Web Hosting Talk : Other Forums : Computers and Peripherals : what linux is the best linux?

[VZ2ANJohnson]

I am new (sort of) to linux and I need to know what distro is good?

by good I meen what distro has a stuff load of packages, runs kde 3.5.x, has support for gnome, has a messload of driver support and is easy to install and use on a day to day basis... something you coulod give auntie irene and she'd know how to use it with only a few hours of training not a two week training course

[SirMarcel]

there can be only one answer: ubuntu

[praveenkv1988]

If you are coming from windows, ubuntu would be best for you.

[VZ2ANJohnson]

Good idea,

Only one problem... it does not have all that software and drivers on the installation media, they all have to be downloaded and installed post-install. if there is a solution of ubuntu that is ready made with all one could possibly ever want/need in a distro (video card support, wificard support, a messload of software (900+ packages that can be selected at installtime or post-install from the cd/dvd set (symilar to redhat/debian just in a gui)))

[VZ2ANJohnson]

the users I am planning to target are coming from mixed backgrounds banging from my grandmother (little to no computer administration experience) my aunt(has both a mac and a PC (windows xp)) and my friends (some of them a lot more geekier than I am(

[lynxus]

There is no "best" linux.

There is however a linux distro most "suitable" for you.

Note:
Almost all Audio/Display/Network etc drivers are available on the install media ( get the DVD installer )
Ive NEVER! had to download drivers to get something to work with Fedora or Ubuntu..
Granted you can download "better" drivers, But the stuff on the DVD should just work.

For General use for your auntie on her laptop / pc, id suggest:
Ubuntu
Fedora ( This and the below two are nice, But might not be "so" user friendly They do contain the normal stuff however, Firefox etc etc)
LinuxMINT
SUSE

Server use:
Redhat
Centos
Fedora
( in that order )

Educational:
Edbuntu

Music/Studio:
UnbuntuStudio

Hacker/Security:
http://wirelessdefence.org/Contents/...htm#Anonym.OS:

Ub3r1337:
Gentoo
Arch
(buildyourown)

List goes on and on.

[SirMarcel]

of course you can download 9 DVDs full of stuff, but what's the point?

[VZ2ANJohnson]

Thanks ALL for your help!! I'll check into all of your suggestions!

[bastones]

Ubuntu has accelerated in driver compatibility over recent years and if out of the box certain components such as the graphics card aren't fully supported, there are often proprietary drivers from the manufacturer available in 'Additional Drivers' (requires an Internet connection though, as many proprietary drivers are downloaded and aren't included with the downloaded Ubuntu image).

I haven't really tried other Linux distros as much and even so, I always go back to Ubuntu for proper use because of it's compatibility and ease of use.

[craig joe]

linux still need for the additional driver too ? just like windows ?

hence, i just knew it, since i run linux only on my vm(es) environment.

[bastones]

Originally Posted by craig joe

linux still need for the additional driver too ? just like windows ?

hence, i just knew it, since i run linux only on my vm(es) environment.

Well a lot of the times there may be open source alternatives to the proprietary drivers but the proprietary drivers work best or are just more convenient. For example, there is the open source "nouveau" NVIDIA drivers for Ubuntu but the open source NVIDIA drivers don't currently support 3D acceleration right now in comparison to NVIDIA's official drivers which can be installed via Additional Drivers.

[hekwu]

Originally Posted by VZ2ANJohnson

I am new (sort of) to linux and I need to know what distro is good?

by good I meen what distro has a stuff load of packages, runs kde 3.5.x, has support for gnome, has a messload of driver support and is easy to install and use on a day to day basis... something you coulod give auntie irene and she'd know how to use it with only a few hours of training not a two week training course

Ubuntu... just make sure she knows what she is getting.

I setup a couple of people on ubuntu over the years, and every now and again, I'll get a call about why they can't install X printer or can't install X software.

Some might be happier with finding that $100 for a MS license. lol

Either way, Ubuntu will do what you need... it is a good OS. I use it in my virtual machines.

[adwisatya]

i think backtrack is i had tried ever

[henault]

According to my point, if you know that how to use and have all information about Linux. It is best decision otherwise you are wrong.

[Doran]

I prefer Centos