emu codeweavers useful but running windows progs on linux sort of defeats the idea! Anyway, so far so good.. learning curve and all that.

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#93 29-03-2007 6:56pm

cosmic.engineer

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use ubuntu 6.10, dont use mandrake unless u are gonna strip tht fskr down and have broadband and time to build it up to look pretty again. ubuntu is too easy, very nice and relaxing, even easier and less trouble than windows!

if you love a challenge, get using gentoo.. you will learn ALOT about linux by installing it and stick to teh forums, information on gentoo is plentiful and even though it may seem like a big learning curve, when you are finished you will feel much more comfortable with linux afterwards.

Plus anyone i askd for info on gentoo while spending 3 days straight gettin used to it and installin it were helpful and not pretentious at all, but tht was a long time ago

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#94 04-04-2007 12:11am

BopNiblets

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I tried Ubuntu today, it was pretty cool to be able to go on the Internet with Firefox straight from the Live CD without installing anything (do all Linuxeses do that?)
I would have gone further but it didn't recognize my Logitech bluetooth keyboard and mouse (lucky I had a USB mouse handy)
And, when I clicked shut down, it displayed a kind of unloading animation, but then ejected the CD and hung there... didn't know what that was about.

Anyway, the reason I picked Ubuntu was because of LinuxMCE, which says it's an addon to Ubuntu, it looks sweet (check out the vid).

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#95 11-04-2007 12:34am

Oracle

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BopNiblets wrote:

....Anyway, the reason I picked Ubuntu was because of LinuxMCE, which says it's an addon to Ubuntu, it looks sweet (check out the vid).

That LinuxMCE looks cool, the video shows it's capabilities very well, direct link: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4422887272477313460&hl=en

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#96 17-04-2007 12:56pm

nuada

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Posts: 67

Try Kubuntu, it's ubuntu but with the much nicer looking kde desktop.

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#97 28-04-2007 12:59am

macphisto

Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 ✭

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Posts: 28

Hi,

I have started using ubuntu and i reckon its a great one to start with - Feisty Fawn looks the business imho:).
Great GUI, but I can't wait to get to grips with the commands to unleash the real power of Linux....Will be trying a few more distros b4 installing one on my main pc...

Macphisto

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#98 01-08-2007 4:46pm

tck

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Join Date: August 2004

Posts: 305

theres a few irish ubuntu users trying to get together to make a little
irish ubuntu community

#ubuntu-ie on irc.freenode.ie

(the same server as the official #ubuntu, #kubuntu.#xubuntu,#gobuntu,#edubuntu.#ubuntu-server and all other countries communities are located.)

jump on and say hi

)

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#99 01-08-2007 4:52pm

Naikon

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Posts: 4397

Ubuntu/Fedora core 7

Else

FreeBSD 6.2 stable if you want a challenge.
Compile everything from source:)

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#100 26-09-2007 3:55pm

Gryzor

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Hi

this might be helpful in choosing a distro for a beginner, like myself???

Linkage

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#101 24-10-2007 8:40pm

yolloms

Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭

Join Date: October 2007

Posts: 7

MarVeL wrote: »

Ok so I'm a complete neophyte in the world of Linux and I'm going to be setting up a box in the next week or so. Anyone any suggestions as to which distribution would be the best to get? Looking to run it as a basic desktop (for learning purposes) and possibly an email server.

def go for Ubuntu. version 7.10 is out now.

iv now gotten rid of windows and am running solely on ubuntu. new versions are released at least every 6 months. its come on so much since i started using it 1.5 years ago

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