Best Linux for a computer novice...

[Adegan19]

Just out of curiosity, what does everyone think is the best version of linux for a complete computer novice. I haven't tried too many, but so far Linspire seems nice, mostly due to the Clink N Run service, making installing applications much easier for a novice. I'm sure I am way off here, so anyone know of any other nice ones, if any?

 

[beer]

Can you elabote on how 'novice' you are? Novice to OSes in general, or experieced in Windows, and just not in *nix?

 

[Kartajan]

Same Question- this is for family members who can barely turn on the stinkin' computer. This would be a Web/ EMail/ Open office type of box with minimal hardware.

 

[spherrod]

I'm a big fan of Ubuntu - have set several friends and family members up with it as a Web/EMail/Office machine and they've been very happy with it

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Ubuntu for the win!

 

[Henny]

Originally posted by: Adegan19
Just out of curiosity, what does everyone think is the best version of linux for a complete computer novice. I haven't tried too many, but so far Linspire seems nice, mostly due to the Clink N Run service, making installing applications much easier for a novice. I'm sure I am way off here, so anyone know of any other nice ones, if any?

Xandros

 

[Geiser34]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
Ubuntu for the win!

:thumbsup:

 

[xtknight]

Ubuntu 6.06 i386

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Ubuntu 6.06 i386

Agreed.

 

[hans030390]

If you are OK with Windows, and you like to install your own software (don't just use what it comes with), I would look into a Linux distro based around Gentoo. I found using portage to be easy after a while.

But Ubuntu is great for just email/web/etc.

 

[drag]

Ya.. Just make sure that you have everyhting they need running right away.

Java, flash, and that sort of thing. End users tend to get pissy if you show then something new and it doesn't work perfectly the first time they try it.

 

[SleepWalkerX]

Please get anything but Linspire. Even if they changed it, the fact that they dropped regular users in a root account by default pisses me off.

If you want to get linux, but want it to be easy as possible for a transition from the Windows world to the Linux world and you're willing to pay for it, take a look at Xandros. This has got to be the most windows-ish linux distro I've seen (although Linspire looks very similar to Windows too). If you're still willing to spend money, want the distro to be as easy to use as possible, but would rather have it look more like linux distros than windows then wait until SLED 10 comes out. SLED is Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop and its sweet! Novell has spent a crap load of time trying to make it as easy to use as possible. When it releases, its going to be just $50. You can beta test it for free now or just try out its free version (just regular Suse linux listed below), but I'm definantly going to buy it when it comes out. Another worthwhile mention as we're referring to pay-for distros is Mepis although they try to do a subscription thing more than a pay for it once thing even though they have that.

If you would rather have a free linux distribution. then there are still plenty of free and easy to use ones out there. Ubuntu and its derivatives (Xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc), Suse, Fedora, and plenty others. In fact, go ahead and try out Ubuntu. Its free and you'll have an easy experience because the community forum is huge and extremely helpful. And you can just play around in the livecd until you feel ready to install if you're not sure if you even want a linux distro.