Linux noob in need of advise on which distro to choose. (as well as several other questions)

Operating Systems & Open Source Linux
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So, after several months of waffling, I have decided to make a serious effort to get into Linux. To start with, I am in need of advise on which distro to choose. I'm looking for one that is extremely user friendly, has a reasonably large userbase, and has a support community that will not spew jargon when you ask for help with an issue.   I have looked at several, including Linux lite, PCLINUXOS, Debian, and Zorin. So far, I have been leaning towards Zorin 6, but my decision is not set in stone. I would appreciate any information any Linux vets viewing this could provide about the advantages and disadvantages of the distros I have listed, as well as any distros I have not listed that you recommend for a new user.

 My next question is about what to do once I have my OS installed. Will there be any settings that I should change to improve performance? How difficult will obtaining drivers be, and how should I go about obtaining them? What about non open source software like flash and Java?

Judging by what Linux users have to say, It would seem like the terminal is a digital wonder. Why is it so great, and what is the best way to become educated in it's use?

Lastly, what Linux compatible software would you consider to be essential or exceptional? It can be open or closed source, I'm not a pureist. Also, what windows software, games in particular works well in Wine and Play on Linux?

Any other tips and/or tricks for a new Linux user would also be appericated.

 

 

2

Grab a good half dozen or so, thats what I did. All it will cost you is time. downloads and a few usb sticks/dvds. There are pros and cons of all distros. I really like debian but thats just me, others prefer the look and feel of ubuntu (i kinda like this distro as well), if its a really old system then something like lubuntu is good imho.

amd/nvidia drivers are readily available for linux, other drivers can be sometimes a hassle but lately (in the last 18months or so) a lot more stuff is supported. 

3

First of all, Ubuntu is Debian based.

AMD and Nvidia drivers are available, but a pain in the ass to install a stable version of. I have gone through so many versions of Nvidia drivers on my Fedora installation to get a stable one, and I'm still searching.

4

I used to like Ubuntu, not so much anymore although most of my time is nowadays spent in terminal which makes the rest of the distro almost redundant.

I passed a friend of mine onto Mint a month or two back and he's made it his new home pc. Not bad for a person moving to Linux from Windows as it shares a lot of the same interface ideas and shortcut keys while giving you a Debian based distro.

Just my 2c

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5

I recommend Zorin OS, Ubuntu and Fedora for people who are new to linux. Great to see another fellow Linux user, I promise you won't regret your move to linux.

6

Thanks for the info, anyone have answers for my last two questions?

 

7

I used to like Ubuntu but then went trying Mint Linux I havent gone back. Mint Linux has a lot of things installed with it such as codecs which can save a lot of pain compared to some distros.

 

8

I tried mint, didn't really care for it, can't really put my finger on why.

9

Just try around with linux your only worry is bandwith. You could just search up about some download them and just test around to find one you like.

10

I use Zorin 7 (Ubuntu 13.04 based), it's a little buggy or I'm just trying to do things the old fashioned Windows way (and failing.), but overall a great OS.

I also hear great things about Mint, another Debian-Ubuntu based distro.

11

Manjaro xfce is probably the best one for gaming. Comes with steam pre-installed.

12

Thanks for the info about distros, does anyone have answers for my other questions?

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bump

14

Zorin, Mint and Ubuntu was already suggested, so i'll throw another one.

My advice for a user friendly distro: Xubuntu, fast as s*it, easy to use.


An extremely user friendly distro, has a large user base and a great support community (for example  the ubuntuforums). 
Xubuntu is a lightweight version of Ubuntu, and uses the familiar layout from windows (less eye-candy tho).

You can easily modify the layout of the operating system in each distro.

Next question:

Only thing to change when you have your operating system installed is to indeed install appropriate drivers; this can simply be done by pretty much (depending on distro) going to system settings > install drivers (smooth eh?). Your system will take care of the rest. Yes Nvidia has some minor issues depending on your build (for example the whole screen being blue), but nothing Google couldn't help you with, believe it or not, many linux users use the same components as you.

Third question: Terminal.


You might also say that the Windows command promt is a digital wonder. 
Yes you can control everything from within it but you don't need to use it, there are easier ways, and 8 times out of 10 linux, or more specifically Ubuntu and it's "sub distros" are easier to use than Windows 
(my mom, 60, prefers Ubuntu over Windows 7). However if you want to learn the basics, https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UsingTheTerminal is a good place to start.

Fourth question: Essential software.


Personally the only thing i installed on my (Ubuntu) machine is Chrome (I prefer Chrome over Firefox) and Spotify (I stream my music). Everything else comes out of the box, like office software, drivers, etc.
The operating system comes with a Software Center which includes thousands of apps and programs which only needs a click and a password to install, so surely you can find something that suits your needs, including steam, java and flash if you so desire.
The Software Center includes also a few Windows emulators, with which you can run some older .exe games and programs just fine. The only games I played on linux was Oblivion, Civilization 3 and Red Alert 2 & 3.

But if you're a hardcore gamer, stick to Windows.

 

http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/  ;)

15

^ (http://www.whylinuxisbetter.net/) Nice site, it explains why Linux is better than Windows very effectively, good find.

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Thanks for the info.

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I don't use precompiled distributions. I prefer gentoo and I compile my own to the purpose the computer serves. It's much faster and more reliable in the end imo.

18

erm, in case you missed it, I'm totally new to Linux, I have no Idea what you are talking about.

19

It was very easy for me on xubuntu (yeah I know lol nubuntu, I don't care it has a ton of support and just works)

I just downloaded the latest driver from Nvidias website, killed the x server, and launched the driver .run file from a tty and went throught the install wizard.

20

OP I have used everything from Ubuntu to Gentoo and various other Unix/Unix Like Operating systems and I think am safe to say that either Xubuntu or OpenSuse is a very good starting place for new users.