What is the easiest distribution for a Windows user right now?

theseph · 12-18-2008, 05:16 PM

I would go with ubuntu I didnt even know what "linux" was until my buddy gave me an install disc for gutsy gibbon 7.10 I love it I had no problems using it as a browser, or downloading music/transferring music great distro with very little problems this is my opinion

skuzye · 12-18-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdox

for example, i've had some problems with some keyboard shortcuts in KDE4.1 (Mandriva 2009), or with problems saving my sessions (only 'empty session' and 'last session' work) also many nice things konqueror (and the hole KDE3.5) had and now does not, but a new user won't miss them, will they if they come from IE?

I think KDE4 is really great, it just need some time to get 3.5-functional.
did i satisfy your curiosity?

Oh, of course. I can't wait until I can get my hands on it. I'm only waiting for the 4.2 version to come out because I think most of the major issues will be fixed.

Although I really think it's a great piece of software and it's still KDE. Some time ago I spent some time looking at their discussions and there's great ideas in there.

Just answering something I saw up there. Slackware wouldn't be difficult to her if she only uses the computer, I mean, if you usually do the administration of her computer, using it is really easy. Although, I'd stick with kubuntu or ubuntu, specially because they have apt-get: if you can't get your hands of can't remotely connect to her's computer you can guide her by phone to type a few commands and that's it, program installed. If you came from windows any possible flaw that having such a package management that solves dependencies wouldn't make any difference.

Skuzye

portamenteff · 12-18-2008, 11:43 PM

I believe Linux Mint would be easy because it has GUI clients for installing and using proprietary graphics drivers, multimedia codecs, and a Wine utility called "Wine Doors" which makes using Windows apps in Gnu-linux easy. It's not as configurable as say a 4 year user like me would want, but when I'm introducing people to this I set them up with Mint.

CQ1ST · 12-19-2008, 04:26 AM

Ubuntu, with the speed of the online community/help docs you'd have it working (webcams, ipods etc) in no time
and I'd probably make it look/act like a mac (the simplest with that dock across the bottom imo)
http://www.howtoforge.com/mac4lin_ma...ook_like_a_mac
http://www.taimila.com/?q=node/11
they can just point and click bro, thats what a noob wants > Ubuntu's stable, uses apt, and updates fine too
>>or at least gnome-look.org it, ditch that orange... haha

hucphin · 12-19-2008, 09:20 PM

Hello everyone, and wow was I overwhelmed by all of the excellent suggestions! Thank you for your opinions, I truly do value them.

Based on popular vote, which may or may not be the best, I am going to install Ubuntu 8.10 on the family's computer. It sounds like those who have tried it have been impressed. Also, a couple of anecdotes spoke of starting with Ubuntu, and it was a breeze for them, so it sounds like an excellent distribution for me to use for the family.

This is why I love the Linux community.
Once again, thanks for everyone's thoughts.

~hucphin