new to linux

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snowman

30 posts

Geek

#28932 16-Dec-2008 17:12

I am new to linux... haven't installed yet but want to. At the moment I'm a little bit boggled by all the different versions of linux there are. What I want is basically to be able to completely customize my desktop/windows/the whole feel of the GUI. What do you reckon the best version would be for me? FYI the computer I want to use is running Windows server 2003 (for now), has 300(ish)mb RAM and a 1.7Ghz processorany suggestions are welcome.

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#184590 16-Dec-2008 17:39

As you are New to Linux I recomened you try ubuntu as it is one of the most popular version of debian (linux) and support is just a google search away

zocster

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#184601 16-Dec-2008 18:05

+1 for ubuntu latest is definitely great, I am looking at nuking my laptop with it later this holidays.

foobar

186 posts

Master Geek

#184627 16-Dec-2008 20:15

I would also recommend Ubuntu. Please note that 256 MB of RAM is the minimum and that you will need 384 MB of RAM to use the Live CD based installer. From the description of your hardware it appears as if you have only 300 MB. Thus, you might have to use the alternate installer if you want to use the standard Ubuntu.

There is also xubuntu, for which 300 MB is more than enough. It is also Ubuntu, but uses a different, less resource hungry windows manager. So the look and feel of the GUI is somewhat different. It's probably very good, but I haven't tried it personally.

Ubuntu's two main versions, however, are 'Ubuntu' and 'Kubuntu'. The former uses the 'Gnome desktop', the latter the 'KDE desktop'. Again, you get a different look and feel in each case, and a slightly different set of some of the standard tools. Which one of those two desktop environments is 'better' is purely a matter of taste. The Gnome-based 'Ubuntu' is where the main development for Ubuntu takes place, so it probably currently boasts the best integration and fit and finish. Either way, it is still Ubuntu under the hood, it's just the desktop/GUI that is different.

To enjoy a full featured desktop, such as Gnome or KDE, you probably want to have more than 300 MB of RAM. I use 2 GB in my laptop, but even 1 GB should probably be fine, and even 512 MB will allow you to run it reasonably well. If you can't upgrade your RAM, though, I would recommend xubuntu instead.

The blog: foobar on computers, software and the rest of the world: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/foobar

FredDag

206 posts

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Inactive user

#184635 16-Dec-2008 21:02

yeah Ubuntu.. I have never installed or used it having jumped into Fedora,, fedora is RedHat..
If your computer friendly, i.e. tech' level in another OS, then try Fedora.

Fred

Karameadave

15 posts

Geek

#184640 16-Dec-2008 21:20

I too would recommend Xubuntu or PClinuxos which I have found to run well with 256MB of ram
or perhaps one of the many Puppy Linux 'puplets'
What ever you choose however, Welcome to the wonderful world of Linux

foobar

186 posts

Master Geek

#184662 17-Dec-2008 00:00

A very important consideration in your choice of GNU/Linux distro - especially if you are new to it - is how much support and help you can get for it. This is exactly where Ubuntu shines the most: For some time now Ubuntu has been the most popular Linux distro. It gets the most press, most downloads and installs. The Ubuntu developers have focused on building a supportive community, as well as an easy-to-use operating system and desktop environment. It is not perfect, but it is actually really good.

Because it is so popular you will have a much easier time finding 'howtos', walkthrough, solutions, etc. on the Internet for Ubuntu than for other distros. Usually, if there is an issue or error message or some such thing, it suffices to just google for "<error message> ubuntu" and you will find tips and tricks on how to solve it.

I'm not saying that other GNU/Linux distros are bad. Fedora, PCLinux, PuppyLinux and others have their advantages and good points. No doubt about that. And as I said, Ubuntu is not the be-all and end-all of GNU/Linux distros. But it is a good, user-friendly allround Desktop Linux distro where most things tend to just work out of the box. And if you are new to Linux and think you might need some help here and there, going with the most popular distro (Ubuntu) will make it much easier for you to get the help you seek.

BTW, when I say 'Ubuntu', I mean all the varieties it comes in: Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.

I would still recommend upgrading the memory a bit (512 MB minimum, >= 1GB is even better) if you want to enjoy a full featured desktop, such as Gnome or KDE. Otherwise, Xubuntu with its lighter desktop would be the preferred choice.

The blog: foobar on computers, software and the rest of the world: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/foobar

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snowman

30 posts

Geek

#184756 17-Dec-2008 13:34

thanks guys, probly will get xubuntu and maybe the ubuntu for lappy (which is higher spec'd) too. Ill definately have to keep windows though, one of the main programs that I use is not availabe on linux

FredDag

206 posts

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#184757 17-Dec-2008 13:37

what is the progam?

Fred

kobiak

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#184760 17-Dec-2008 13:44

why ubuntu only? have a look at opensuse - personal favorite (but I run ubuntu,don't know why), mandriva. all of these are the most user friendly distros.

when I switch to linux... had no trouble at all, a part from finding simple IM client... I have pedgin and others, which are too way heavy :D

helping others at evgenyk.nz

snowman

30 posts

Geek

#184761 17-Dec-2008 14:00

fred, the program is hog3pc. It is the software version of one of the most popular lighting consoles OS. I have already asked on their discussion forums if there is a linux version, but sadly no.

the company http://www.highend.com/
the program http://www.flyingpig.com/support/Hog3PCSoftwareDownloads.shtml

snowman

30 posts

Geek

#184765 17-Dec-2008 14:14

just off to the side for a moment, what would be the best version for a very configurable and good looking GUI?

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Blaze

11 posts

Geek

#184774 17-Dec-2008 14:26

Ubuntu is very good for customizing your GUI.

Take a look at http://www.gnome-look.org/ for themes and icon sets

Also look into compiz fusion which is basically the Linux alternative to Vista Aero

FredDag

206 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#184832 17-Dec-2008 17:51

snowman

perhaps it runs under wine? http://www.winehq.org/

F

snowman

30 posts

Geek

#184979 18-Dec-2008 15:02

ill try it when lappy get back from repairs......the desktop is not exactly a record breaker when it comes to speed........here we go with another problem, by the time I decided to install xubuntu, my dad had only just got ubuntu from work (he doesn't want to download it at home because of the size). I gave it a go and found to my annoyance that my computer will not boot from a cd. Not to be deterred I used its WUBI to install it and as Foobar predicted....its not nearly enough. im gonna put xununtu on it tonight, but is there an easy way to uninstall ubuntu?

thanks again.
by the way...LOVING UBUNTU!

wongtop

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#184986 18-Dec-2008 15:28

I think you can just uninstall it using add/remove programs from within windows

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