Best Linux for beginner Also

I to would appreciate comments on what is the best linux distro for a
beginner

Many thanks
Kevin

 

I'll throw in the option of PCLinuxOS. It is a live CD which installs to
HD if required. Same as Ubuntu etc. PCLinux OS is not at version 1 but
0.93.

PCLinuxOS is an offshoot of Mandriva. Mandriva has lost is way somewhat,
still 2007 version is nearly hear.

Look, just grab a few live CDs and try them out. The Linux distros have
improved by leaps and bounds. The installation usually just works, and all
admin can be done by point and click.

It is not MS Windows, so let this idea go before you start.

 

Copied from an exchange below, but for these reasons;

- a good Newsgroup for your distro is a real advantage. A bad one is no fun
at all.

- have a poke around with a Live CD. Take a look at the vast range of
software that will run from it. Try some Linux-ey things out with it. Get
some internet references for further reading. Find Distrowatch.

- why not phase over from Windows to a Linux slowly. Gradually get used to
Linux then make the switch. Usually, there is specific software you require
for specific purposes, and until this is completely replaced by the Linux
stuff, (sometimes determined by the distro), then you will require the use
of both. A second drive with one Linux or another or both there, is just a
plain good idea, (although juggling the bootup into Windows, LinuxDistro1,
LinuxDistro2, WILL take some getting used to).


Here's the copy from below;


The latest Knoppix really is Very good, for trying out a few things on a
live CD. Because lots of software is there, and it runs straight off.

For the future, you should consider adding a separate HDD for the Linux of
your choice, and during the Linux install allow the dual-boot option to be
configured. Keep a copy of the original boot sector on a floppy just in
case.

If the 2nd HDD is of any reasonable size, then you can try alternative Linux
distros and boot between them until you all decide which.

Windows seems to have the best sound editing software (Audition,
Soundforge), but Linux is catching up fast (Audacity is usable and being
actively developed). Linux of course has the safest mail and internet
environment.

The 2nd (separate) HDD for solely Linux, with a FAT32 common windows
interchange partition, seems the best and most flexible solution, allowing
the best of all possible worlds.

I'll just mention considering Mandriva, who seem to have a friendly and
helpful newsgroup and as an OS seems user friendly.

 

ubuntu seems to keep the newbies happy.......

 

Ubuntu. So easy to try out with the Live/Install CD, easy to install,
easy to setup, it comes with almost every app the average user needs,
and is regularly updated with good support available. They'll even post
free Live/Install CDs to you.

Regards,
Jamie Kahn Genet

 

Xandros 4.0 would be an excellent choice.

My 71yo mother uses it.....

 

Hopefully the one your mate is going to help you learn. There's b*g all
difference between them all.

 

Good thing about Xandros is you can install it over the top of Windows and it will
give you the choice of keeping the Fat32 partition, and add the Windows startup
option to the boot loader, giving you a dual boot system.

cheers

 

Most of the mainstream Linux distros do that.

It's Windows that goes into denial when it sees a Linux (or any other)
system installed.

 

[/QUOTE]

Does anyone know if it will it do likewise with an aging RH 9 system ? ie
will it install side by side ... or will it want to use the same space for
stuff and break the working RH system ?

Thanks

 

Does anyone know if it will it do likewise with an aging RH 9 system ? ie
will it install side by side ... or will it want to use the same space for
stuff and break the working RH system ?

Thanks[/QUOTE]
Multi booting several linux (linices?) is trivial
Assuming you have / and /swap partitioned for RH9, find some more space on
your HDD, and point <new linux> at that new space. Creating a / partition
for <new linux> and reuse the existing /swap
Instruct the installer to install the bootloader on your new drive space
(ie. NOT in the MBR)
The tricky bit is telling grub (which was installed by RH 9) to chainload
the new bootloader
This is done by editing /boot/grub/menu.lst (on the RH 9 partition) and
adding the following lines

# linux installation on /dev/hda4.
title <funky name for new linux>
#point to the bootloader note this is zero indexed
root (hd0,3)
#point to the kernel, note the hda number
kernel /boot/vmlinuz root=/dev/hda4 ro
#some important stuff
savedefault
#mmmm more important stuff
boot

 

Does anyone know if it will it do likewise with an aging RH 9 system ?
ie will it install side by side ... or will it want to use the same
space for stuff and break the working RH system ?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

I once installed Xandros3 over an existing dual-boot system (Mandrake9 and
Win98). Mandrake not longer worked but Win98 did !.
Ymmv on this one.

 

Does anyone know if it will it do likewise with an aging RH 9 system ? ie
will it install side by side ... or will it want to use the same space for
stuff and break the working RH system ?

Thanks[/QUOTE]

It should be OK....but it is best to do the manual disk config if
offered and, if offered, select the partitions you want the option of
booting from.

 

Choosing best Linux distros depends upon your machine specifications,your needs and your knowledge about Linux distros.Every one has their own opinions about best linux distros.I have categorized them into various groups so that a reader can easily choose the best distro for his need.Read my articleat
http://www.bestlinuxdistros.com/2012/04/best-distro-for-your-needs.html