easiest linux distro?

SolarNexus · 06-11-2005 06:01AM #1

Since I'm building myself a new computer, I have decided to give away whats left of my old computer by building a semi-brand new one for a family member; only problem is that I only have licenses for windows 98, windows ME and windows XP. now, considering that XP is already being used, according to the microsoft eula I cant install it on another 'puter.

I know I could do so without a second thought, and many would but considering the person using the computer would only be using it for internet, email and maybe some word processing, theres really no need to delve into legal ambiguity.

personally, I usually opt for Redhat, but I dont know which is the best 'distro for basic needs. It must have a familiar windows-type interface, and the usual stuff (browser, email client, open office); and thats about it.

any ideas? I was thinking maybe SuSe, Gentoo, or unbuntu

AARRRGH · 06-11-2005 06:03AM

Is the family member good with computers?

Duffman · 06-11-2005 06:09AM

Ubuntu has firefox and open office included in a default install. Just rearrange the Gnome panel to make it more windows-like. It seems to support any hardware I throw at it out of the box.

I'm not familar with Suse but I think it's supposed to be an easy to use distro.

Gentoo is not what you want here.

Download Ubuntu and see what you think.

SolarNexus · 06-11-2005 06:10AM

dublindude wrote:

Is the family member good with computers?

good enough, I wouldnt go so far as to expect them to understand (or want to) linux. She uses a computer at work everyday for typing etc. I expect that if it has a simple or windows-similar interface, she'll have no problem using it.

Goodshape · 06-11-2005 06:12AM

Of the various distros I've tried, I'd say Ubuntu is the most straight forward and also has great support online through the ubuntu forums and unoffical ubunutu starter guide.

You could also go for Kubuntu, the KDE varient of the same (Ubuntu uses Gnome by default, which I'm not too crazy about.. I think it's the only diference between the two)

Khannie · 07-11-2005 08:58AM

more voteage for ubuntu

fedora core is also fine

For an end user like that, all you're really looking for is a reasonably intuitive UI (once you've set things up properly). The ubuntu file manager is the closest I've seen yet to windows explorer though.

HomunQlus · 07-11-2005 10:05AM

SolarNexus wrote:

Since I'm building myself a new computer, I have decided to give away whats left of my old computer by building a semi-brand new one for a family member; only problem is that I only have licenses for windows 98, windows ME and windows XP. now, considering that XP is already being used, according to the microsoft eula I cant install it on another 'puter.

Do you think that stops anybody? Why do you think Microsoft has an OS share of 94% [with Windows]? Because Microsoft knows that their software is being pirated, and they allow it in silence. Fact.

For the Linux (the correct name is GNU/Linux by the way):

Easiest Linux: Novell/SuSE 10.0
Another easy Distribution: Mandriva Linux
Good, but not perfect: Ubuntu Linux
If you're used to Windows: Fedora Core 4

For the expert: Gentoo Linux
For the REAL expert: FreeBSD

And for the Uber-Geek: Solaris 10 (for PC, and yes, it's free)

Khannie · 07-11-2005 10:36AM

HomunQlus wrote:

the correct name is GNU/Linux by the way

:rolleyes:

I suppose you refer to it as GNU/Linux all the time in conversation then? :rolleyes:

HomunQlus · 07-11-2005 10:57AM

Khannie wrote:

:rolleyes:

I suppose you refer to it as GNU/Linux all the time in conversation then? :rolleyes:

I'd say so...

deRanged · 07-11-2005 11:04AM

I tested a copy of Suse the other day and was amazed at how simple to use it was. I'd recommend that for a new-to-linux user.
The setup was very straight forward, second only to OS X in my experience.

Khannie · 07-11-2005 11:37AM

HomunQlus wrote:

I'd say so...

HAHAHAHAHAHA. LOLing.

Capt'n Midnight · 07-11-2005 02:28PM

HomunQlus wrote:

Do you think that stops anybody? Why do you think Microsoft has an OS share of 94% [with Windows]? Because Microsoft knows that their software is being pirated, and they allow it in silence. Fact.

Just because 1 in 7 random serial numbers worked on all products before windows 98 doesn't make that true. For instance in Italy the country with the most copied SW in the EU they had a campaign in national magazines where they showed what a valid OEM cert looked like complete with a valid serial number so user could make sure that what they installed was genuine. I can't find the denial of the "china quote" where they disowned the "if people are going to pirate software let's make sure it's ours" but I'm sure it must exist.

Fenster · 07-11-2005 03:04PM

Gentoo

I kid, I use it myself, but I warn all but the most dedicated away from it.

Suse 10 gets my vote for newbies.

HomunQlus · 07-11-2005 03:59PM

Capt'n Midnight wrote:

Just because 1 in 7 random serial numbers worked on all products before windows 98 doesn't make that true. For instance in Italy the country with the most copied SW in the EU they had a campaign in national magazines where they showed what a valid OEM cert looked like complete with a valid serial number so user could make sure that what they installed was genuine. I can't find the denial of the "china quote" where they disowned the "if people are going to pirate software let's make sure it's ours" but I'm sure it must exist.

Windows was and still is overpriced. Only companies can afford that in large amounts. I do not know a single person that bought Windows, yet they have it. The CD-Key mechanism will always have weaknesses, exploits will make it possible to still install Windows. Even though the serial has been used X times. I think that there are more pirated Windows copies out there as genuine ones. Still, Microsoft knows this.

steveland? · 07-11-2005 04:49PM

SolarNexus wrote:

good enough, I wouldnt go so far as to expect them to understand (or want to) linux. She uses a computer at work everyday for typing etc. I expect that if it has a simple or windows-similar interface, she'll have no problem using it.

Get a few Live CDs and let her try them before you go installing

Off Topic: Has anyone actually been prosecuted for having pirate Windows installed, apart from companies... just individuals

SolarNexus · 07-11-2005 06:29PM

steveland? wrote:

Off Topic: Has anyone actually been prosecuted for having pirate Windows installed, apart from companies... just individuals

I've not heard of it, loads of companies but not individuals. I used to be able to say that about torrent downloads

Considering she actually works for the government, I dont think it would be prudent to have her owning a illegitimate copy of windows. Hell, I've installed windows on my computers at home so many times now, I couldnt tell you which one is 'paired' in compliance with the EULA; then again I doubt even microsoft can figure out their EULA's.

Just FYI: I installed Kubuntu and although I like it, and is perfect for a new user (what a perdy' interface by default), I expected to have more options for installing packages - more like redhat. Kind of a disapointment that I wasnt able to rip out some of the more technical apps, but it works great nevertheless. Now all I need is to get a cheapie chassis, and keyboard/mouse/speaker combo from dabs (£30 total, amazingly cheap).

oh and as for saying GNU/Linux: I saw a documentary about the creation of linux and how the whole 'thing' started - your man from the Free Software Foundation was not far from having a heart attack insiting that Linux should be said "GNU/Linux" and that *ALL* distros should be called "GNU/whatever" -I think he was a leeeetle bit uptight about the issue. if you know what I mean, then the job is done, no bother about checking whether I stuck gnu to the front

(wow.. that was a long rambling post)

Voodoo2 · 08-11-2005 02:01AM

Did you try Lindows now known as Linspire?

http://www.linspire.com/

SolarNexus · 08-11-2005 09:51AM

Voodoo2 wrote:

Did you try Lindows now known as Linspire?

http://www.linspire.com/

I wouldnt dare... I like to try to keep away from controversial projects like Lindows/Linspire

*edit
moreover If I want a free distro, Linspire @ $59.99 is not free, I might as well consider xp-home for that price.

HomunQlus · 08-11-2005 11:26AM

Linspire originally wanted to be a GNU/Linux in which Windows applications run natively. Very soon, they had to abandon that idea. Yet, they still do their thing.

The installation you get with Linspire (doesn't matter which one) comes pretty much empty. Like almost no applications, I believe even something like KOffice was missing.

They have something called "Click 'n Run Warehouse" in which you can download software for Linspire, like applications. They charge you for download open source software. There's also the Gimp in the list.

This is against the General Public License - and a legitimate reason to file a lawsuit against Linspire Inc.

aidan_walsh · 08-11-2005 11:32AM

HomunQlus wrote:

This is against the General Public License

No, its not as long as the source is also available.

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html

Does the GPL allow me to sell copies of the program for money?
Yes, the GPL allows everyone to do this. The right to sell copies is part of the definition of free software. Except in one special situation, there is no limit on what price you can charge. (The one exception is the required written offer to provide source code that must accompany binary-only release.)

HomunQlus · 08-11-2005 11:50AM

Alright.... didn't know that.

I can't remember if they gave me the source also or not.

forbairt · 08-11-2005 12:54PM

Just installed Ubuntu this weekend and it gets my thumbs up ... the support forum seemed great ...

Its got Openoffice by default installed .. along with a load of games I'm having a few issues with my wireless card but it detects the network easily enough ... installing new packages within it is simple enough as well

Its running ok on a 500mhz pIII with 128mbs of ram .. not lightening fast mind but good enough

Stephen · 13-11-2005 03:02PM

I've been dual-booting SuSE with Windows XP since 9.2, and have tried earlier versions from time to time as well. Now using SuSE 10, and I must recommend it - its very easy to use. I'm using the "evaluation" version that includes some closed source products like flash player, acrobat reader and the very very good YaST tools for package management/system configuration etc. OSS-nazis have the option of OpenSuSE available to them

easiest linux distro?

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