I am ready to try a linux distro as a dual boot on my main pc, on a separate hdd. I am coming from a 32 bit Win XP, but, am completely capable of 64 bit. I am looking for advice on which distro, or distros, might be easiest for me to get my start in? If you are going to tell me a name of a distro, please take the time to explain why it might be best for me. I'll be using this system mostly for gaming in the beginning, adapting later on.
Thank you in advance.
Whoa! Microsoft doesn't Windows XP since April 8, 2014 that includes security updates. I advice you to, first upgrade windows to at least windows 7 or windows 10.
What are the specs of your system?
I do know that win xp is no longer supported, but, at 120 plus dollars, an upgrade to my os hasn't been feasable yet. I am however in the market for a distro of Linux. What do you need to know for specs?
Anything you can provide really.
intel core 2 duo e7500
4gb ddr2 ram
radeon r9 280 gpu
This is an old Dell machine i bought new, and, have updated very little. I replaced the old e4500 cpu for the e7500. The r9 280 is a recent addition, and, its got a new evga 500w psu.
Ok. Nothing to say then, no compatibility issues.
As for the distro to use, since you're new to Linux, I'd suggest a Debian based distro, like Ubuntu or Linux Mint. Or straight Debian.
They come with different desktop enviroments. That comes down to personal preference.
The default DE (Desktop Enviroment) for Ubuntu is Unity, but the distro is also available with KDE (Kubuntu), XFCE (Xubuntu), Mate (ubuntu-mate), LXDE (Lubuntu) and many more. But even if you choose, let's say Ubuntu with unity, you can install a different desktop env. and choose which one to use at the login screen.
Linux mint (non Debian Edition) is available with Cinnamon or Mate.
That's a lot of options. I did download an Ubuntu, but, I'm not sure what one. I'll have to check before I install. For an easy experience to start, but, the ability to get deeper into how it all works on an ongoing basis, while being able to game, would unity be good, for someone who's experience has been limited pretty much to windows, or perhaps one of the other desktop environments.
I would go with Xubuntu, and install KDE as your GUI. And once you've installed the open-source AMD drivers you should be good to go.
EDIT: human error
For you I Would suggest Mint 17.2 with Mate. Mate is a great environment and light enough for your old laptop. Plus very close to the XP style. Mint has a few nice features that are great for new users (update manager for example) and almost everyhting works out-of-the-box.
@Dynamic_Gravity You mean KDE I guess. KDE is great but a bit heavier than others. Not so sure that is it a good idea for such an old system.
fixed it :P
As sad as it may seem, this isn't a laptop. I know, most laptops now are better, but, I dislike them just the same. I am planning a new PC build, but, budget constraints mean it won't be for a little while yet.
Actually it makes sense...I missed the part where you said that you upgraded your GPU....Still my suggestion stands.
How well does it work with gaming? I know it won't work with all of my games, or, I should say I don't think it will, but, is it compatible with the Linux games available on steam, for example.
Yes it is. Since Mint is based on Ubuntu, it will perform pretty much like Ubuntu.
That cpu is a definite bottleneck in that system. I would recommend upgrading mobo cpu and and ram. Right now a lot of this stuff is selling really cheaply used, and it could improve your system by a long shot - for literally next to nothing..
With regards to Linux distro I would recommend ubuntu 14.04, which is my daily driver.
The whole system from the CPU, the mobo, the ram, are all choke points on this system. At this point, I can't afford a 120 plus dollar OS, so, purchasing 400 dollars worth of used parts is also an issue. That being said, why do you recommend Ubuntu 14.04 as opposed to the other offerings? What advantages does it provide me, someone completely new to anything other than a windows OS, and a gamer?
All linux distro's will give you problems as a gamer. I would recommend Ubuntu 15.04, but I've had so many bugs on the machine I'm running this version on - so probably downgrading that to 14.04 to line up with my other machines, therefore I recommend 14.04. I recommend Ubuntu because it has the largest community, and finding solutions for ubuntu specific problems is really easy.
OPENSUSE KDE!!!! Nuff said
I disagree. I'm looking for why it's the one I should use. Can you provide that information? @Zippy_Parmesian
Would you recommend any of the de's or gui's? @techwwizard4000
@societies_end i run gnome 3 I really enjoy this especially the great multi desktop functionality and the very tidy workspace. I find that my productivity is best on Linux, I want to support open source and honest products + I program a lot of java applications and they run faster on a virtualbox Ubuntu machine than a full installation of windows 8.1. Imagine what Linux could be if we had better driver support