Linux for a friend

[jimi_hendrix]

If you had a friend who knows nothing about linux but wants to get started, what distro would you set them up with (i am in this situation right now)?

Assume the person has average computer skills

[Christmas]

i'd recommend kubuntu but it's too buggy in my opinion. eventually ubuntu or kubuntu intrepid ibex when it'll be out. debian with kde might also be an option.

[pieisgood4589]

I'd vouch for Xubuntu, but only because Linux Mint has a very faulty upgrade tool. It often breaks the system when upgrading versions, which is dis-proved by the Linux Mint guys themselves. Also, the community editions (Fluxbox, XFCE, etc.) are always many months later than the standard GNOME edition, and buggy as well.

XUBUNTU FTW. :)

[LaRoza]

If you had a friend who knows nothing about linux but wants to get started, what distro would you set them up with (i am in this situation right now)?

Assume the person has average computer skills

If I could provide support and set it up, Ubuntu.

PCLinuxOS also is pretty good.

[aysiu]

I'd recommend Ubuntu, because I am most familiar with it and can be available to help troubleshoot Ubuntu-specific problems.

[SuperSonic4]

Ubuntu, it is the most documented: look at how active and large these forums are.

As a second choice: Mandriva is a good choice if he is ok with computers because it looks good :p and has a better kde than kubuntu

[Jim!]

Ubuntu. Because It is the Linux distro I am most familiar with so helping them set it up and get started would be a snap! (hopefully).

[cardinals_fan]

Xubuntu or Mandriva.

[smartboyathome]

I'd recommend Ubuntu, because I am most familiar with it and can be available to help troubleshoot Ubuntu-specific problems.

Same, except I would replace Ubuntu with *buntu, since I got a pretty good amount of knowledge for each of them (except Kubuntu where it is a little lacking).

[jimi_hendrix]

thanks all this was pretty helpful...i guess ill try ubuntu and if the install doesnt work the PClinux

[jgrabham]

But, distros like Ubuntu don't really teach you... try Arch or Slackware - that'll teach them a lot XD


For minimal config work - use Mint.

[ddarsow]

Ubuntu is, by far, the most popular and talked about distro. As such, it has very good support and is an excellent choice for noobs. I would suggest helping them set it up, but ubuntu for sure.

[jimi_hendrix]

Ubuntu is, by far, the most popular and talked about distro. As such, it has very good support and is an excellent choice for noobs. I would suggest helping them set it up, but ubuntu for sure.

i was going to do the install for them...he has a semi old mac will xubuntu still run well on that?

[danbuter]

Linux Mint. Then I wouldn't have to waste a couple hours installing stuff that should be in Ubuntu already.

[earthpigg]

Linux Mint. Then I wouldn't have to waste a couple hours installing stuff that should be in Ubuntu already.

"should" is a very flexible term. you are assuming that both Mint and Ubuntu have the same priorities.

for ubuntu,

Legality > Freedom/Philosophy > Ease of Use for a Noob > All

for mint,

Probable Legality > Ease of Use for a Noob > All

(read ">" as "is more important than")

[Jim!]

Only 30 people have voted in this poll, I guess not to many people recommend Linux.

[LaRoza]

Only 30 people have voted in this poll, I guess not to many people recommend Linux.

It isn't very interesting. It is Ubuntu or other. People don't feel enthused about voting for "other".

[Jim!]

It isn't very interesting. It is Ubuntu or other. People don't feel enthused about voting for "other".

But it's all that's necessary. Unless the majority of users on this site are little kids I don't think it would need to be interesting to make a selection and click "vote". Then again I could be wrong :D

Maybe the OP should add the option "I don't recommend Linux"?
(Just a suggestion)

[jimi_hendrix]

It isn't very interesting. It is Ubuntu or other. People don't feel enthused about voting for "other".

well i couldnt think of many beginner friendly distros off the top of my head since ive only used ubuntu

[LaRoza]

But it's all that's necessary. Unless the majority of users on this site are little kids I don't think it would need to be interesting to make a selection and click "vote". Then again I could be wrong :D


No, humans. Little kids have nothing to do with it. It is an Ubuntu, or anything else poll on an Ubuntu forum.

If it had other distros listed, it would bring up discussion on the various distros, but none are. Basically, it is asking "Do you like Ubuntu", and really not worth voting for.



well i couldnt think of many beginner friendly distros off the top of my head since ive only used ubuntu

In that case, I don't recommend you experiment with other people's computers ;)

[Jim!]

No, humans. Little kids have nothing to do with it. It is an Ubuntu, or anything else poll on an Ubuntu forum.

If it had other distros listed, it would bring up discussion on the various distros, but none are. Basically, it is asking "Do you like Ubuntu", and really not worth voting for.

My bad, I forgot what the original OP asked. For some reason I remembered the question as something like "Do you recommend Linux or Ubuntu to other people?"

@OP, How long have you been using Ubuntu for anyway?

[Keyper7]

If the friend does not want any help, but wants an easy distro, probably LinuxMint.

If the friend does not want any help, but wants to learn, perhaps ArchLinux.

If the friend wants help, whatever I'm more familiarized with, which would be Ubuntu.

[ODF]

As a non ubuntu user I just can't recommend Arch or Gentoo. I think ubuntu is just awesome for the new linux user. The community is great ... It is really a nice distribution and aptitude isn't a bad manager =)

[ODF]

Only 30 people have voted in this poll, I guess not to many people recommend Linux.

I dont recommend linux, I think you just can't force someone to use an os like that.

[EnGorDiaz]

Ubuntu, it is the most documented: look at how active and large these forums are.

As a second choice: Mandriva is a good choice if he is ok with computers because it looks good :p and has a better kde than kubuntu

mandriva looks good ha you are hilarious

[cardinals_fan]

mandriva looks good ha you are hilarious
Everyone has their own opinions about looks.