6 replies to this topic

[Demonlink]

Hello everyone, as I always say, it's been a while since you've heard about me. Here is a little thread about Linux distibutions. I like Windows 7, it's good, but it doesn't quite satisfy my needs, like speed, personalization, etc. So it results I have been investigating about some distributions Linux has. From what I have found, I have been interested in 3:

-Ubuntu
-Linux Mint
-Zorin OS

Lately I have been wondering about if I could dual-boot my laptop using 2 operating systems, windows 7 and a linux OS. So, here comes the question, what are your thoughts about the 3 mentioned OS above? I have been reading and checking out some reviews, but what I need to somehow know is which OS is best for beginners (since I am used to Windows 7, and Linux is something a lot different...) My preferations would be somethings like how to install software, what OS can support all or the most of my installed softwares, pics, vids, etc.

So, what do you guys think about these distributions and which do you recommend?

[LinktheMaster]

I'm not the biggest Linux user, but I've tried multiple distros. Out of the ones I've used, I preferred Linux Mint. I actually really liked it. Unfortunately, it didn't work well with my desktop, so I went back to Windows.

[Ventus]

I'm going to say stay away from Ubuntu its quite awful...

But I'll Zorin OS is pretty good for a person trying Linux for the first time, If you want to go for the real deal Linux that does not feel like windows I say go with Linux Mint.
Its the most stable distro I've found so far, and it comes with some pretty nice addons like MP3 support and Flash and some other things.

Welcome to the fun world of Linux.

[Saffith]

Mint is the one I'd recommend, as well. I use the Debian-based version, but the main edition's better if you're new to it.
Ubuntu's meant to be easy to use, but they've gone the path of limiting it and dumbing it down. Also, much like Windows 8, they've reworked the desktop to be more touch-friendly and less PC-like, and it's debatable how well it's worked out. I can't really recommend it these days. Mint is more the direction Ubuntu should've gone, I think.
I'm not familiar with Zorin; apparently it's meant to be as much like Windows as possible. I'm not sure I see the point. I guess it might be a bit more comfortable at first, but it's not like MATE and Cinnamon are hard to adjust to.

[Hoff123]

I am a big Linux user and have tried out like 15 different distros haha, but for a beginner Ubuntu or Mint is probably best. Though, I've heard people like Zorin too nowadays. So, I guess all of those distros you listed are for beginners. Why not install Virtualbox and try them ALL out and see what you like the best? Just download an iso of the distros(from their websites) and use virtualbox(you may need to google how to use it, but it's not too complicated).

Also, I wanted to mention that a lot of people try out Linux because they're tired of viruses and doing everything illegally because they're poor(), but then notice that it is too different from Windows so they register on a linux forum(probably ubuntuforums.com) just to create a huge rant thread about how complicated and stupid Linux is, and how much it sucks. And then they go back to Windows...yeah...

[Hergiswi]

I would definitely agree with the consensus here. I personally prefer Linux Mint over Ubuntu, and I've never actually used Zorin OS. VirtualBox is absolutely the best way to try out a distro without screwing up your current installation of Windows.

The two that I use consistently are OpenSUSE and Fedora. Fedora doesn't seem to be the most user-friendly distro in the world, but I find OpenSUSE to be pretty damn simple. I wouldn't exactly consider myself a power-user or anything (I don't run servers or write code, etc.), but for daily use it hasn't let me down yet.

[Demonlink]

Hmmm, some nice opinions. I guess Linux Mint is the winner! I'll check it out with VirtualBox. Thanks guys.