I am ready to make the switch to linux and never look back. Having tried a few distros I was wondering what you all have been using and for how long?
ubuntu
linuxmint
fedora
debian
pclinux
opensuse
other?
I am leaning towards debian or mint. Found the new ubuntu very easy to use but didn't like unity. Haven't tried a kde yet but not counting it out. Needs to run on a lot of different hardware although I was able to load the new ubuntu on some ancient hardware with unity off. Long time support is a must.
Like i said I just want to know what you all use and for how long? Or maybe where i should begin even if it isn't what you use.
I recently started using Linux as well, so I'm on Ubuntu. From what I've heard, it's the easiest package to start with Linux mainly because of the tools included in it to help you install programs and games (like Steam and Steam games).
I use Xubuntu, I am starting to dislike gnome and XFCE is a great desktop environment.
For my servers I use debian. Its extremely stable and a lot more up to date then cent os. Debian is great. I use a super small template on my vps and it only takes up 40MB-70MB of ram. :)
I use Ubuntu myself. It's simple and practical. Just switch to gnome as soon as you install it and don't bother with Unity. I am quite hyped about the new 11.10 Oneiric Ocelot and want to see how the changes affect it. I also used OpenSuse and I liked it a lot but they still have to solve some small issues. Debian was the first distro I ever used. I really like it but I would rather use it for servers than for workstations.
Never heard of cent os before but will check into it.
XFCE just means it is stripped down correct? To run more efficient. Not that it doesn't act different as well.
Not sure what a super small template means but I will google it.
Thanks everyone for responding. Hope to here more about what people are running.
XFCE is just the desktop environment. It doesn't affect the functionality of the OS itself. It's just very light weight, doesn't have much eye candy, etc.
Nowadays I personally use Arch mainly on desktops, and I'm really starting to enjoy OpenSuse.
if your just getting started with linux, go with mint... it has everything there for you (similar to ubuntu) but it also has the non open source / proprietary packages that u need.... my parents use it, and i carry it arround as one of my bootable distros.
Thanks, but what would these non open source things be that the others don't have but I will need? Just curious what the others do not have that is a need.
Thanks, but what would these non open source things be that the others don't have but I will need? Just curious what the others do not have that is a need.
Most of the time it is propietary codecs and things like flash. You can get them from Ubuntu's repositories too.
things like flash, codecs, posibly silverlight, and other things like that. the only pro about mint is that it come pre installed with a lot of the stuff you would have to download for ubuntu.
Thanks for clearing that up. I didn't have much trouble getting those things with the few versions I have tried but that is nice to know.
Was hoping to get on this linux stuff today but decided to do a complete tear down of my main unit for cleaning and upgrades instead. With that out of they way I am clear to get started.
Side note: I am now convinced that good heatsinks and case fans are crucial. My temps went down dramatically with these simple upgrades.
Thanks for clearing that up. I didn't have much trouble getting those things with the few versions I have tried but that is nice to know.
Was hoping to get on this linux stuff today but decided to do a complete tear down of my main unit for cleaning and upgrades instead. With that out of they way I am clear to get started.
Side note: I am now convinced that good heatsinks and case fans are crucial. My temps went down dramatically with these simple upgrades.
Okay, back to linux.lol
keep windows for now... the best part about linux is that no matter what distro you get, you can drastically change the layout and look.... but some of that is a but complex for a new user to a linux distro.... get YUMI and download some .iso's
put them on a flashdrive and try them out.... find one that is comfortable for YOU to use and then use that.
just saying, jumping into linux from windows without at least trying it is a bit foolish.
im doing the same thing though.... im mainly using linux now at school and on my laptop.... the only reason i still have windows on my main rig is because my certification training requires silver light, and moonlight (the linux equivalent) does not work correctly. i find this especialy funny considering hey teach the compTIA linux+.... oh well....
I hear what you are saying Ztrain but sometimes the best way I learn is to force myself into it. Not sure what YUMI is but will google it. I was going to start today again but got caught up with an emergency.
I guess Linuxmint-debian is the way to go so I will dive into that on one computer and see how it goes. I don't expect to many snags until it comes to peripherals. Like printer and such, as I am not even sure where to start with that stuff but that is where google come in.lol
I already have many of the popular distros on disc that I burned this week but now that Ubuntu updated I guess that one is old now.lol
Linux has come a long way. Five years ago I was completely lost but Ubuntu now seemed like windows. Very easy to use for the basics. Hope Mint is the same way and have no reason to doubt based on your referral.
Not sure why I have a soft spot for Debian. Maybe it is the cool logo?lol
Just need to retrain myself to the new software that I will need. Finding equivalents to the windows software I use often. Learning how to customize the UI to my liking. Learning more about ext instead of NTSF or Fat32 and learning some basic line codes. Been reading up on those a lot this week in my spare time although on the Ubuntu I have been playing around on everything was just clicks.
Really excited about this as I have wanted to shed windows for a long time and I will never touch the Fruit company.
Maybe when I get all set up you can give me some suggestions for programs I will want?
Worst part so far is I keep looking for the X out button on the right corner.lol Keeps pissing me off.lol
Will keep you all posted in the coming weeks and thanks to everyone who wrote in