Best distro for an XP user?

tom2u · Mar 19, 2014

I downloaded Ubuntu a few months ago and noticed it was similar to OS X in some requests. Wondering if this is common (it wasn't really a problem) but I was hoping to find a distro that was more similar to XP since I'm used to it.

Also, I want to install on a separate hard drive. I downloaded another version but there was no install or setup file. Do they think we're psychic? Why in the world would anybody do this? How are most people (most people use Windows) supposed to know what to do? There was a Wubi.exe file (of course its not labeled with a word that informs), it asks for the installation size. No mention of how to choose. Anybody know what this is for? My hard drive is 30gb. It doesn't ask me to partition anything. How are these people expecting others to try Linux when they don't even give any thought to labeling things that tells us anything? Bizarre.

Hopefully some logical thinkers can help us Windows users.

Also, is it possible for the Linux OS to read all the 32 bit NTFS files I've accumulated in Windows? That would be handy.

Spectre694 · Mar 19, 2014

Linux Mint has a really Windowsy feel to it. what kind of files are you wanting to read from windows?

tom2u · Mar 19, 2014

> Linux Mint has a really Windowsy feel to it. what kind of files are you wanting to read from windows?
Word processing: docx, doc, rtf, txt
Audio: mp3, flac, others that I forget
Video: avi, mp4, mkv
Then there are files like Sketchup and others.
I'd like to install a 64bit Linux OS. But I only have 2gb of ram now so maybe its pointless? And if Linux is 32bit I wonder if it will make it easier to read XP 32bit files?

USAFRet · Mar 19, 2014

LinuxMint is pretty visually similar to Windows.
Download the ISO, burn to DVD, install on the drive of your choice.

Wubi is a way to install Ubuntu (Linux) from within a Windows environment.

tom2u · Mar 19, 2014

USAFRet :

When people say "install on the drive of your choice", does that mean you unpack the ISO, then copy and paste those files and folders to the partition you want it on? I tried that and it didn't work. Didn't boot. I got the OS selection screen though. But maybe that was from a Linux install I had on there before on the same partition as Windows. I want this on a separate hard drive completely.

itpro · Mar 19, 2014

I have used Ubuntu, but tend to find their user interface to be frustrating for a power user. It is simple, but too Mac-like for my taste. On the other hand, I have converted a good number of users from XP and even Win7 to Linux Mint Cinnamon with good results. Cinnamon is very simple and elegant, and much more Windows like in its user interface. Windows users can sit down to a Cinnamon system and get right to work with little effort. LibreOffice is included, along with all of the common codecs and media players. Give it a try.

Ijack · Mar 19, 2014

There is some pretty comprehensive documentation on the Ubuntu web site. It's well worth reading it.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation

dmroeder · Mar 19, 2014

You need to burn the ISO to a DVD using a program like ImgBurn. You cannot just burn the ISO as a file, you need to use a program that understands ISO's. Then you boot your shiny new disk and it will run an installer similar to how Windows does. During the install it will ask you which hard drive you want to use (if you have more than 1 drive installed on the machine).

USAFRet · Mar 19, 2014

tom2u :

In your chosen DVD burning application - 'Burn ISO to DVD' or similar.
Boot from that new DVD.
Install on the drive of choice.

Spectre694 · Mar 19, 2014

tom2u :

Libreoffice should handle the documents
Vlc any movies and I forget the built in mp3 players name but it is there.
I don't know what sketchup is though

Aristotelian · Mar 19, 2014

I agree with Mint but you should understand that mint is more like a brand. It comes in several flasvors each with different looks and features. If you are usin an older computer, you should start with the most lightweight, eg Mint XFCE or LXDE, and stay away from KDE and Cinnamon.

Spectre694 · Mar 19, 2014

Aristotelian :

Good Point but since OP isn't familiar with them all add that in my opinion XFCE and Cinnamon are the closest to windows.

tom2u · Mar 19, 2014

itpro :

I have used Ubuntu, but tend to find their user interface to be frustrating for a power user. It is simple, but too Mac-like for my taste.

I'm curious. I used OS X for a while and just got more and more aggravated by the way everything was designed. One very irritating and dumbed down OS it seems. For people that can't remember keyboard shortcuts and love the mouse above all life forms it may be good but if you haven't had a lobotomy, it feels like its made for a child. A child with most of their brain removed. So I'm curious how Ubuntu was "Mac-like". I did notice a few things that jogged my memory from OS X days. Not good things. I tend to move very fluidly and by the time a Mac user has moved the hand from the keyboard to the mouse, I've probably done 3 shortcuts. Then they have to move the mouse pointer to the object that needs to be clicked, click it, then move back to the mouse. I could do about 10 shortcuts by then. Then Apple outright lies and says mouse navigation is just as efficient and fast as keyboard navigation. Maybe if you have the keyboard coordination of an orangutan with Parkinsons (no offense to those suffering with Parkinsons).

But you brought up a very interesting aspect of Linux: How each distro can have a distinct and individual character. I sure love the potential of that.

tom2u · Mar 19, 2014

dmroeder :

I have never understood why there needs to be an installer. Can one not just download the files and boot from them? Is the installer specifying the needed drivers for the machine its installed on I wonder? I clicked on the Wubi.exe thing (GREAT name!) and fumbled around til it installed on another hard drive. I've always found burning discs such a royal pain so when you can avoid that chore it is wonderful. But for some reason my password isn't being recognized. This has happened with 2 installs. I'm forgetful but not that forgetful. I'm curious enough to try it again just to see if it happens again.

USAFRet · Mar 19, 2014

Can one not just download the files and boot from them?

No. You need to burn the ISO as a boot DVD, and install from that.
If burning a disk is too much, then maybe Linux isn't for you.

Operating System installation, be it Windows, Linux, or Mac...is far more than just copying files over.

tom2u · Mar 19, 2014

> Wubi is a way to install Ubuntu (Linux) from within a Windows environment.

I should add that Wubi did enable me to install it on a different hard drive. Took awhile but it seems to be fine. It seems that most people imply that its only for installing along with Windows. I did that before and it worked fine but when I move on from XP I want Linux to be independent of it for obvious reasons.

tom2u · Mar 19, 2014

> If you are using an older computer, you should start with the most lightweight, eg Mint XFCE or LXDE, and stay away from KDE and Cinnamon.

CPU is a Core 2 Duo e4300 1.8ghz with 2gb 800mhz DDR-2 ram. Guess the CPU is the weakest link. This can be upgraded soon though. Would this be classified as a computer so old that I should use a less resource demanding OS? My next should be a 1155 board with a G520 (2.5ghz?) dual core CPU with 4gb 1600mhz ram. I'd like to use 64bit if possible unless there are downsides to that. Backwards compatibility?

Spectre694 · Mar 19, 2014

tom2u :

64bit is fine on both Core 2 definitely XFCE the 1155 might be able to get away with Cinnamon. Backwards compatibility with what though?

tom2u · Mar 20, 2014

I meant if you have files created on a 32bit system are they always readable on a 64bit system? I'm guessing yes but not sure.
Regarding Cinammon? Does it have more features so it needs more power? Like what features do most people want in it? Of course Win7 requires more resources than XP so it stands to reason Linux would be similar.

USAFRet · Mar 20, 2014

The 'files' don't matter. A txt file created with Windows 95 is still completely readable with Windows 8. Or a 64bit Linux install.

Aristotelian · Mar 20, 2014

Cinnamon has more features such as taskbar and desktop applets, special effects, etc. In general I have had more problems with system freezes and such compared to XFCE. To me XFCE is the perfect balance between features and simplicity. That said, there is a lively debate within the community over which is in fact the most lightweight and the best thing to do is try for yourself. The good thing about Linux is that it is easy to do, just burn a few USB sticks and try them out before you decide. You can even install multiple desktops or distributions.

nss000 · Mar 20, 2014

Mixing Windows and Linux -- as you are -- and expecting instant results ensures the hand is a lusr. AA-88 ! You know what happened then.

Prepare for a hike, not a stroll. To play-for-the-win prepare separate Linux hardware and follow the UBUNTU site advice on downloading, burning, installing and configuring your new UBUNTU 12.04 OS. Get a (slim) manual on the Linux Bash-shell. You have a long walk; enjoy the scenery.

tom2u :

spankmon · Mar 20, 2014

Because you already have Ubuntu installed, spend some time with it and learn the basics for comfortable usage and customization. Then you'll be prepared to better evaluate other desktop environments or distros according to your desires.

Edir · Mar 25, 2014

As many people have already said, Linux Mint is similar to windows in some ways.
If you are still, unsure, try this:
http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

Personally, I think Ubuntu is the best and easiest to use. But that's a matter of opinion.

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Best distro for an XP user?

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