best linux disto for a idiot

[reesk92]

one of my family members has once again borked ther wndows install and now its time for them to go to linux

whats the most bomb proof linux distro available

i want something similar to the eeepcs xandros os
or at least something that will let them run programs and nothing else

[NickCat11]

I recently just started using linux. I started with Ubuntu and find that fairly easy to use. I also put it on my wife's laptop and she has no problems with it. She actually prefers it to Windows.

[dhrandy]

Linux Mint.

Link (http://www.linuxmint.com/)

"20 character limit"

[iisjman07]

For newbs it has to be 'gOS', it has a lovely mac style interface and is based on ubuntu (which is also easy to use). I'm thinking of introducing it to my mum...
http://www.thinkgos.com/gos/overview_banner.jpg

That image is straight out the box

[Kenhelms]

why not just use microsoft steadystate?

[reesk92]

why not just use microsoft steadystate?

well i had thought of that but the amount of customisation i need snt worth it and hey i love open sorce and steady state done solve the virus issue

[gunslinger]

I like regular Ubuntu 9.04. It takes a little while to set up but once done it seems pretty solid. You could also change the UI around a little bit to look more like Windows if that would be better.

[ithinkyou5.0]

just ubuntu as it is would be pretty ideal.. its great for people new to linux or if your scared of terminal

[Larry Sabo]

Another option is a PCI hardware restore card, which resets the system to its default condition each reboot, but can still let you save data in a separate partition. Have never tried one myself, so can't attest to how effective they are or what they cost. I read they are popular with public kiosks and schools.

[ditto1958]

I've tried a few distros and the one I have found easiest to use (as in just install it and everything works) is Mint.

My sound worked, wireless internet worked, YouTube videos played. The only thing I was not able to get to work is my Palm phone- if I could get Mint, or any Linux distro to work with my Palm organizer, so that I can sync my phone calendar to my computer, I'd be using Linux at work every day.

Still, so far Mint has been the best I've tried.

[gunslinger]

I have just started using a build of Ubuntu called MoonOS. It has all the regular stuff that Ubuntu has but with lots of bling and eye candy for those who like that sort of thing. Here is a screen shot.

http://i38.tinypic.com/33e08wj.jpg

[NickCat11]

Gunslinger I see you're using VMware. Do you prefer this over VirtualBox? I see a lot of comparisons on the net, just curious on your thoughts.

[iptech]

Have a look at DistroWatch (http://distrowatch.com/) they keep an up-to-date list on all the latest Linix distros and for what purpose they are each best suited. It's a couple of years since I had a dabble with Linux, but the Ubuntu came in several different flavours and seemed well supported for the new user.

[gunslinger]

Gunslinger I see you're using VMware. Do you prefer this over VirtualBox? I see a lot of comparisons on the net, just curious on your thoughts.

I have tried VirtualBox and honestly I was not impressed with it. It seems to be lacking some features and just not be as fast as VMware. But then again, it is free. It could very well be that I'm just spoiled on VMware. I think both are better alternatives to the built in virtual machine in Windows 7.

[jaharris72]

There is Super Ubuntu 9.04 http://hacktolive.org/wiki/Super_OS

[NickCat11]

I have tried VirtualBox and honestly I was not impressed with it. It seems to be lacking some features and just not be as fast as VMware. But then again, it is free. It could very well be that I'm just spoiled on VMware. I think both are better alternatives to the built in virtual machine in Windows 7.

Good to know, thanks.

[gunslinger]

There is Super Ubuntu 9.04 http://hacktolive.org/wiki/Super_OS

Just downloaded Super Ubuntu and will be trying it out soon.

[andrewrost3241981]

Although I prefer Debian over other Linux distros, I think that Ubuntu is probably the easiest to understand. However, if this family member of yours is only using Linux to surf the Internet, send email, and use open office, and if you set it up for them, I think almost any distro would be fine as long as this person was never required to use the command line or anything like that.

[ToddR]

I've been using fedora for several years, and it's always worked well for me.

[JosephLeo]

Ubuntu is for techies who want to get into linux.

Linux Mint is for the person who's been using computers for their whole life, but not exactly smart enough to do the stuff we do.

gOS is for the complete computer illiterate and should always be used by them. Although, gOS is a Mac wannabe in my opinion.

[Tweak]

I'm going to have to say the easiest would probably be gOS as well, but the alternative I'd look at is as suggested above with SteadyState but I think this is a nice alt to it...

http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/rvs-home-lux

"It clones (copies) your operating system and creates a virtual environment for your PC. Instead of loading the native operating system, a clone is loaded that allows you to run your applications and perform your online activities in an entirely isolated environment."

Free offer and you can password it if required, but they stay with what they know in Windows and nothing gets "messed up". :cool:

[mekon]

http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/rvs-home-lux

"It clones (copies) your operating system and creates a virtual environment for your PC. Instead of loading the native operating system, a clone is loaded that allows you to run your applications and perform your online activities in an entirely isolated environment."

Free offer and you can password it if required, but they stay with what they know in Windows and nothing gets "messed up". :cool:

That's pretty neat, thanks for the link. I can think of a couple of people who that will suit down to the ground. For the record I use Suse Pro which I find virtually bulletproof.

[Tweak]

That's pretty neat, thanks for the link. I can think of a couple of people who that will suit down to the ground. For the record I use Suse Pro which I find virtually bulletproof.

No prob, and I like Suse as it is made easy to use due to Yast. :cool:

[coolnezz]

I use Linux Mint 7. I find it faster than Ubuntu. Been using it for 2+ years, and comes pre-installed with codecs to play videos like Youtube, etc.
I've tried several Distros, but settled for Mint. Easy to use, stable, fast.

[coolnezz]

Ubuntu is for techies who want to get into linux.

Linux Mint is for the person who's been using computers for their whole life, but not exactly smart enough to do the stuff we do.

gOS is for the complete computer illiterate and should always be used by them. Although, gOS is a Mac wannabe in my opinion.


Linux Mint & Ubuntu is from the same platform "Debian"
same CLI, same commands.

[DanB]

I think JoesephLeo got it right for what you asked.

G os is simple with big icons and is designed for "cloud computing" and yet is pre loaded with wine.

Mint is great since it has all the restricted drivers installed at the beginning. However mint hides the virtual windows and if you get the cursor to close to the edge you jump to a virtual screen with now idea where your desktop went. I would change to one screen for the person moving from windows to avoid this. Mint has the feel of win xp

I have personally switched customers to Ubuntu using a script to change the look and feel to a xp theme. This works great for users who just want to surf, write a letter and read their mail. Things are so improved that most linux distributions find the network printer or the windows share and anything serious requires root to ok it.

[JosephLeo]

Linux Mint & Ubuntu is from the same platform "Debian"
same CLI, same commands.

Actually. gOS and Mint are based off of Ubuntu which runs on the Debian platform. The point is that they operate completely different from each other.

[PcTek9]

If you are looking at something like reternil, another alternative to completely restore the system to it's previous state is a pci card by restar.com. The site is in an asian language. But they are selling the cards on ebay for $4.95. I heard the rumor the initial idea for this technology was a request by israeli mossad for a device to return a system to it's pristine state. I have no idea why such a request would be shopped out to hongkong. I am only telling you the rumor I heard. Anyway. A similiar product would be this device sold on ebay right now for $4.95 and it's item no. 250459875109.
*** I am on MINT right now. ( I love Linux Mint ) Everything just works. I have never seen Gos before, thank you for teaching me about Gos, I will research it further, b/c I know a lot of people that could use soemthing like that if it is well written and designed. ;)

[JosephLeo]

If you are looking at something like reternil, another alternative to completely restore the system to it's previous state is a pci card by restar.com. The site is in an asian language. But they are selling the cards on ebay for $4.95. I heard the rumor the initial idea for this technology was a request by israeli mossad for a device to return a system to it's pristine state. I have no idea why such a request would be shopped out to hongkong. I am only telling you the rumor I heard. Anyway. A similiar product would be this device sold on ebay right now for $4.95 and it's item no. 250459875109.
*** I am on MINT right now. ( I love Linux Mint ) Everything just works. I have never seen Gos before, thank you for teaching me about Gos, I will research it further, b/c I know a lot of people that could use soemthing like that if it is well written and designed. ;)

Why does that look like spam? I'm just curious is all...

Anyway, Hi fellow Mint user :) (Although I use a couple linux distros)