Linux Mint For Newbies?

[Johnsie]

Hiya, I've been reading that Linux mint comes with all the "dirty" codecs and plugins. Is it good for people who are new to Linux or would Ubuntu be better? I assume that most people are going to want to play media that uses the dirty codecs anyway. I guess what I'm asking is how does Linux mint compare to Ubuntu proper?

Sensible/nice discussion only please :-)

[MetalMusicAddict]

I would say take the time to learn something. I think too many people want things handed to them. Theres a difference between easy and lazy.

[Johnsie]

I took the time but unfortunately a lot of people I work for dont want to learn, they just want it handed to them on a plate. I think I'll just evaluate this derivative myself and see if it meets the needs of my clients.

[d3v1ant_0n3]

From what I know about Mint (admittedly not too much, I've not tried it), it's basically Ubuntu Edgy with bells and whistles pre-installed. While this will make initial setup that much easier and faster, in terms of long term use, Surely it will still fare similarly to Ubuntu? I.e the knowledge of linux will still be required for day to day use?

[RAV TUX]

moving to Debian (and derivatives) forumhttp://img357.imageshack.us/img357/5856/sharkattackjw0.gif (http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/5856/sharkattackjw0.gif)

[lyceum]

I would say no, as it gets/keeps them hooked on things they can learn to do without. For my clients I give them what I legally can and an Ubuntu disk. I let them know how I set it up and explain that the disk is not set up the same way and why. I will be happier when FF comes out, but until then, I want people to understand FOSS and let them make a choice. Easy leads to lazy. I might be a fanatic though :mrgreen:

[xabbott]

Not everyone cares about FOSS or learning about Linux. If you just want a disc you can give someone without time to help them. I would say Mint is better. I haven't used it but I know it's Edgy+codecs.

[lyceum]

Not everyone cares about FOSS or learning about Linux. If you just want a disc you can give someone without time to help them. I would say Mint is better. I haven't used it but I know it's Edgy+codecs.

I agree with your statment, and at the same time, if they are dependant on things they want to use more and more MS and get upset when they can't. Freedom is about choise, and everyone should choose FOSS or non, but they will not stay if they find that some programs work and others do not. They need to be mre aware and find ones that do, and they may not if they are still dependant on MS.

[rfruth]

I used (use) Ubuntu for the last year, been using Mint (Bea) for a few days, and yea with Mint you get the dirty stuff if you want it or not - sad but true people like to pop in a DVD and have it play ... http://lt.k1011.nutime.de/about.html