Linux recommendations - Dotable

waldo · 7th October 2007, 12:39 PM

Howdy all,

Just purchased a basic PC in order to play about with Linux a little. First up, I'm looking at Ubuntu but not sure whether I should go for that or Kubuntu - any thoughts?

Also, any recommendations for other software? I've been looking primarily at video editing software (to draw a comparison vs Windows + Mac), but would also be interested in hearing any comments on other good software - again, nothing serious, just playing about a bit!

Cheers... Oh, wish me luck!

foobic · 8th October 2007, 10:43 AM

Hi Waldo,

This is always a matter of individual preferences, but personally I wasn't that impressed with (k)ubuntu, despite its huge following. For a desktop specifically I'd now go with OpenSUSE (backed by Novell - very professional distro) or if you're looking to build up experience for server admin one of the RedHat derivatives - Centos or Fedora. I think these will all let you install both Gnome and KDE, which is worth doing so you can test both and because if you only have one, sooner or later you'll come across a program that requires the other!

Welcome to the wonderful world of linux... and yes, good luck!

mylinear · 8th October 2007, 02:51 PM

You could download LiveCD ISO images of different distros and burn to CDs an boot from CD to give it a test run before deciding and installing anything on your PC.

Have a look at SimplyMEPIS, PCOSLinux and some others found at www.distrowatch.com. You can also install Ubuntu and then download and install the KDE desktop on it rather than installing Kubuntu directly.

Have a look at:
http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major

I am not using these, I have only read about them.

waldo · 9th October 2007, 05:36 AM

Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to giving this a go when the PC arrives - not quite made a decision yet, but might try the LiveCD path to get a feel for what I like. Had lots of different opinions expressed from people I know, guess there isn't a "right" option!

Thanks again

7th October 2007, 12:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
waldo Cross Hare Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 476	Linux recommendations Howdy all, Just purchased a basic PC in order to play about with Linux a little. First up, I'm looking at Ubuntu but not sure whether I should go for that or Kubuntu - any thoughts? Also, any recommendations for other software? I've been looking primarily at video editing software (to draw a comparison vs Windows + Mac), but would also be interested in hearing any comments on other good software - again, nothing serious, just playing about a bit! Cheers... Oh, wish me luck!

8th October 2007, 10:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
foobic Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 67	Hi Waldo, This is always a matter of individual preferences, but personally I wasn't that impressed with (k)ubuntu, despite its huge following. For a desktop specifically I'd now go with OpenSUSE (backed by Novell - very professional distro) or if you're looking to build up experience for server admin one of the RedHat derivatives - Centos or Fedora. I think these will all let you install both Gnome and KDE, which is worth doing so you can test both and because if you only have one, sooner or later you'll come across a program that requires the other! Welcome to the wonderful world of linux... and yes, good luck! __________________ Chris :: ClonePanel: Open source backup \| monitoring \| dns failover for resellers.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

8th October 2007, 02:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
mylinear Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 214	You could download LiveCD ISO images of different distros and burn to CDs an boot from CD to give it a test run before deciding and installing anything on your PC. Have a look at SimplyMEPIS, PCOSLinux and some others found at www.distrowatch.com. You can also install Ubuntu and then download and install the KDE desktop on it rather than installing Kubuntu directly. Have a look at: http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major I am not using these, I have only read about them.

9th October 2007, 05:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
waldo Cross Hare Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 476	Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to giving this a go when the PC arrives - not quite made a decision yet, but might try the LiveCD path to get a feel for what I like. Had lots of different opinions expressed from people I know, guess there isn't a "right" option! Thanks again