PDA

View Full Version : An introduction to LINUX



Collider
05-06-2012, 02:17 PM
Thought i would post this as some people have misconceptions that linux is like running a server or something lol

There are some many linux distros(operating systems) that it can be a daunting task picking one let alone switching.

The main ones i will post are MINT,UBUNTU

MINT

Linux Mint is an Ubuntu-based distribution whose goal is to provide a more complete out-of-the-box experience by including browser plugins, media codecs, support for DVD playback, Java and other components. It also adds a custom desktop and menus, several unique configuration tools, and a web-based package installation interface. Linux Mint is compatible with Ubuntu software repositories.

http://linuxmint.com/

Probably one of the more user friendly ones and the GUI is very similar to windows with its desktop and ability to be able to run torrents from the offset.

UBUNTU

Ubuntu is a complete desktop Linux operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. The Ubuntu community is built on the ideas enshrined in the Ubuntu Manifesto: that software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language and despite any disabilities, and that people should have the freedom to customise and alter their software in whatever way they see fit. "Ubuntu" is an ancient African word, meaning "humanity to others". The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the software world.

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 1 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. By far the biggest and most well known of the two,has alot of variants like ubuntu studio/lubuntu/xubuntu/kubuntu and edubuntu designed for classrooms and kids.

Can also be installed directly into windows so the frustration of setting up dual boot is minimal.


Full list is here http://distrowatch.com/ and enjoy ;-)

Thomas Leone
06-06-2012, 01:35 AM
I've used both of those, along with their father distribution Debian. The Debian family is easily my favourite.
I have lost interest in Ubuntu lately. I am not a fan of its interface, Unity; I don't hate it as many do but neither am I enamoured with it. My main issue is that it refuses to install proprietary graphics drivers which makes playing certain games difficult. This will not be a problem for many so should not be considered a serious negative. It's still pretty good for everyday use.

I use Linux Mint (Debian Edition) at the moment. I try not to show favouritism but I must admit, I am pleased with it. The interface I use, MATE, in its default layout is quite like older versions of Windows with a menu at the bottom left and notification icons at the bottom right (http://distrowatch.com/images/screenshots/mint-12-mate.png). Naturally, GNU/Linux users can choose and change to whichever interface the want, but for a new user, having such a familiar desktop from the get-go may be favourable.

Other popular operating systems include openSUSE and Fedora, but as I have used neither of these for any extended length of time, I can't really talk about these with any authority. Anyone interested should really check the distrowatch link in the above post, as well as perhaps Wikipedia. You'll likely find better information there.

Collider
06-06-2012, 09:51 AM
I have used most just to see the difference,one with best firewall is fedora and the one that most geeks use is backtrack http://www.backtrack-linux.org/downloads/