Selecting a Linux Op System

I finally want to make the switch over to Linux how do I select the right version for me ?

 

LiveCDs are a good way to start as there is no installation to fool around with. It's been recommended by Adrynalyne, MG's resident Linux geek, that PCLinuxOS is a good starter for people who want to have the least amount of pain moving from Windows. I have Kubuntu installed but I'm just starting to learn so I can't really help you much except that it's working nicely with all my peripherals.

 

ive seen some website that compare different linux versions, a search for "which linux best for me" should pull several up. Wikipedia has a guide as well, but it's pretty technical.

I personally use ubuntu.

-gimpster

 

This link might help.

http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/

 

I use PCLinuxOS and dual boot it with XP. Also considered openSuze and kubuntu after trying dozens of distros. It was more comfortable with the KDE desktop after using Windows all these years. It still needs some polishing but PCLinuxOS was my final choice.

 

uh its opensuse.org not suze

 

i like ubuntu http://ubuntu.com

 

ubuntu is fantastic!!!!, but I prefer the lean and mean variant, X-ubuntu!

 

Thanks for the advice I think I would definately be interested in doing a dull boot system. Got any good articles on how to achieve this ? I run XP right now.

Thanks for your help

 

Find a distro you like. Then finding an article to do what you will is cake. Distros tend to vary in how they install.

 

this should help you. http://apcmag.com/6101/dualboot_windows_xp_and_ubuntu
I do it on my old pc and it works great. I use the partitioner thats bult into the Ubuntu setup and not GT Partitioner. Do it that way. I think thats the best way to do it.

 

What if he doesnt use Ubuntu?

 

I've tried Kubuntu, Fedora, OpenSuse, Mandriva, but the one i prefer is OpenSuse with the KDE GUI, cause there are many options and tool that help

 

Here a really dual boot how-to right from this site.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=108021

 

I second that PCLINUXOS 2007 is pretty good everything is done in similar vain to windows so not too much of a learning curb.

Less time installing codecs than ubuntu because of licensing but they are other versions like linux mint which is pre configured ubuntu with codecs but not sure if the project is still going as this was a few years back. Also depending on your specs xbuntu might be more appropiate, dsl Damn small linux is also good I use this more as rescue cd though.

Though popular distros maybe easier to get support on as ubuntu forums are quite helpful.

Most if not all distros, are live cds which have install options.

 

Not even close to most.

Some distros have liveCDs. Many dont even have a gui installation method.