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Linux Mint for Beginner

  • 08-05-2011 1:51am
    #1
    scotty_irish
    Closed Accounts Posts: 427 ✭✭


    Hi,

    Has anyone used Mint as a beginner computer user? Every time i go home I have to scrub my sister's laptop clean of viruses. I've heard Mint is the best distro for a beginneer, can anyone tell me otherwise? What are people's experiences of Mint. I'm very much tempted to pop Mint on her machine and end the vicious cycle of viruses. Can a beginner handle linux?

    Thanks boardsies!


Comments

  • #2
    Johnboy1951
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,074 ✭✭✭✭Johnboy1951


    Mint
    Mepis
    PCLinuxOS

    are the first ones that come to mind for first-time users of Linux.

    I suggest you should download a few ISOs and have the new user trial them live from CD or USB flash stick, to see which they are most comfortable with.

    My preferences would not necessarily be yours and maybe your sister has different preferences to yours. So, I would suggest you give her a choice and install whichever she prefers.

    good luck ;)


  • #3
    mk6705
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 721 ✭✭✭mk6705


    Ubuntu and Mint are very similar. They both use Gnome (So the desktop is similar). What you want to steer clear of are distros like Gentoo, which certainly aren't built with beginners in mind. Of course I have to ask...did you ever consider using (properly configured and updated!) virus protection software?


  • #4
    loldog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 634 ✭✭✭loldog


    Mint is very suitable for beginners. To take a test drive, get Unetbootin and install it on to a USB. Then boot up the computer from the USB, that way you can try it out without changing your computer.

    .


  • #5
    PogMoThoin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,874 ✭✭✭✭PogMoThoin


    Adro947 wrote: »
    Ubuntu and Mint are very similar. They both use Gnome (So the desktop is similar). What you want to steer clear of are distros like Gentoo, which certainly aren't built with beginners in mind. Of course I have to ask...did you ever consider using (properly configured and updated!) virus protection software?

    The latest Ubuntu 11.04 uses Unity, not gnome.
    http://unity.ubuntu.com/


  • #6
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Mint is a good option.

    If your sister is only using it for general browsing, facebook, etc.

    Another option is 'jolicloud'.

    I installed it on my sisters laptop, and it really takes away the complexities of an operating system for an average user.

    It's Ubuntu underneath, though the user see's very little of the config side.

    http://www.jolicloud.com/

    I installed it on her laptop 6 months ago, and so far so good...


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  • #7
    Jagera
    Closed Accounts Posts: 910 ✭✭✭Jagera


    In my opinion, definitely move your sister onto Mint. I have pushed Mint on a couple of people as first-time Windows escapees. Everyone loves it. It's just a bit easier learning curve than Ubuntu.

    Just take the time to look at the optimal disk partitioning before you install.


  • #8
    swordofislam
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭swordofislam


    Where are you strongest? Are you strongest with Debian based systems if so Mint is a good choice. It also looks great and that inspires confidence.

    An issue worth confronting however is the problem of Windows only applications. Raise that with her. Maybe run CloneZilla on her machine. Install Linux onto the whole hard drive then partition from within Linux and recreate the machine from CloneZilla?


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