What Linux OS should i use?

jackjack701 · Mar 14, 2014

I would like to try a Linux Operating System. Firstly for a change from windows, and it is free. What would be the best one for someone who have never use a Linux OS before? I saw Ubuntu, but didn't one if that was the best one to use.

Someone Somewhere · Mar 14, 2014

There's a lot of choices. Some don't like stuck Ubuntu, because of how the GUI (how you interact with it) is built.

Linux Mint and Kubuntu (based on KDE) are other options, based on Ubuntu.

Most of the guides are written for Ubuntu, so the underlying commands are the same on Mint and KDE, though it looks different.

Aristotelian · Mar 14, 2014

What kind of computer do you have? Do you want something that is as much as possible like Windows, or do you want to try something new? What are your primary needs (media, internet, office, etc)?

jackjack701 · Mar 14, 2014

Internet is a must, and I need office for homework and stuff. I would like to play a few games, but I have a windows PC, so if they don't work on the OS that is fine. I don't mind how similar it is to windows. I don't want a too basic GUI, but if the OS is good it doesn't really matter. Here is my computer:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor (£125.99 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G43 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£74.99 @ Ebuyer)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£57.81 @ Ebuyer)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£37.70 @ CCL Computers)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 6670 1GB Video Card (£52.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case (£38.68 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£44.98 @ Amazon UK)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer (£11.78 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £444.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-14 15:52 GMT+0000)

Aristotelian · Mar 14, 2014

With those specs and needs, I would say go with Ubuntu, KUbuntu (which is Ubuntu with the KDE desktop), or Linux Mint using Cinnamon or KDE desktops. Best thing to do, especially if you are new to Linux, is try a few options out booting in live mode from USB sticks, then decide which one you want to install.

jackjack701 :

chamaecyparis · Mar 14, 2014

With those specs, you can run anything GNU/Linux has to offer, AFAIK.
Suggestions since functionality seems to be a higher priority to you than good looks (but these two have both) --
MX-14
Zenwalk 7.4

FYI--
Rute User's Tutorial and Exposition
How To Install Software In Linux

jackjack701 · Mar 14, 2014

Ok, thanks guys for all the suggestions!

sora · Mar 15, 2014

If you're completely new to *unix based operating systems go for Ubuntu. Otherwise, I'd go for a "hacker" based operating system such as Kali Linux.

Someone Somewhere · Mar 15, 2014

Eh, I'd stay away from that unless you have a particular reason to do penetration testing. Especially if you then wanted to use the same OS on a laptop and take it to Uni or work; admins tend to get quite upset if you do.

Kubuntu is mostly compatible with Ubuntu, but escapes the whole mess of the Unity GUI arguments, and is customisable as hell.

nss000 · Mar 15, 2014

Truth is .... for reasons that are hard to explain, but soon become obvious:

1) Most desktop Linux users use UBUNTU, a DEBIAN knock-off ; MINT is better, but has no billionaire candyman.

2) Most UBUNTU users immediately change the b*stard-from-hades default Unity-GUI by downloading Gnome-GUI or one-of-many replacements.

3) SCIENTIFIC LINUX provides best "out-of-box" Linux desktop experience. Rock solid & intuitive (REDHAT-EL knockoff) , but sadly limiting and "unplayful".

Someone Somewhere · Mar 15, 2014

In response to #2, why get Ubuntu then add another GUI, and not just start off with Ubuntu Gnome, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Mint, or any one of the others, which has it right from the start?

To #3, most of the tutorials and help out there is for Debian-based OSs, not Redhat.

nss000 · Mar 16, 2014

SS:

CENTos & SCI-LINUXos are so plain-spoken and robust that help is little needed. Reminds me of DOS_6.22 with pictures.

Acts like ol'tyme **verticle integrated apps** unlike other Linux varients which act **many-worlds** hostile snapping like Cujo at systems-support ... they mimick Stephen King books with a McDonalds-faced fiend popping=out from every icon to misdirect & byte-yo-*zz! Sure you need help then!

Someone Somewhere :

Someone Somewhere · Mar 16, 2014

Actually, I wasn't referring in the least to the GUIs. I'm talking about the kind of guides that help you set up say LAMP, or an FTP server. They generally assume you're running a Debian-based OS.

nss000 · Mar 16, 2014

Apology ... my mistake assuming the more simple admin tasks.

Someone Somewhere :

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