Ubuntu

[benslayton]

Is Ubuntu the best way to go if I want a free linux OS?

[chovy]

*best* is a relative term. From my experience Ubuntu is great for a newbie...easy install, convenient package manager, and great community support.

if you really want to get your feet wet, try gentoo.

[codeexploiter]

Yes i think Ubunthu is quite good.

[BLiZZaRD]

I use Fedora Core, but only cause it comes with everything. I haven't found a nix system that wasn't easy to install though...

[Twey]

Ubuntu is considered to be very user-friendly, but has a reputation of being rather slow. It's also limited by default to one desktop environment per distribution (Ubuntu uses GNOME, Kubuntu, KDE, and Xubuntu Xfce) which I find unpleasant to say the least (especially since I can't abide GNOME :)).

Fedora Core is slightly less newbie-friendly, but certainly not beyond the capabilities of a complete novice, and offers a lot more power.

[chovy]

I use Fedora Core, but only cause it comes with everything. I haven't found a nix system that wasn't easy to install though...

which ones have you tried?

[Twey]

I haven't found a nix system that wasn't easy to install though...I can think of a few :) The ones aimed at end-users are typically very easy to install. Power-user-oriented distributions (Gentoo, Slackware) can be a bit tricky though. I haven't tried Slackware, but Gentoo's installation method is a live CD, a copy of the package manager, and a lot of docs :p In fairness, though, the docs are very comprehensive, and the installation could probably be completed by a complete newbie (although s/he'd have no idea what s/he was actually doing :)).

[chovy]

the moment you require someone to "type" something during an install - you've lost 80% of the audience :)

...personally, I think this is great - I'm a great typist!

[blm126]

My only experience with linux is Ubuntu. I have to say, I like it a lot. However, I intend to start over with a KDE based distribution soon. There a few reasons I want to switch. Mostly, I want to explore other distributions to find out what I like best. In my mind I can't make a good decision until I have tested more than one.

[benslayton]

Thanks guys! I had ubuntu installed for a while on my PC. I liked it other than the fact i coudnt get wine to work so i can use dreamweaver and fireworks.

[Twey]

I intend to start over with a KDE based distribution soon.This "basing" of an entire distribution around a desktop environment is one of my main qualms about Ubuntu. The window manager is not vital to the working of the operating system: it is merely one method of interaction with said operating system, and the user should be free to pick-and-choose between them.

[BLiZZaRD]

which ones have you tried?
I have been with Fedora Core since it's start, through 2, 3, 4 and now using 5. It looks like through the change logs expected I will skip 6 and wait on 7.


My only experience with linux is Ubuntu. I have to say, I like it a lot. However, I intend to start over with a KDE based distribution soon. There a few reasons I want to switch. Mostly, I want to explore other distributions to find out what I like best. In my mind I can't make a good decision until I have tested more than one.

Another reason I really enjoy FC. After it is installed and you are on your log in screen you can choose which to boot up in, KDE or Gnome, or even X-win. Although I usually always use Gnome, I like the choice :)

[blm126]

Maybe I'll give Fedora Core a try. My laptop isn't very powerful, so I will have to check that first.

[BLiZZaRD]

You will want this page: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Distribution/Download

It is quite a bit to look at but all very straight forward. I did my very first ever FC install from this page and I didn't even screw it up! :D