Distro Recommendation

GarnetCompy · 04-25-2007, 06:05 PM

Okay, after experiencing XP's inherant ability to stop working when you need it most, I've decided to create a small logical drive, and install a linux distro which I would use to do my important work instead of XP.

Now, this leads to the question-what linux distro to use? I don't need something humongous, just something that is stable and can run open office, and will also support an HP 2110xi Printer.

My rig is running an X800xl and an A64X2 and 1GB RAM if it makes any difference.

I want to make sure I don't have to pull another all-nighter trying to get XP running again so I can do work that is important.

Thanks in advance!

justo · 04-25-2007, 06:41 PM

Some folks get upset when I try to offer simple solutions for those who want to switch. There are others here who offer other advice so pick what suits you. I look for easy things. Why make things more difficult? Unless you like a challenge. Here are live disk to try.If it works live it will work loaded too. PC Linux 2007 TR3 . That is a good one that works on many computers. Easy to load and understand too. 680 mybtes fits a CD. Mint Bianca (gnome) another easy one. Mint bianca KDE.Takes a DVD burner to make (burn ISO ) and DVD player to load. Mepis 6.5 .All those look good too. All can run live to test to see if it works on your harware.The two Bianca loads shut my Netgear MA 311 wireless card down if I hit the update icon so I don't.It may not on your card though.I think it is a kernel change that comes from Ubuntu that KOs my card.I get programs from the package manager so no problem there.Be very careful if you load beside your Windows load.PC Linux is easy for that because it ask if you want t use free space on the Windows partition.Say yes then a slider is there to slide left to get enough space.It reads out as you get the space.I take 8 gigs. OK.Listen to the experts who come by here too. They drift in and out.

**TheMatt** · 04-25-2007, 06:48 PM

Hi,

This is one of my favorite distro choosers. I suggest you take this test.
http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php

alohanema · 04-25-2007, 09:15 PM

Try Ubuntu, the GUI is so cool, friendly, easy to use. You can handle everything without typing command in terrible terminal. Have a look at Ubuntu screenshot: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/...el/Ubuntu%20CE
http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/.../Ubuntu%206.10

**Bartender** · 04-26-2007, 06:22 AM

Garnet, are you sure that the flakiness you're experiencing is XP's fault? The problem's not a bad stick of RAM or a failing power supply or a bad capacitor on the motherboard?
My experience in these matters is limited, but I get the impression that Linux is less tolerant of underlying hardware problems than Windows. I know that sounds backwards, but that's my impression.

alohanema · 04-26-2007, 07:18 AM

All of hardware from famous company have driver for linux. If you wanna your Linux distro detect all the hardware, please follow these tips:
1. Choose a famous distro such as Ubuntu or Fedora Core or openSUSE, they've got a large community of users so you can get more driver for these distros than other ones.
2. Choose device from famous company, so they supply driver for window and linux. Small company cant afford programing drivers for linux.

About the graphic, I thinks Linux just takes you time to get acquainted with them, it doesn't mean it is difficult to learn, view some famous distros:
Fedora core: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/...207%20test%203
Ubuntu: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/.../Ubuntu%207.04
openSUSE: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/...penSUSE%2010.2

GarnetCompy · 04-26-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartender

Garnet, are you sure that the flakiness you're experiencing is XP's fault? The problem's not a bad stick of RAM or a failing power supply or a bad capacitor on the motherboard?
My experience in these matters is limited, but I get the impression that Linux is less tolerant of underlying hardware problems than Windows. I know that sounds backwards, but that's my impression.

Yeah, I spent hours checking my RAM, cables, ran memtest for 8 hrs... so on, so forth. I think its really that an old hard drive that is dying, but every time I check it w/ diagnostics, etc, it checks out.

Plus, its an excuse to get into Linux.

I took that test and it recommended Kubuntu. now, I know this just means that it runs KDE instead of GNOME, but what difference is there otherwise?

**Bartender** · 04-27-2007, 06:48 AM

Well, the kernel's the same. The GUI bolted on top of the kernel is KDE in Kubuntu and GNOME in Ubuntu, as you already know.
Although I'm a little miffed with the whole 'buntu clan because they've had a year to fix some dial-up problems and haven't bothered to do so, one of the neat things about the group is (if you have broadband) you can start with either one, download the desktop package for the other one, and swap back and forth by using the "Sessions" function.

There are some GNOME applications that run only in GNOME, and same for KDE, but this shouldn't be a big deal. OpenOffice, GIMP, Firefox, Thunderbird, etc. run on either.

Seems like everything in KDE is "K"this and "K"that, which seems kinda silly, but that's just me. At first I interpreted KDE's "more like Windows" reputation as a strike against it, but I'm not so sure any more. I like the way the Mint folks tweaked access to functions in the new Mint Bianca KDE DVD version. When you click on the access button in the lower left, a big menu comes up and you can go where you want from there. Other KDE versions have two or three separate icons in the lower left, with functions that sound so similar that it's somewhat disorienting at first.

**TheMatt** · 04-27-2007, 05:53 PM

Kubuntu is a nice distro. I like KDE because it is much more "tweakable" than GNOME. And yes, almost all the programs begin with "K" (Konqueror, KMail, KMPlayer, KSysGuard, KolorPaint, etc.). I kind of like it for some reason. You can use pretty much all the KDE programs except KOffice, which should be replaced with OpenOffice since that has more compatibility with MS Offcie.

**K-B** · 04-27-2007, 06:15 PM

My two cents: Get PCLinuxOS. The 2007 Final version should be out within a week. It's amazing. One, thing, I wouldn't recommend installing the test releases like someone mentioned, although they're very stable, you'll soon have to re-install once the final comes out. Test releases are for testing, if you're not planning on testing and possible experiencing bugs, don't install a test release.

**Bartender** · 04-28-2007, 05:17 AM

TheMatt -
Thanks for verifying that for me. I was looking at Mint KDE and trying to figure out if KOffice was OpenOffice with a different name or what. I couldn't imagine there was another entire office suite floating around so kinda thought it was OpenOffice under the "K".

**TheMatt** · 04-28-2007, 12:25 PM

No, KOffice doesn't support MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats, while OpenOffice does. That's why I don't use KOffice. OpenOffice is the only GTK+ app I use in Kubuntu.

justo · 04-28-2007, 02:09 PM

>>> alohanema
Registered User

Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
OS: XP
I'm sure we all read your post up there.Glad you came.Come back by again.Where are you from?

**Bartender** · 04-28-2007, 02:43 PM

Garnet -
Went back to your first post and noted that you're running an ATI card. ATI is far behind Nvidia regarding video support in Linux. If you narrow your choices down to Ubuntu or PCLOS or MEPIS or whatever you may want to visit the corresponding forums and do a search on your card. See if there have been problems and/or if a fairly simple resolution is provided.

04-25-2007, 06:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
GarnetCompy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 317 OS: Windows XP Pro / DOS 6.2 / Xandros Triboot My System	Distro Recommendation Okay, after experiencing XP's inherant ability to stop working when you need it most, I've decided to create a small logical drive, and install a linux distro which I would use to do my important work instead of XP. Now, this leads to the question-what linux distro to use? I don't need something humongous, just something that is stable and can run open office, and will also support an HP 2110xi Printer. My rig is running an X800xl and an A64X2 and 1GB RAM if it makes any difference. I want to make sure I don't have to pull another all-nighter trying to get XP running again so I can do work that is important. Thanks in advance! __________________ Go, Speed Racer, Go!! "Celerons are genuine Intels, just they are made of celery." - Ebackus, 12/29/05

04-25-2007, 06:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
justo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: TEXAS Posts: 203 OS: VISTA/XP/WIN2K/PC LINUX/MCN LINUX THERMALTAKE XASER2.Several home mades.	Re: Distro Recommendation Some folks get upset when I try to offer simple solutions for those who want to switch. There are others here who offer other advice so pick what suits you. I look for easy things. Why make things more difficult? Unless you like a challenge. Here are live disk to try.If it works live it will work loaded too. PC Linux 2007 TR3 . That is a good one that works on many computers. Easy to load and understand too. 680 mybtes fits a CD. Mint Bianca (gnome) another easy one. Mint bianca KDE.Takes a DVD burner to make (burn ISO ) and DVD player to load. Mepis 6.5 .All those look good too. All can run live to test to see if it works on your harware.The two Bianca loads shut my Netgear MA 311 wireless card down if I hit the update icon so I don't.It may not on your card though.I think it is a kernel change that comes from Ubuntu that KOs my card.I get programs from the package manager so no problem there.Be very careful if you load beside your Windows load.PC Linux is easy for that because it ask if you want t use free space on the Windows partition.Say yes then a slider is there to slide left to get enough space.It reads out as you get the space.I take 8 gigs. OK.Listen to the experts who come by here too. They drift in and out. Last edited by justo; 04-25-2007 at 06:44 PM.

04-25-2007, 06:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Distro Recommendation Hi, This is one of my favorite distro choosers. I suggest you take this test. http://www.zegeniestudios.net/ldc/index.php __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

04-26-2007, 06:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
Bartender Mentally divergent Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA, USA Posts: 1,285 OS: W2K, Ubuntu 8.04	Re: Distro Recommendation Garnet, are you sure that the flakiness you're experiencing is XP's fault? The problem's not a bad stick of RAM or a failing power supply or a bad capacitor on the motherboard? My experience in these matters is limited, but I get the impression that Linux is less tolerant of underlying hardware problems than Windows. I know that sounds backwards, but that's my impression.

04-27-2007, 06:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bartender Mentally divergent Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA, USA Posts: 1,285 OS: W2K, Ubuntu 8.04	Re: Distro Recommendation Well, the kernel's the same. The GUI bolted on top of the kernel is KDE in Kubuntu and GNOME in Ubuntu, as you already know. Although I'm a little miffed with the whole 'buntu clan because they've had a year to fix some dial-up problems and haven't bothered to do so, one of the neat things about the group is (if you have broadband) you can start with either one, download the desktop package for the other one, and swap back and forth by using the "Sessions" function. There are some GNOME applications that run only in GNOME, and same for KDE, but this shouldn't be a big deal. OpenOffice, GIMP, Firefox, Thunderbird, etc. run on either. Seems like everything in KDE is "K"this and "K"that, which seems kinda silly, but that's just me. At first I interpreted KDE's "more like Windows" reputation as a strike against it, but I'm not so sure any more. I like the way the Mint folks tweaked access to functions in the new Mint Bianca KDE DVD version. When you click on the access button in the lower left, a big menu comes up and you can go where you want from there. Other KDE versions have two or three separate icons in the lower left, with functions that sound so similar that it's somewhat disorienting at first.

04-25-2007, 09:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
alohanema Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Distro Recommendation Try Ubuntu, the GUI is so cool, friendly, easy to use. You can handle everything without typing command in terrible terminal. Have a look at Ubuntu screenshot: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/...el/Ubuntu%20CE http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/.../Ubuntu%206.10

04-26-2007, 07:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
alohanema Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Distro Recommendation All of hardware from famous company have driver for linux. If you wanna your Linux distro detect all the hardware, please follow these tips: 1. Choose a famous distro such as Ubuntu or Fedora Core or openSUSE, they've got a large community of users so you can get more driver for these distros than other ones. 2. Choose device from famous company, so they supply driver for window and linux. Small company cant afford programing drivers for linux. About the graphic, I thinks Linux just takes you time to get acquainted with them, it doesn't mean it is difficult to learn, view some famous distros: Fedora core: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/...207%20test%203 Ubuntu: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/.../Ubuntu%207.04 openSUSE: http://linuxscreenshot.blogspot.com/...penSUSE%2010.2 Last edited by alohanema; 04-26-2007 at 07:27 AM.

04-27-2007, 05:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Distro Recommendation Kubuntu is a nice distro. I like KDE because it is much more "tweakable" than GNOME. And yes, almost all the programs begin with "K" (Konqueror, KMail, KMPlayer, KSysGuard, KolorPaint, etc.). I kind of like it for some reason. You can use pretty much all the KDE programs except KOffice, which should be replaced with OpenOffice since that has more compatibility with MS Offcie. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

04-27-2007, 06:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
K-B Moderator, Linux Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NY Posts: 2,876 OS: Vista, Ubuntu My System	Re: Distro Recommendation My two cents: Get PCLinuxOS. The 2007 Final version should be out within a week. It's amazing. One, thing, I wouldn't recommend installing the test releases like someone mentioned, although they're very stable, you'll soon have to re-install once the final comes out. Test releases are for testing, if you're not planning on testing and possible experiencing bugs, don't install a test release. __________________

04-28-2007, 05:17 AM	#11 (permalink)
Bartender Mentally divergent Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA, USA Posts: 1,285 OS: W2K, Ubuntu 8.04	Re: Distro Recommendation TheMatt - Thanks for verifying that for me. I was looking at Mint KDE and trying to figure out if KOffice was OpenOffice with a different name or what. I couldn't imagine there was another entire office suite floating around so kinda thought it was OpenOffice under the "K".

04-28-2007, 12:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Distro Recommendation No, KOffice doesn't support MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats, while OpenOffice does. That's why I don't use KOffice. OpenOffice is the only GTK+ app I use in Kubuntu. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

04-28-2007, 02:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
justo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: TEXAS Posts: 203 OS: VISTA/XP/WIN2K/PC LINUX/MCN LINUX THERMALTAKE XASER2.Several home mades.	Re: Distro Recommendation >>> alohanema Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4 OS: XP I'm sure we all read your post up there.Glad you came.Come back by again.Where are you from?

04-28-2007, 02:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
Bartender Mentally divergent Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chehalis, WA, USA Posts: 1,285 OS: W2K, Ubuntu 8.04	Re: Distro Recommendation Garnet - Went back to your first post and noted that you're running an ATI card. ATI is far behind Nvidia regarding video support in Linux. If you narrow your choices down to Ubuntu or PCLOS or MEPIS or whatever you may want to visit the corresponding forums and do a search on your card. See if there have been problems and/or if a fairly simple resolution is provided.