Non Windows OS

F_disk 2008-12-31 12:05:57 UTC #1

Not sure if this is were I ask ... sorry if not...

I'm looking for a easy to use non windows OS....
Preferably free....thank you...
I played with Xandros a long time ago and have
the itch to try linux based OS again....
Any suggestions for a newb at this.

coolcolors 2008-12-31 14:32:04 UTC #2

Your left with only Linux O/S based. Unless you purchase Apple or M$ O/S. Unbuntu is one of the more popular Unix O/S but there are others. If you plan to run Win programs there is the unix wine progam that is used to run m$ applications to run on unix system.

geno888 2008-12-31 14:37:44 UTC #3

There is a nice description of the main Linux distributions at Distrowatch

Whappo 2008-12-31 14:50:55 UTC #4

Some computer specs would be helpful, Cpu, ram, hard drive, cd/dvd drives, printer, internet connection (wired/wireless), etc. Also what do you mainly intend to use your pc for. There so many different linux distros, one might suit your needs better than another.

slayerking 2008-12-31 16:13:35 UTC #5

Being new I would say OpenSuse, Mandriva or Ubuntu. Out of the 3 I would recommend them in the order I typed them.

weedougie 2009-01-01 02:47:16 UTC #6

Pclinux is also quite good. The download can be burnt to a cd and run from there, before you install it on your drive. Sort of a try before you commit yourself to it.
I have tried it and was impressed with the fact that it found and installed all 4 of my printers as well as the scanner and my broad band modem.
It has firefox and open office on the disc so you would be up and running straight away.

F_disk 2009-01-01 04:27:45 UTC #7

Thank you for your suggestions everyone.

I will take a look at the ones you suggested.

I’ll be running it on a older pc.
Athlon 2400 /1028 mem / plextor dvd cd drive no printer
and wireless connection.

Just looking for an alternative to windows and I am not
really ready to run out and by a Mac although they are
pretty impressive.

thanks again.

F_disk 2009-01-03 15:10:52 UTC #8

Hi again…

Actually, I couldn’t decide so I have installed Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS.
(on different computers and harddrives)

Both were easy to install…
Ubuntu 8.10 gave me the most problem when I burned the iso.
Could have been an issue with the media after I downloaded it
or the md5. but after trying 2 different sites the second dl burned fine.

Have been playing with Ubuntu and for me not knowing anything
about Linux, Debian and the like. I have found this to be pretty
user friendly. Had to laugh though…there were 208 updates I
needed to down load…hahaha…visions of windows?
Best part was a couple of clicks and they all downloaded fine and
installed with no problem.

Although I have read you really don’t need a firewall or av I installed
ClamAV and Firestarter just for grins and to play with.

I could ramble on more because this is a pretty exciting adventure
but, i’ll save it for later…

I must say though…I really like the clean look of both OS’s.
You don’t have the screen full of iconic shortcuts.
Just a nice dropdown menu for everything…sweet !